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Anclote Key
Posts: 2,354 Officer
"I knew they were going to kill it."
Anclote Key
Posts: 2,354 Officer
This is what my 4 year old boy, Sammie, said to me with a sad face while we were watching an episode of Hooked on TV. It was the episode about a shark fishing tournament in the Bahamas. The boat crew had spent about an hour catching a 1200 lb Tiger Shark, and after the weigh in they showed the shark being cut into pieces which I assume, perhaps incorrectly, were going to be given out and eaten.
He was obviously unhappy about this, and it reflected his attitude lately about fishing altogether. He's recently lost interest in fishing saying that, "It's boring." While I can understand this coming from a 4 year old I suspected that there was more to it.
We've kind of turned it into a joke. I force him to watch fishing show's...and we both laugh. I buy him some fising lures that he dosen't want...and we both laugh. Basically, I'm trying to keep it light, but still gently push him towards fishing expecting he will become more interested as he gets older, and his attention span matures.
After the show was over, and a minute passed I asked him, "Is this why you don't like fishing anymore? Because we kill fish sometimes?" His response was, "Yes, Daddy."
I then asked, "If we stop killing fish, and just let them all swim back to their homes do you think you will like fishing again?" He said, "Yes, Daddy."
I LOVE eating fish. It's one of my favortie meals assuming it's a species that is good table fare. I would, however, be willing to release that 14" Pompano if it keeps the boy coming back on the boat each trip. At least until he realizes that not EVERY fish is Nemo or Dory.
Basically, I'm just wondering if anyone else has been through this with their kids, and what you all did?
He was obviously unhappy about this, and it reflected his attitude lately about fishing altogether. He's recently lost interest in fishing saying that, "It's boring." While I can understand this coming from a 4 year old I suspected that there was more to it.
We've kind of turned it into a joke. I force him to watch fishing show's...and we both laugh. I buy him some fising lures that he dosen't want...and we both laugh. Basically, I'm trying to keep it light, but still gently push him towards fishing expecting he will become more interested as he gets older, and his attention span matures.
After the show was over, and a minute passed I asked him, "Is this why you don't like fishing anymore? Because we kill fish sometimes?" His response was, "Yes, Daddy."
I then asked, "If we stop killing fish, and just let them all swim back to their homes do you think you will like fishing again?" He said, "Yes, Daddy."
I LOVE eating fish. It's one of my favortie meals assuming it's a species that is good table fare. I would, however, be willing to release that 14" Pompano if it keeps the boy coming back on the boat each trip. At least until he realizes that not EVERY fish is Nemo or Dory.
Basically, I'm just wondering if anyone else has been through this with their kids, and what you all did?
The two best times to fish is when it’s rainin’ and when it ain’t. –Patrick F. McManus
Replies
My three have all eaten way more than they have caught. I don't think anyone likes that first kill.
As for the gamefish, my 5 y.o asks if "it's a keeper" when he catches something. He's fine with it either way whether it's let go or not. But boy is he proud when we take one home for dinner.
What we think is exciting, i.e., catching some trophy class fish on artificial, whatever, is totally alien to kids.
Also, consider alternate means of fish-catching. My kids would rather I throw the castnet on a school of mullet, than sit and throw a plug for snook.
I find myself rethinking my priorities when the kids are around.