Family fishing

		BEFORE YOU GO KNOW THE RULES Look online or visit your local sporting goods store for province or territory-specific regulations. PICK YOUR CATCH Know what kind of fish you're after so you can choose your gear accordingly. WHAT'S MY LINE? Beginners can safely stick to a clear monofilament line. Match the "test" of the line to the size of the fish you're after. TACKLE THE TACKLE You'll want to know a thing or two about swivels, sinkers, bobbers, hooks and lures. MUST-HAVES Don't forget the needle-nose pliers, nail-clippers, sharp knife, fishing hat with visor, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent. SHORE YOU CAN! You don't have to be miles from civilization to go fishing. As a rule, much of your your fishing should be done in the 10% of water closest to shore.

Catch some fun with the kids!

Would you like your children to spend more time in the real world instead of the virtual one they access through their computers? Then set an example yourself by getting outdoors -- and taking them with you.

One of the best ways to connect as a family is to enjoy the popular sport of fishing. Whether you're an aficionado of the rod, reel and spinner, or you've never felt the excitement of a tug on a fishing line, you can have a great time with family members of all ages. Fishing is easy to learn and relatively inexpensive, and sets the scene for shared experiences that will create the most precious of all family possessions -- happy memories.

If you're not whistling the theme song to Andy of Mayberry yet, consider some other reasons why it's a good idea to take the kids fishing. For one thing, you have to be near or on water, and that alone is tempting. The sounds of lapping waves, cicadas and tree frogs are a lot more soothing than traffic and sirens.

RELAX

In fact, successful angling requires relaxation, and even young children can take part in the preparations and share in the success.

In addition to escaping the pressures of everyday life for a while, there are hidden educational aspects involved that benefit the kids, such as problem-solving and decision-making. If a line gets tangled or the fish aren't biting in a certain spot, youngsters can help figure out what to do. Have them walk along the shore with you and look for spots such as piles of rocks or the perimeters of weed beds, where fish might hide or find food. Because legally you must be able to identify your catch to keep it, you and the kids will have to learn about the types of fish.

When children become anglers, they connect with the natural world, as well as the people around them. Fishing inspires conversation. It also offers you a great opportunity to set examples of respect for the environment by obeying fishing rules and regulations and avoiding littering. When the kids see you properly release any fish you don't intend to keep and eat the fish you do, you establish precedents that will influence them for life.

But don't underestimate the value of fun and laughter. There's nothing like a few wriggling worms to get kids squealing with delight. In fact, small children love to catch their own bait by digging for worms or finding them in the backyard after a heavy rain.

If your children are small, you may want to break them in by fishing from shore. Kids don't do well sitting still for hours, so short attention spans can be accommodated with space to run around and explore.

Success in fishing covers a broad range of accomplishments. Catching small, pan-sized fish can be exciting and encouraging, and get the kids interested in "bites" over "bytes." For those who are new to the sport, here's some beginning advice: start with basic equipment. In order for fishing to be a family-oriented activity, you need to involve the kids in it right from choosing the gear. Take the kids with you to choose basic tackle. A successful fishing outing is a safe, comfortable one, so remember to pick up sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, life jackets and a first-aid kit.

Computers are great, but low-tech activities interacting with the environment help family members to connect on a personal level. Now is the perfect time for you to catch some fun with the kids!