What is so special about June? Is it the calm mornings, the humid heat, the schools of permit on the flats or the stellar early morning bonefishing? Of course these are all reasons June is a great month to hit the water but there is another reason June is special for us in South Florida. June marks the beginning of summer vacation and kids get their much anticipated time off from school. This is also the time of year when you see families spending much needed time together whether on the water or on vacation elsewhere and to me, that is a beautiful thing. In order to make your time on the water with your kids the best it can be I’ll share the following valuable lessons I am learning as the father of an 8 year old.
Rule #1: They are the boss!
I learned early on that there is a divergent idea between adults and kids on what defines a great day on the water. In order to successfully introduce kids to the sport of fishing they need to have fun at every turn. For us, a long run at sunrise may seem commonplace as we have done it a thousand times but to a child, every breath is an opportunity for exploration and this otherwise quiet run may be filled with questions, comments and overall aww at the sights and sounds. I am convinced that of all the beautiful sights I have ever experienced, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen is the innocence of my daughter. This innocence is what permeates their every thought and action while spending time with you, make it a point to enjoy it and do whatever they want. You may have a great tide to sneak in some bonefishing or hit a favorite creek for snook but if the child wants to go swimming first, go swimming first. The last thing you want is to hear, “I don’t want to go on the boat. It’s boring!” Ouch!
Rule #2: Be patient.
This comes hard to me but my daughter has been teaching me over the years. There have been times I have positioned the boat just right, have a great chum slick going and the back of the boat is loaded with fish yet she wants to play in the live well with its helpless inhabitants or just ride around in the boat. This would be fine if she was playing and I’m fishing but sometimes they want to show you everything they do and invite you to experience it with them. This is one of those moments when we look at the big picture, forget about the fishing and enjoy the bonding.
Rule #3: Be safe.
I read a birthday card recently that had a dog in a cone to prevent it from licking a treated area and it stated “It’s all fun and games until someone ends up in a cone.” I love it! However, the same holds true for us. Make your day on the water with your kids fun but safe. Ensure they wear their life jackets, wear sunglasses to protect from hooks, apply sun block, hydrate, stay away from the propeller if they are in the water and the motor is running and lastly, ensure they sit in the appropriate areas while the boat is underway. So often I see children riding on the bow while the boat is underway. I shudder to think what will happen if they fall off.
Rule #4: Perspective, perspective, perspective.
It’s all about perspective. If we get to our kids eye level and see the world through their eyes I guarantee you’ll be surprised at what you see. Kids are so creative and fun, it reminds us of how we were and how serious we have begun to take life. A day on the water experienced through our kids eyes will prove to be more fun and liberating than we can imagine. No longer are big dolphin or tailing permit a big deal, the sea urchin and the brightly colored star fish suddenly look more interesting than before. I love charters with kids because they remind me that fishing really is supposed to be fun and their giggles and shrieks remind me of what fun is supposed to sound like.
Rule # 5: It’s all about action!
Kids want excitement and action and God has filled Biscayne Bay with pinfish and small mangrove snappers for the express purpose of entertaining kids. A chum block over a grass flat or a near shore channel will produce all the action they can dream of! Use small hooks in the #2 or #3 size and a box of squid and you’ll be the hero for days to come. I have done this very thing and had kids tell me, “Captain Mo you are the best captain ever!” I don’t recall any of you reading this that have booked me before ever tell me that!
Kids are awesome and June is the time to get them out on the water and build on the foundation upon which your family will rest on for generations to come.