Teaching kids to fish over Zoom

[Crankin4Bass]

Hope everyone is doing well. 

 

A friend who lives across the country asked if I could help teach his kids to fish over Zoom. He doesn't fish and the kids are 4 and 5 years old. I made a list on Walmart for basic gear for him to buy for his kids to target panfish. I have sent links to lots of great beginner videos. I am totally open to doing the zoom calls, but wondering what I can do over Zoom from inside my den. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Bluegillslayer]

probably could teach knots to the dad who could then teach his kids

[slowworm]

10 hours ago, Bluegillslayer said:

probably could teach knots to the dad who could then teach his kids

This.  I doubt 4 & 5 year olds will be able to follow on on zoom.  They will get bored in about 2 minutes.  It's hard enough at that age doing it in person.

 

Also, if you teach dad, and have dad teach his kids, then dad will have an experience and bond with his kids he wouldn't otherwise have.  When grown, his kids will cherish that experience with dad.

 

Time with kids is short, and you only get one go at it.

 

J.

[Crankin4Bass]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll start with teaching the dad knots and have him teach the kids.

[HenryPF]

Does your phone not work outside the house? You don't have to be on water and neither do they. The power of technology is always under utilized. Ever call someone to figure out a computer issue? Well, how about a video chat on Facetime or similar and just point the phone at the screen. Same thing will apply to you and teaching the kids. Slow motion video up close on when to release the bail or button on a reel when you cast good example.

 

Tying knots to begin? Use giant rope not fishing line, much easier to see. Kids trying casting for the first time in the backyard (no water needed again), have parent point phone at them and take it slow, move rod, 2 o'clock, when to release button, etc. Teaching kids to bait a hook? Start with gummy worms.

 

Keep it short, simple and fun - kids will get bored easily. #1 Rule when taking kids out fishing always overlooked - don't fish yourself. Devote all the time to them.

[WRB]

You do realize 4 and 5 year olds are pre schoolers that haven't reached Kidnergarten age.

Wait a few years.

Tom

[Jaderose]

12 hours ago, WRB said:

You do realize 4 and 5 year olds are pre schoolers that haven't reached Kidnergarten age.

Wait a few years.

Tom

This.  This sounds like a pointless endeavor and frankly, your friend sounds lazy.  He can't figure out how to entertain a 4 and 5 year old?  A monkey could tie a cinch knot and buy a couple of Barbie poles.  It's not like you're gonna teach them the intricacies of bass fishing.

[Kletust]

I have a two 5 year olds and a 7 year old.  Their attention span is about 5 minutes with a cork and line unless they catch something immediately.  I have had the best success with a spinning rod and an underspin spinning reel.  Throw on a booyah pond magic or a beetle spin and let them cast and cast to their hearts content.  Don't plan on a long trip and have another activity planned for when they are done.  Teaching them that young is alot of setup to make sure they are safe and a short time fishing.