Involving young people into the sport of competitive angling is a great way to
spend quality time together on the water while teaching important life lessons.
INVOLVING YOUTH IN COMPETITIVE ANGLING
BY JEREMY BOCK
Fishing has always been a significant part of my life. I remember my dad buying me my first rod and reel when I was pretty young and taking me across the street from our home to fish the Rock River in Hustisford, WI. Fishing really wasn’t his thing, but he saw that I had interest and he helped me get started. Over the years, my passion for fishing grew with the help and patience of my friends, cousins, and my brother-in-law. I didn’t start fishing competitively as a walleye angler until I was 36 years old and have been blessed to do it the past 14 years competing in a variety of events including AIM, MWC, NWT, Mercury Marine Nationals and more. Yes, I just aged myself with those numbers. This past summer were some of the most memorable tournaments I have fished as my two sons, Anderson (13) and Griffin (9) competed in their first walleye tournaments with me. As far as I know, there isn’t a book with step-by-step instructions on how to train youth for competitive angling, but here are a few thoughts from my experience.
START IN THE GARAGE
We all know tournament prep starts with tackle prep. My boys have been helping organize tackle, paint jigs, re-spool reels, looking at maps, etc. They asked a lot of questions and I spent the time answering them. They wanted to help, so I found ways to involve them.
ON THE WATER
Nothing replaces on the water training. Taking them with me on pre-tournament practice days was a great way to help them learn what goes into preparing for a tournament. Taking time to explain where we are fishing, tactics we are using, etc. helps build knowledge and interest. Both of them have been fishing on practice days for years.
BE A FAN FIRST
Both of them have been coming to tournaments, watching weigh-ins, listening to announcers, etc. for years. They learned a lot from watching and listening.
SET REASONABLE GOALS
Anderson’s first tournament with me was a 100 boat local one-day tournament that had a family atmosphere. We had one day to practice together and devise a plan together. Despite catching incredible fish on our practice day, our goals were simple: Weigh a limit of five fish, be safe, and have fun! We caught 28 walleye and finished 39th out of 100 boats. Griffin joined us in a 50 boat tournament that allowed three anglers in the boat. Anderson fished with me in the adult division and Griffin in the youth division. Again, our goals were simple; weigh a 5 fish limit, be safe, have fun! Our best 5 walleye counted in each of our respective divisions and despite losing some very nice fish and bringing only four fish to the scales, we finished in 17th place. Griffin said, “This was awesome dad!”, as Anderson smiled at me and inside I felt as if we had won.
INVOLVE THEM IN DECISIONS
What color baits should we use? Should we make another trolling pass or change tactics? Should we switch to trolling crawlers instead of cranks and why? Don’t just have them along for the ride. Take time to explain options, get their ideas, and make a decision together.
REMEMBER WHAT’S IMPORTANT
We all want to win the trophy, but in the end that isn’t the most important thing. The memories you are making with your son or daughter, talking, laughing, celebrating catches and talking about what went wrong are the moments that will last a lifetime. Anderson ended up fishing the 350 boat Battle on Bago tournament with me as my normal partner was recovering from knee surgery. The final day of the tournament was on Father’s Day. With 40 minutes to go we hooked onto our best fish of the two day tournament. It was barely hooked and he did a great job handling the drag and getting it to the net. When we got it in the boat and he saw the quality fish it was he said, “Let’s Go!” and gave me a huge hug. The excitement he had at that moment was something I will never forget, nor will he. It was a special Father’s Day. Fishing tournaments with your son or daughter can be special and memorable too. Remember, spending time together on the water while catching fish will deepen that relationship with your son or daughter. That is the win and will be worth more than any trophy or monetary rewards in a tournament. Give it a try and remember to keep it simple; catch some fish, be safe and have fun!
