As we speak I have no children of my own although that might change. Gonna take the easy way out here and suggest a couple of do's + dont's in order to get our young charges into the
culture of this wonderful sport and, ultimately, as cynical, opinionated, pedantic, bitter and twisted ........ as we have become.
- I jest.
The following is based on having seen HUNNERS of guy's over the years trying to get their sprogs to "see the light" with varying degrees of success.
DO -
Let them become interested, or not, in their own time -
don't force the issue. If a genuine interest fails to materialise within a reasonable time span then perhaps the removal of "Bank of Mum and Dad" style funding may speed up the process.
Try to convince them that the clobber we wear is, infact, very
stylish and not to be ridiculed (I am sure some of you know what I am talking about). A friend of mine had this problem recently with his son. To overcome it he simply sewed some NIKE, HELLY HANSEN, REEBOK + BENCH tags / patches to various woolie jergies, donkey jackets, bunnets, wellies and havver sack's with miraculous results and to the benefit of all.
Allow them to choose the contents of their
OWN piece'y box - although we might rate the likes of roll-mops, organic oatcakes, stilton, seedless grapes and a fine bottle of 'swallie' - don't expect them to. Expect Pot Noodles, Crisps, Curly Wurly's and Vimto to be on their 'bill of fair' - if thats what it takes then be prepared to bow to their wishes as a hungry + huffy bairn can have a detrimental effect on the entire day - they can be gradually weened off such guff over subsequent seasons.
Failing this just point them in the direction of the wild rasps and soorex (never did us any harm
) in order to establish a mindset of self sufficiency. OK - you can tell them that a Big Mac Double Cheese is on the cards if they screw the nut and behave.
If need be, attempt to con them into thinking that "there micht be lassies there" if its a son and vice versa if its a gal. Sure ! - you run the risk of a major disappointment when Kylie or Robbie fail to turn up but at least you got them in the motor.
DONT -
Dont try to
impress them with your knowledge as this can often backfire when they then hear the ghillie, or even worse another member of the party, say "that's a pile of sh*te - your old man ken's fek all" .... or words to this effect.
Don't get steamin. Remember you are being trusted with the care and safety of a minor in all probability. At best it might manifest itself as 'faither' doing nothing more harmful than "laughing loudly and out of context", telling crap jokes in a 'weird' voice or losing the car keys. At its nadir it MIGHT have to involve watching, or worse still, hearing pater throw up his ring behind a fishing bothy ..... but hopefully not. Kids tend to remember these sorts of things unfortunately and are a guaranteed put off for life.
Don't try to bribe youngsters with promises of trips to Kola or Patagonia if their interest shows signs of waining - it wont work (only hard dosh will do that). Mention Alton Towers or T In The Park then reintroduce the Kola concept subliminally.
.
Know its not conventional advice but relevant nonetheless IMHO.
I think there is a lot more involved in getting youngsters
inducted into fieldsports other than simply getting them directly on the end of a fish or a c0ck pheasant although, I agree, a tangible result is important.
Had to get up this morning at 5am to drive Mrs Tip to the station and somehow ended up here ..... such is the nature of The Forum.
Regards to all
STip
ps - what other cultural / socio economic tips or advice would YOU give to a novice fisher ..... or parent / guardian come to that ? Try to think outwith the piece'y box