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One of the most humbling activities for a father is his first time fishing with his son or daughter. Fishing provides several opportunities for bonding such as relaxing conversations, sharing emotions, as well as solving problems. While the activity is certainly a memorable one for dad, the effects of the experience provide lifelong lessons for the son or daughter. Fishing with dad teaches about the benefits of preparation, the importance of failure, and the virtues of patience.
Preparation
Fishing requires a substantial amount of preparation. The goal is to have all the required tools and equipment to effectively help catch fish. Preparation can begin several days before the fishing trip. The first component is being prepared for whatever transportation method is used. In most situations, a boat is usually the best option. Smaller boats such as canoes and kayaks are also popular. Having the right necessities on board such as gas, ropes, emergency items, anchors, lifejackets are all vital. This list not only helps fuel the boat but assures a level of safety. The other component is the fishing equipment. Depending on the location, having the correct rod, reels, lines, lures & bait are the most impactful tools that directly help to catch fish. The initial purchase of these different types of equipment can take time to research and understand. Catch and Fillet is a great fishing website that provides helpful fishing tips and also has reviews for the best fishing products.
Preparing for a fishing trip can help show the benefit of preparation for life. If one can prepare for a recreational fishing trip, they can be better suited to plan ahead of time and be ready for any task that comes with life. A major lesson learned during fishing is that a lack of preparation can result in a disappointing outcome or bad misfortune. For example, not having enough gas can shorten the trip, or not having the right rods may impact what fish can be caught. Dad is able to successfully convey the importance of this idea by using the fun anticipation of going on a fishing trip.
Failure
Unfortunately, failure is a common occurrence for an angler. Not every fishing trip will be a success because of the different components that can impact a successful day. In the simplest form, failure can happen when fish are not caught. Other instances would be a fish eating your bait, a hook getting stuck on bottom debris, or even bad weather causing the trip to be cut short. Even professional fishermen frequently experience failure from time to time.
The result of failure during a fishing trip helps to teach that failure can happen often in life. Fishing shows that taking all the correct steps in order to succeed may not always work out. Some factors are out of the fisherman’s control. Life is similar. Dad is able to use fishing as an example of failure and use it as a teaching opportunity to show that learning from failure can yield more desirable results next time. Throughout life, even the most prepared and experienced people experience failure. Accepting that lack of success can be a very essential concept for a son or daughter to understand.
Patience
One of the most important lessons that a dad can teach while fishing with his son or daughter is patience. Fishing requires a lot of patience. It could take several hours to catch a fish. However, this actually creates ample time for a father to have long thoughtful conversations with their son or daughter. Patience is needed several times during a fishing trip such as traveling to a fishing spot as well as waiting for a fish to bite.
Patience is a great quality for a person to have. Patience helps build friendships and relationships by listening and understanding people. As displayed in fishing, patience shows that results aren’t always going to show right away. Sometimes, time is needed to order to see success and learn. Dad is able to use fishing to show this idea because the environment created while fishing is a peaceful setting to understand why patience is required. It may be easier to wait for a fish to bite knowing the thrill they may follow once the fish is caught. Patience is easier for someone to interpret when the reward that follows is straightforward to understand.
Conclusion
A father will cherish their first time fishing with their son or daughter for the rest of their life. But, the real beneficiary of the fishing trip will be for the son or daughter since they will be exposed to lessons of life that fishing provides. Next time dad asks to go fishing, just smile, and say yes.
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This content is brought to you by Charles LaRosa.
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