12 years in the making

[BassAssasin]

is there a secret to increasing the chances that they choose the outdoor lifestyle????

[Shawn Braquet]

Originally Posted by BassAssasin

is there a secret to increasing the chances that they choose the outdoor lifestyle????

Never leave them behind when they want to go has worked good for me. It can be an inconvience at times but worth every penny. I've yet to regret a single trip rather it be fishing, hunting, or dog training. Fine print to this would be that mine is only 5 so there is plenty of time for him to chose a worse path. Hopefully that won't happen.

[Goooh]

Originally Posted by BassAssasin

is there a secret to increasing the chances that they choose the outdoor lifestyle????

Don't go without them, I turn down a lot of trips because my boys can't go!

And gauge their interest and plan around that. My youngest isn't quite old enough to "get it", although he does like to ride in the boat and catch fish (not too big on finding fish though, or waiting out the tide change), so I pick the days that work best for him which aren't always what works best for the fish. Waking a 6 year old up at 430 and putting him into ugly water and cold wind will steer him clear real quick depending on what type of child it is - a fair skinned kid baking in 100 degree weather with no breeze can have the same affect.

My oldest doesn't care anymore, but I think it has to do with not making it miserable and hollering at him to toughen up.

Fishing or hunting with your kids is not about catching fish or killing, it's about making that lifestyle and environment something pleasing in their mind, something relaxing and rewarding.


Sent

[jpeff31787]

Originally Posted by BassAssasin

is there a secret to increasing the chances that they choose the outdoor lifestyle????

just think about why you got into it. For me, my dad ALWAYS brought me and my brother or when my brother was two young it was me and my cousins. I can't remember my first fish or fishing trip, but I also don't remember my dad ever telling me that I couldn't go with him. If I ever have kids, that was my plan. Bring him/her every chance I get, now I just have to hope that one day I'll have a kid of my own to bring.