What my kids have taught me about fishing

I can sometime be my own worst enemy on the water. Between having a laundry-list of photos to shoot and keeping on top of the latest fishing trends, my “fishing” can sometimes feel more like working than a leisurely pastime. Fortunately, I’m falling into this trap less thanks to observations and lesson learned from fishing with my kids. Slow down Team Allard is rarely accused of lollygagging (school mornings a notable exception). Being excited to go fishing is a thrill I hope never gets old for us, but we’ve had our fair share of whoopsies and minor mishaps when enthusiasm got the better of us. From a preparation perspective, checklists are your best friend. In the 2024 Fishing Annual, I shared my “slow is smooth, smooth is fast” mantra to boat launching, which was solidified from ramp experiences with my kids. Taking time to thoroughly fish a spot, is another good practice I’m reminded of by Maeve and Grady. Don’t leave fish to find fish, in other words. It's OK to do other things Despite being able to trigger reaction strikes occasionally, you can’t force fish to bite. What makes tough times even worse is putting added pressure on yourself. Something I’ve seen unfold many times when one of my children notices they’re getting out-fished. They suddenly start rushing casts and retrieves, and things go downhill. On the flip side, the one who’s catching fish appears relaxed and loose. You might even call it a flow state, which many of us have experienced when fishing. You’re in-tune with the lake, accurate casts come easily, boat control and your fishing technique are on point, and the fish are “cooperating.” When my kids are forcing things, I shift the focus from hooking fish to enjoying time on the water. This might involve taking a break from fishing entirely, and going for a boat ride or a swim. The approach has helped all of us get out of an emotional rut. Fish can be close to the boat Clear water, long casts, right? Sure, but there might also be willing biters right under the boat and within reach with a short cast. My kids still love watching a plastic dance on a jig right under the boat, and often get rewarded for their curiosity. Fishing straight-down into weeds lets kids maneuver their bait along edges and into openings where fish lurk. The practice