Myself and my borther Kjetil in the Valdres region. Foto: Kari Dahl Eriksen

A top priority in the Fishspot area this year is to facilitate fishing for children and families.

It’s easy to forget where it all started when you are standing there in the river, all dressed up in fishing gear, looking like a bit of a tool. Having worked with fishing for some years now, I often get asked, even by seasoned fishermen, “where can i take my kid fishing?”. Dragging your daughter or son fly fishing, or some other fishing that requires a lifetime of fishing skills, is not the answer if you want them to learn to appreciate the outdoors and fishing.

My own fascination started in small ponds of water, studying all the weird aquatic life in it. I could get lost for hours netting and putting sculpins, smelt and insect larvae into jars. The fishing part of it was initiated by my dad. From the dock of our local lake we pulled up roach with hooks baited with bread crumbs. It was a blast and the seed was sown.

Fishing for children
We caught a lot of fish. And that is the important part. To catch fish. The size or species is irrelevant, well, unless you want the kid to eat it. It is with this in mind we now are developing “Fishing for children”. There are hundreds of lakes overpopulated with trout, perch and roach, and some of these have the right criteria to be facilitated for children. The lakes must first and foremost contain an abundance of fish, they must be safe and easily accessed.  The places will be well marked, have a fireplace and information on fishing tips and species.

Near by accommodation for families will also be categorized as family friendly if they have attributes that apply to children such as farm animals or other activities.

The work will be ready by summer and soon you will find the “fishing for children” in our fishing category list.
In the mean time we would really appreciate your opinion on the matter. What made you start fishing? Tell us on our Facebook page.

By: Anders Dahl Eriksen