A poll recently conducted by the Southwick Associates shows that in spite of other interests, such as computer games and sports, fishing with a son, daughter other child has remained a popular activity for all ages. Up to 60 percent of active anglers responding to the survey reported that they took a child fishing in the last 12 months.
When asked how many children each angler had taken fishing in the past 12 months, 20 percent of the respondents said they had taken a single child, while 21 percent took at least two. Nearly 10 percent of anglers reported taking three children fishing, six percent took four and an impressive 10 percent took five or more kids fishing in the past year. Thirty-four percent of those surveyed said they had not taken any children fishing.
According to the survey, fishing is an activity that many angling families enjoy together as 78 percent of those who reported taking a kid fishing said those children were in some way related to them. Forty-four percent were a son or daughter, 17 percent were a grandchild and 17 percent were a niece, nephew or other relative. Twenty-two percent said the child or children they took fishing were not related to them with five percent of those taking them fishing as part of an organized Scouting, church or similar activity.
Taking a kid fishing is one of lifes more rewarding efforts. Not only is it good for the child and family, it generates a future generation committed to conserving fish and the outdoors, says Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates. We encourage all anglers and the fishing community to get involved in youth fishing efforts and programs such as the RBFFs Take Me Fishing campaign and others.
To participate in the bi-monthly surveys online go to HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and/or AnglerSurvey.com. Every other month, participants who complete the surveys are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.
