Time to teach the Young guns how to fish
Wtih Team Shotgun Marine
Teaching the Young Ones How to Reel in the Fish with Team Shotgun Marine
Fishing is one of those timeless activities that brings families and friends together. It's a way to connect with nature, learn patience, and experience the thrill of reeling in a catch. At Team Shotgun Marine, we’re passionate about teaching young anglers the skills they need to reel in their first fish—and we do it with plenty of fun, encouragement, and hands-on learning.
If you're ready to introduce the younger generation to the excitement of fishing, this blog is all about showing them how to properly reel in the fish and enjoy every moment of the process. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how Team Shotgun Marine teaches young anglers the ropes of reeling in their catch!
The First Step: Understanding the Gear
Before we even think about reeling in a fish, we make sure the young ones are familiar with the gear they’ll be using. At Team Shotgun Marine, we believe that understanding the components of a fishing rod and reel is the first step toward becoming a confident angler. We explain the basics:
- The Rod: We show them how to properly hold the rod, ensuring they have a firm yet relaxed grip that won’t tire their hands.
- The Reel: We walk them through how to operate the reel, including how to cast, engage the drag system, and reel in the line.
- The Line: Understanding the fishing line and how to work with it is key—whether they’re casting out, reeling in, or fighting a fish.
Getting comfortable with the gear gives young anglers the confidence to handle it with ease when it’s time to reel in that fish!
Step 1: Setting the Hook
The first step in reeling in a fish happens even before the reel starts turning—setting the hook. We teach the young ones how to recognize when a fish is on the line. When they feel a bite or a tug, it’s important to give a quick, firm upward motion of the rod to “set” the hook in the fish’s mouth.
Setting the hook properly ensures that the fish is securely hooked, which is crucial for the next steps of the process. We make sure the young anglers understand that it’s not about strength, but rather a swift, controlled motion that can make all the difference.
Step 2: Letting the Fish Run
Once the hook is set, it’s time for the fish to show its power! Kingfish, snapper, and many other species are known for putting up a strong fight, and the younger anglers will quickly realize that fishing isn’t all about reeling in right away—it’s about patience and strategy.
At Team Shotgun Marine, we teach young anglers that it’s important to let the fish run. If the fish takes a strong run and pulls the line, don’t panic! We guide them on how to let the fish pull the line out while keeping tension on the rod, ensuring that the line doesn’t go slack. We also explain how the drag system works on the reel—by adjusting the drag, they can control how much line is released and avoid snapping the line from too much pressure.
Step 3: Gaining Line Back Slowly
Now comes the exciting part—reeling the fish in. We encourage the young anglers to focus on steady, smooth movements as they start reeling in. It’s essential to keep a solid grip on the rod while winding the reel with controlled turns. We emphasize that reeling should be done slowly and steadily, without jerky movements, to prevent the line from snapping.
Here’s how we break it down for them:
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Turn the reel handle: Keep the rod angled slightly downward, and start reeling slowly with smooth, controlled movements. We remind them that they don’t need to rush—it’s all about patience and steady progress.
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Don’t overpower the fish: When reeling, we make sure the young ones don’t overpower the fish. It’s important to let the rod absorb some of the fish’s fight while keeping the pressure consistent.
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Watch for the fish’s movements: As the fish gets closer to the boat or shore, we remind them to stay vigilant and keep the line tight. The fish may try to make one last dash, and they need to be ready to adjust their reeling speed accordingly.
Step 4: Pumping and Reeling
As the fish starts nearing the boat, the young anglers will quickly realize that they can’t just rely on the reel to bring in the catch. Pumping the rod is a technique that’s critical for gaining the upper hand. We explain the “pump and reel” method:
- Pump the rod: We teach them to lift the rod high (without jerking) and then lower it back down, all while reeling in the line at the same time.
- Use the rod’s action: The goal of pumping is to use the rod’s action to help lift the fish, while the reel pulls in the slack. This method is much more efficient than just cranking the reel.
By combining these two techniques—pumping and reeling—the young anglers can gradually bring the fish closer, building their excitement and confidence with every turn of the reel.
Step 5: The Final Pull and Landing the Fish
As the fish nears the boat or shore, it’s time for the final stretch. We guide the young ones on how to carefully guide the fish towards the landing net or how to assist with a quick and smooth grab using their hands (if the fish is small enough and it’s safe to do so). Landing the fish can sometimes be the trickiest part, but it’s all about remaining calm and steady.
We make sure to encourage them to celebrate the catch—this moment is rewarding and marks the culmination of their efforts. Whether it’s a large kingfish or a small snapper, reeling in that first catch is always something to be proud of!
Step 6: Release or Keep?
At Team Shotgun Marine, we teach young anglers the importance of respecting marine life. Whether they choose to keep the fish for dinner or release it, we make sure they understand sustainable practices. If it’s a keeper, we show them the right way to handle and store it. If it’s a catch-and-release situation, we teach them the best methods to safely release the fish back into the water.
By instilling these practices, young anglers learn not just how to reel in a fish but also how to appreciate the environment and the responsibility that comes with fishing.
Making It Fun and Memorable
At the end of the day, fishing is about having fun, creating memories, and fostering a love for the outdoors. At Team Shotgun Marine, we strive to make every fishing trip an exciting and enjoyable experience. Through friendly guidance, encouragement, and plenty of laughs, we help the young anglers discover the thrill of reeling in their catch.
So, if you’re looking to teach your kids or young family members how to reel in a fish and get hooked on the adventure of fishing, join us at Team Shotgun Marine! We’re here to guide, inspire, and share our passion for fishing, one reel at a time!