Page 15 - Mid America Boating - September/October 2024 issue

Boat Smart

By Capt. Fred Davis Although we may not realize it, our
youngsters share our fears and misgivings
Take a kid fishing! Captain Fred Davis, who dedicated himself during times of uncertainty.
to decades of continously promoting boating
When asked how she felt about today’s
safety, wrote hundreds of boating columns for problems, my granddaughter replied, “I
Mid-America Boating and other publications thought war was only something to read
on the subject that were published during his about in my history classes.” Her brother
lifetime. Captain Fred passed away in 2019, but replied when asked what he thought about
many of his discussions about boating safety the conflicts going on in the world, “It’s
remain timeless. Here is one of his many columns pretty scary.”
pertaining to the universal message about Viewing troubles on big screen TV’s,
outfitting a boat for safety before you launch it computer screens and realistic video games
for another season. can be traumatic for young people. These 15 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
youngsters and adults as well need a break –
uring times of stress, with threats of war a chance to get away from it all. Why not go
Dand terrorism, we often overlook the fishing? If you have never taken a kid fishing,
obvious when it is a part of our lives. you have missed a great adventure.
Some parents and grandparents may react
to such a suggestion with the response, “No
way, my kids won’t sit still that long,” or “they
won’t leave the computer long enough to fish.”
Others will say, “It’s too expensive.”
If you ask the kids, they may surprise you
with a great interest and a “lets go” response.
If you do take a fishing trip with a kid or two,
be prepared to see them out fish you and
don’t be surprised to see them sit perfectly
still waiting for the next bite.
As for fishing being expensive – not so.
For the price of some video games, you can
buy a rod and reel and have enough left over
for a little plastic tackle box. Throw in a few
hooks, sinkers and bobbers, perhaps a Mister
Twister or Rubber Frog (the kids love them)
and you’ve got all you need to get started.
See Take a kid fishing on page 19

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