As for keeping the head warm, I’ll take hand warmers and stick them between the fold in a stocking cap. With one placed on each side of the head, you’d be amazed at how warm you’ll be.
Feet are one of the most important body parts to keep warm, and the best device I’ve found for this is ThermaCell’s newly designed Heated Insoles. They’re called ProFlex Heated Insoles, and in last month’s column I outlined how they work. I’ve not had good luck with simple foot warmers, as there’s not enough room in my boot for air to circulate and activate them.
Insulated rain gear is a must, and be sure to get quality designs where the seams don’t leak. The same goes for gloves on those rainy days.
As for actual fishing, keep the kids active and engaged. Fishing is not a passive sport, so don’t do the work for them. Give kids a sense of responsibility. Let them bait their own hooks, cast, deal with hangups and everything else that comes with a day on the water.
Take time to teach kids how to fish. Reading water is the most important element of any river fishing and it’s important to relay to kids, how to do this. No matter what the methods being fished, explain to kids why that approach is being used and more importantly, how to fish it. Kids are like sponges, capable of soaking up loads of detailed information.
Teach them the parts of a steelhead hole. Decipher ideal plugging water from classic sidedrifting spots. Point out the differences in running jigs through a stretch of water versus rolling bait. Get them to thinking and solving problems.
Finally, leave all portable gaming systems at home. Nothing can detract from a fun time on the water like having a kid, or adult, playing games. It amazes me how much of this I actually see. Fishing offers the opportunity for great family time, so take advantage of it.
When it comes to hooking youth on winter steelhead fishing, work together, keep it fun and know when to call it a day. As parents and adults who love fishing, it’s up to us to share our passions with our youth in hopes the pastime gets carried on by future generations.
Note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s popular book, 300 Tips To More Salmon & Steelhead, send a check for $30.00 (includes S&H) to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489. This and other how-to books, including cookbooks, can be ordered online at www.scotthaugen.com.