What age to teach a boy to kill a fish?

[bkidder]

Personally I think that if your kid is showing an interest in fishing you should make it as fun as possible for them. This means targeting fish that can provide quicker action, doing the dirty/hard work for them, and making sure they have a good time. I think if you do this they will later develop a desire to be involved in all aspects of the sport... including cleaning fish. Then the duties can be handed over to them. I believe cleaning a fish should be a choice, and not forced on them. There are great lessons to be taught, but if they get grossed out because you force them ahead of pace, then those lessons will never be taught. They'll choose to stay home instead.

I was one that was forced into it at a young age. This approach taken by my dad was fine with me, but it didn't work on all of his children. I guess every child is different, and letting the kids dictate the pace they move at is best.

Great question! Thanks for getting us thinking about this stuff!
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