Catch and Release Shouldn't Apply to Christmas Gifts

RBFF Still fishing around for the perfect Christmas gift? Something that is a one-size-fits-all and that the entire family can enjoy year, after year, after year?

Well, rest assured, there are a lot of people in the same boat, or at least there should be.

Fishing and boating are unmatched leisure activities that offer a true connection with family, friends and the natural environment. And unlike in most team sports -- age, gender, size and physical prowess are not limiting factors to the level of enjoyment.

Fishing and boating offer Americans of all ages the opportunity to step back from their hectic daily lives and get reacquainted. Water in particular seems especially magical in bringing kids and adults together on the level playing field of the great outdoors. It is a neutral setting for both and often it is difficult to really tell who is teaching whom the most about life.

Truth is, today's families need to reconnect. According to the organization Family Life First, children's playtime has declined by 25% over the last 20 years. Over that same period, unstructured outdoor activities have declined by 50%, family dinners have decreased by 33% and family vacations have decreased by 28%.

A 1999 study by the White House Council on Economic Advisers reported that parent/child family time decreased 22% between 1969 and 1996.

But this information should really come as no surprise because today's Americans spend more time working than they used to. In 1976, 33% of married couples worked, now it is 51%. In the book, "The Overworked American," it was estimated the average employed person now works the equivalent of 163 hours more per year, an entire extra month, than they did 20 years ago.

More work time often comes at the expense of quality family time. That is something that even the kids are noticing.

Ellen Galinsky, author of "Ask the Children, What American's Children Really Think about Working Parents," reported, "The biggest wish kids had is that their parents be less stressed during the time they are together." Of the children interviewed, 65% said they worried about their parents' stress levels, either frequently or sometimes.

But priorities could be changing. Ever since the September 11^th terrorist attacks, the news has been full of stories about people reassessing their priorities in life. Most have to do with new commitments being made to spend more quality time with family and friends.

People are now talking of foregoing their standard practices of taking a major vacation every year or two, to doing things together more often and closer to home. Fishing and boating should be put at the top of everyone's list as good, healthy alternatives.

So this Christmas, don't make it the usual video games, computer programs and other stay-inside, couch-potato items for under the tree, give the gift of family togetherness. Fishing and boating items go beyond just getting people outdoors, they create bonds and memories that last a lifetime.

"You just can't put a price tag on the thrill of watching a youngster catch their first fish or drive a boat for the first time," said Bruce Matthews, president of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. "But it really has nothing to do with those individual successes, it's all about the quality time spent together instead. The getting ready, the going, the time on the water, the talking and connecting and the stories told afterwards. If at some point in the process a fish interrupts, then that's a real bonus," he said.

As head of the RBFF, Matthews knows a lot about what boating and fishing can do for the mind and the soul. The organization was founded for the purpose of reintroducing people to the fun of fishing and boating, and to remind everyone about the importance of environmental stewardship.

The program's funding comes not from a commercial sponsor or two, but by way of congressional action using some of the industry's own dollars collected directly into the U.S. Treasury from special taxes assessed to boating and fishing manufacturers and participants.

Some of the RBFF's real handiwork can be seen by visiting www.WaterWorksWonders.org. This is truly a one-stop-site for anyone having an interest in boating and fishing. There's a wealth of information on how to get started in both activities, as well as tens of thousands of listings as to where to go to enjoy them. The site also includes a multitude of other subjects and sources related to boating and fishing.

By visiting the www.WaterWorksWonders.org website for information on how and where to boat and fish in your area, and then using the RBFF's Top 10 gift ideas list that follows, this year's Christmas shopping should be both easy and rewarding for the whole family.

Subscription to fishing and/or boating magazines. There are a number of quality fishing and boating magazines available that bring loads of valuable "how to" information into the home with every issue. Thumb through the various magazines at a grocery store counter or newsstand to determine which title is most appropriate for your recipient's needs. Subscription fees will start at about $15 and go up a few dollars from there.

Fishing license. Fishing license requirements vary from state to state, but are typically required for ages beginning in the teens and for those older. License years also vary, but a January -- December term is often typical. Many states offer Lifetime Fishing Licenses, which can be a great investment for youngsters sure to enjoy the sport. Most fishing tackle stores sell fishing licenses or can tell you where they can be obtained. Fishing license and fishing regulation information for all 50 states can also be found on www.WaterWorksWonders.org under "Fishing".

Boating education course. Sign the whole family up for a boating education course. You can access the Boat U.S. Foundation's searchable listing of boating education courses on www.WaterWorksWonders.org under "Boating". These courses typically cover boat handling, legal requirements, rules and regulations, navigation, safety requirements, terminology, weather and more. Contact your state's department of natural resources for more information or conduct a search on the Internet using the key words "boat safety course," along with the name of your state.

Get a boat. If you are considering a larger, for-the-entire family type of gift this year, consider a boat. Boats come in all sizes, kinds and colors, and in a wide variety of prices. There's sure to be a model available to fit your needs and budget. If you want to play out some possible payment scenarios, use the budget planner found at www.discoverboating.com. Most people are surprised to find out that boats are more affordable than they thought. Simply put, life is better with a boat because every weekend can be a family vacation.

Fishing equipment. Rod and reel, then hooks, line and sinkers are all you need. The selection process doesn't need to be complicated nor the equipment expensive. As a general rule, consider spincast (the kind that has a push-button) or spinning reels (the kind that looks like a single-wire egg beater) and a 5 1/2' or 6' medium action rod. If it's your first, neither buy the least, nor the most, expensive. Usually $50 will buy a good rod, reel and other basic needs. Ask the clerk or a fishing friend, for recommended hook and weight sizes for the type of fishing in the area. These small items and fishing lures make great stocking stuffers. For more information on basic fishing equipment, go to www.WaterWorksWonders.org and click on "Fishing".

Life jackets. Whether considering buying a boat, making frequent lake outings with friends or in anticipation of renting a boat for vacation, a properly fitting life jacket is a great investment. The idea is to wear it, so get a comfortable one with at least three adjustable straps that allow sizing for use over a light jacket or clothing, as well as with a swimsuit. Expect to pay around $25 and up.

Get started fishing package. Go ahead and take the plunge. If fishing is going to be a regular activity for your family in 2002, then invest in a family-fishing package. That is, get everyone a rod and reel of their own. Consider getting the same kind for everyone, but vary sizes according to ages and physical capabilities. Having one "just like mom's and dad's" is often important to young anglers. Then, buy a good, roomy tackle box. Give different tackle items to different family members, explaining on Christmas morning that all will collectively go into the tackle box for everyone to use. In addition to hooks, line and sinkers, other items to include are needle-nose pliers, clippers, flashlight, bobbers, fish stringer, artificial lures and perhaps, a couple containers of the commercially prepared baits for catfish, trout or panfish. Get together as a family and with a calendar to plan a first excursion. Have fun learning to cast in the backyard or driveway in anticipation of the outing.

Guided fishing trip. Whether you are new to an area or new to the sport, spending a day fishing with a guide can be a wise investment. It's like getting your own private fishing lesson, plus it will acquaint you with a particular body of water and the fishing it offers. You also get to check out the guide's boat; as well as see what other boats are popular to the area. If taking a youngster with you, inform the guide you are more interested in catching "fish," than in catching a particular kind of fish. That way he can plan on going after the species that will offer the most action for the day. For example, white bass or catfish are often more predictable and easier to catch than are largemouth bass. If fishing is slow, ask the guide to call you when the fishing picks up, or when you should try calling him again. Guide trips are usually available for 1/2 day or full day outings. Some guides even specialize in taking novice anglers. Don't be embarrassed to ask the guide for references and to contact a few of them.

Create your own "Sports Show" gift certificate. January through March is a great time to visit one of the many sport shows around the country that are full of fishing and boating displays. These are great places to learn about related outdoor products and how to use them, with lots of free seminars usually being held by experts. Sometimes there's even a trout pond where kids can fish for a nominal fee or fishing simulators that offer a realistic encounter with everything from largemouth bass to blue marlin. With a little homework you can find out when and where your local sport show occurs, or visit www.discoverboating.com for a listing of boat shows. Then, make each of the kiddos a "Gift Certificate" of $20 or so to be used specifically during a family outing to that event. Chances are good you'll be surprised at the things your children will find of interest there. It's also a great place to pick up tons of free information about boating and fishing.

Vacation package. Consider a houseboat outing. A houseboat is like a hotel on the water and puts you right where the action is. They offer a nice compromise of modern day luxuries such as hot showers and microwaves, with the mobility of being able to get away from the crowds. It offers the flexibility for fishing, swimming and soaking up the sun and scenery. Take along a smaller boat of your own for fishing and skiing, or rent one from the marina. For houseboat locations and rental information, contact marinas in the area, or use the key words "houseboat rentals" in an Internet search.

Needless to say, these are just a few ideas that might help spur other thoughts as to ways that your family can enjoy a lifetime together in the great outdoors. More can come by taking a stroll through a nearby boat dealer or fishing tackle store.

So this Christmas, shop for boating and fishing gifts that are sure to reconnect family and friends and result in a lifetime of memories. And when the time comes for that first outing, make it a special day for those you are introducing to these activities. Instead of fishing yourself, devote all your attention to helping them learn the basics. Be patient, be supportive and get them involved . . . even let them take a turn at driving the boat as conditions allow.