My boys like most others love the outdoors. They also love bugs, S'mores and camping under the stars. What better way to combine those favorite things than with a family camping and fishing trip. That is exactly what we did a few weeks ago and precisely what all of you should think about doing this week. Why this week? Because it is National Fishing and Boating week June 4-12 and there is no better time than now to introduce your family to the wonderful world of fishing!

{About National Fishing and Boating Week}

"National Fishing and Boating Week – a national celebration of fishing and boating – is June 4 - 12, 2011. Coinciding with most state's free fishing days, National Fishing and Boating Week occurs each year during the first full week of June.

Take Advantage of FREE FISHING DAYS: Most states offer free fishing days (PDF) during National Fishing and Boating Week."

{Our Fishing Memory}

The boys have been fishing in the past, but not really when they were old enough to do most of the work themselves. When the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and Take Me Fishing sent us a two pack of fishing poles as well as a Flip Ultra camera to record the fun, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to let the kids give it a whirl.

We decided to make it a little more fun and load up the camping gear to turn it into an overnight trip. We arrived at the local primitive fishing camp at around 3:00pm and set up camp. We hurried to get dinner going on the grill when we heard thunder coming, but alas, we ended up getting caught in the rain so we ended up eating in the van lol. Luckily, the rain was short lived and then it was time to fish!




For those of you wondering, poles for children are totally affordable. Even though we were provided with two poles, I had to buy two more for the older boys and they were only $15 each for good quality spin caster kits complete with tackle and tackles boxes. The boys were really grossed out with the idea of putting the worms on the hooks, but got over it soon enough. That is, except for Jase, who made friends with them and named them all. He would tell us which ones we could use and then when it got down to his favorite worm "Squirmy," he had a minor melt down when he was used as bait. It was short lived though, he stopped crying when we let him know there would be more Squirmies next time.




We had an amazing time and spent hours and hours just enjoying the quiet and being together. Just us and nature and no electronics or other distractions. It was really relaxing and though I was afraid they would get bored, they never did. We only caught two teeny fish our whole two day trip, but the boys were satisfied and oh so proud of their catches. Jase begged to eat his, but ultimately agreed to let it go free.

Right now is the perfect time to give fishing a whirl with your family. There are 37 out of 50 states offering free fishing days this week in conjunction with National Fishing and Boating Week and no license is required. Check out the Take Me Fishing site, your one stop destination for all  things fishing related. Remember, every dollar that you spend on bait, tackle, boating and fishing licenses and other fishing or boating related expenses, contributes money to local conservation efforts.
 
{Enter to Win}

"Did you capture some video of your grandchild squealing with glee when they caught their first fish? Or do you have footage of your family basking in the sun having the time of their life on a boating excursion? No need to be a pro camera-person – simply submit any spontaneously-taken video that shows off your favorite memory of family and/or friends spending time on the water fishing or boating to our "Memories on the Water" Contest and get your friends to "Like" it on our Facebook page. The video with the most "Likes" wins! Contest runs June 2 – July 1, 2011. ENTER NOW! "

* I received kid's fishing equipment and a Flip Ultra Camera for the purpose of creating a fishing video memory with my family for Fishing and Boating week, but was not compensated for this post in any other way. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.