It is never too early to start taking the kids fishing. Even a short trip to the nearby river during trout season is enough to get them excited about a future that includes the outdoors and all it has to offer. Both of my sons and now - many years later - my grandson, have all been indoctrinated into the great outdoors by exposure to it. My oldest son has embraced it fully, and even though the younger one does not live by the gun and pole, he still has a great appreciation of it. Hopefully when/if he has children, he will also give them the benefit of the outdoors education.
Too many of the children in this day and time do not understand where their food, their air, and their heritage comes from. They have never had the opportunity to commune with nature on a personal level, don't understand that without all the outdoors has to offer they would not be here today. How are we going to impress upon them the importance of good stewardship of the land and its resources if they never see it first hand and value it for the importance it plays in their lives?
Fishing is a good start. It does not take much money, nor does it even take much time. You can go to any riverbank, pond, or lake, stand on the shore, and teach a youngster to cast and reel. Spend more time and see the excitement - the sense of accomplishment - that shines on their face when they pull in their line and realize they have conquered a species! A little more time spent and a connection will start to grow between you and your young pupil. You will discover that there is no better time to learn about each other than when discussing the ins and outs of baits and techniques. You may even learn how many things you have in common!
A riverbank is a good equalizer. There is no pressure from your boss, from their teacher, from your spouse, from their peers. It can be a time of free communication, with no stresses or invasion from outside sources. Therefore it will be a more honest and open communication forum for the both of you. You never know what you may learn - want to or not!
When our family was young the opportunity was always taken. Now, as adults, that communication formed during those times has remained as strong and open as ever. No subject is too heavy, too hard, for us to all come together, especially on the riverbank!