BASIC EQUIPMENT

Experts believe that. you can take children fishing at almost any age. However, most agree that age six is when they have the manual dexterity and muscle needed to cast a rod and learn other skills you might want to teach them.  Let’s take a look at what you might need in the way of basic equipment. What you don’t want to do is buy a bunch of stuff you won’t use or don’t need.

AVOID KITS
Take a look around your local bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, or big box stores with sporting goods departments. Price points will vary depending upon where you shop but good quality equipment is easy to find and affordable. I suggest you stay away from kids kits. These are rod and reel combos decorated with superheroes and princesses and a variety of paraphernalia is included in the kit – things you can’t use or won’t use any time soon.  The rods tend to be about 2 1/2 feet long with plastic push-button spin casting reels. They are hard to cast and the reels are notorious for jamming up. YOu’re better off paying a few dollars more and buying something more reliable and just as easy to use.

ROD AND REEL COMBO
Ultra-light and light weight rods with reels are popular among anglers who target smaller fish. They are preferred for children age six and up. You can buy a 4 1/2 to 5 foot rod and reel combo for $20 to $30. These should be pre-spooled with six to ten pound test line. These rods are more durable, fit children’s hands better, make casting easier and the line is less likely to tangle. And, because the rod is longer, children can continue to see it as they grow. If you buy one that is not pre-spooled, an experienced angler or someone at your local bait and tackle store can assist you.

TACKLE
Buy a tackle box that is not too big or too heavy for a child to carry but big enough to hold basic supplies. Pick up various size hooks suitable for small fish like blue gill, perch, and crappie, and larger hooks for catfish and bass. You’ll also need to pick up sinkers, a stringer to put the fish on and drape it in the water or a fish basket, bucket or container to take the fish home in. Another important tool is a landing net. Be sure to pick up a variety pack of pan fish jigs and or lures. You can pick up this equipment at a bait shop, sporting goods department store or a big box sporting section. When it comes to basic equipment, this is all you really need to get started.

PERSONAL FLOTATION
Personal Flotation Device is a long name for a life jacket. PFDs are required for every person if you’re fishing in the water craft. These must be United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved. Keep in mind that PFDs are approved for different water sports – skiing, fishing, etc. Make sure you get the right one and try it on your child in the store to ensure a proper fit.

MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT
It’s always good to have a first aid kit on hand. Expect minor casualties – a hook caught in a finger, a scraped knee, whatever. It’s best to be prepared for any mishap. The kit should include gloves. Bandaids, antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizer, scissors and tweezers. Don’t forget insect repellant, sunscreen and a wide brim sunhat. If your young angler has fish allergies, take along several pairs of vinyl gloves. Vinyl gloves are thin enough to allow dexterity in handling equipment and bait.

KEEPING THE FISH?
If you plan on keeping the fish, you’ll need to bring along a cooler or fish container to keep fish alive until you can get them home. Also, certain fish must weigh a certain amount in order for you to keep the fish. So, read up the types of fish you will be catching at your favorite fishing spot.

CAMERA
Last but not least, make sure you bring along a picture taking device or be sure you have enough space on your camera phone. If there is no picture, then it didn’t happen. If you have other questions, please click here: