FISHING WITH KIDS
TAKING CHILDREN FISHING?
Here are 10 Tips to Remember
Taking children fishing can be lots of fun. You get to enjoy nature, spend quality time together, and make some memories but it helps to have a plan. Use these ten tips to increase your chances of having an enjoyable day.
1. SAFETY
Think about safety first. It doesn’t matter if you’re fishing from the shore or fishing from a boat, you must think about safety. I recommend shore fishing for your first few trips. There’s more space to move around when little people get restless. And, when fishing from the shore, always keep your child in sight.
2. WEATHER
Check the weather forecast the day before and the day of the planned trip. If thunder storms are in the forecast, monitor it. Try to determine when the storm is expected to hit. If storms are in the immediate forecast – say within the next few hours – postpone the trip. If there’s a heat advisory, wait for a cooler day. If you decide to go anyway, keep the trip short and take plenty of water. Another option is to go later in the day taking advantage of cooler temperatures.
3. ACTIVE WATER
Try to take your child to waters where fish are known to be biting. Get a fishing report from your local bait shop or ask an experienced family member or friend. Private ponds are great choices for first fishing experiences. Children almost always catch fish and will want to go again. The caveat here is you must gain permission to fish in private ponds. If you know someone or a family member or friend knows someone, ask.
4. CLOTHING
Dress for the weather. If the weather is cool, dress warmly. If the weather is hot, wear loose, cool clothing. Sun hats and sun glasses are important.
5. FOOD AND DRINK
Bring something to eat because children will get hungry. Simple snacks hand-held that can be eaten quickly work best. If it’s a warm day, brink lots of drinks, particularly water, to prevent dehydration.
6. SHORT TRIP
Kids have a short attention span so limit the trip to one to three hours. Longer than that, they get tired, equipment starts getting tangled, and your nerves start getting frayed. Keep it short.
7. EQUIPMENT
Your equipment should be kid friendly and age appropriate. For children six years and older, rod and reel combinations should be 4 ½ to 5 feet in length; ultra-light to light weight, and have a push button spin casting reel. These combinations can be picked up at local bait and tackle shops and most sporting goods stores. 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.
8. SUNSCREEN & FIRST AID KIT
Be patient and encouraging. Try not to get frustrated and refrain from yelling. Expect tangled lines and stuck fingers but also expect whoops of joy. Have fun. Make some good memories so they’ll want to do it again. Being patient just makes the day go better. And don’t forget — one of the best things about fishing is the tall tales about the one that got away. Get them started early so they can tell it with the best of them.
9. RESTROOM FACILITIES
Be patient and encouraging. Try not to get frustrated and refrain from yelling. Expect tangled lines and stuck fingers but also expect whoops of joy. Have fun. Make some good memories so they’ll want to do it again. Being patient just makes the day go better. And don’t forget — one of the best things about fishing is the tall tales about the one that got away. Get them started early so they can tell it with the best of them.
10. PATIENCE
Be patient and encouraging. Try not to get frustrated and refrain from yelling. Expect tangled lines and stuck fingers but also expect whoops of joy. Have fun. Make some good memories so they’ll want to do it again. Being patient just makes the day go better. And don’t forget — one of the best things about fishing is the tall tales about the one that got away. Get them started early so they can tell it with the best of them.
