SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS FOR FISHING WITH CHILDREN
Keep Them In Sight: Always keep children in your sight. It doesn’t matter whether you’re fishing from the shore or from a boat, keep them in sight. Children are easily distracted and curious which can lead to mischief and danger around water.

WEAR LIFE JACKETS
If you’re on a boat, make sure everyone is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD). It’s not necessary to wear a life jacket if fishing from the pier or the shore, but it’s good to have a throwable floatation device nearby for “just in case”.

KEEP MOVEMENT TO A MINIMUM
Kids get antsy and like to move around but on a boat, this can prove to be a problem. Limit unnecessary movement. When they do move, teach them to move slowly and carefully.

FIRST AID KIT
Always have a first aid kit nearby when planning any fishing outings. A hook in the finger, a scraped knee or a bee sting all require first air. Be prepared. Your kit should include vinyl gloves, Bandaids, antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizer, antiseptic spray, cotton-tipped applicators, large adhesive pads for “just in case” and a roll of paper or plastic tape. Don’t forget to include a pair of scissors and tweezers. These may be needed to remove a hook or who know what might come up. It’s always best to be prepared.

INSECT REPELLANT AND SUN BLOCK
Keep insect repellant and sun block as part of your standard kit when planning a fishing trip. Apply often according to package directions.

ROUGH HOUSING
Running and rough-housing around the water is a NO-NO! Children can easily trip and fall in. Don’t let it get started and if they try it, stop it immediately. It’s best to prevent accidents before they happen.

STRONG SWIMMER
If possible, have at least one strong swimmer on the trip. Swim lessons are highly recommended for all anglers whether fishing from the shore, pier, or boat.

WRAP-UP
Planning for safety makes the trip go smoother. If you have more questions, click here: Fishing With Kids or FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).