6 Simple Tips for Taking Kids Fishing

Fishing with youngsters can be a very rewarding and memorable mini-adventure. A well planned fishing trip is such a great way to slow down and spend quality time in the outdoors with the young people in your life. Children absolutely love to catch fish. Before you head out, there are a few things to consider to make your trip successful.

Check the weather

Nice weather makes for a much more enjoyable time in the outdoors. A soggy, wet, cold or windy day can really take the fun out of the experience of fishing with your kids.

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Do your homework

You may not plan to catch record-size fish on this trip, but you do want to put your little one in a position to catch something. Do a little research and find a “fishy” spot in your area. Learn what you can about the kind of fish you will most likely encounter and which bait works best that time of year. Call your local fishing tackle shop for updated information. You will also want to get the right fishing license and know the specific regulations for your fishing spot of choice.

Be safe

Safety is always the first priority when taking children out on adventures, especially near water. Pick a location that is relatively safe, and then keep your eye on them at all times. If your fishing trip includes going out on any type of water vessel, you will need a personal flotation device for each person. Make sure those life vests fit properly and make sure your kids wear them. When it comes to the fish hooks, you want to catch fish, not fingers. At first, you may need to help your child tie the knots and give specific instructions about casting in a safe direction.

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Choose the Right Fishing Gear

Picking the right equipment can be important. It is best to pack all your extra clothes, food, tackle, and any other stuff you want to keep dry in a waterproof bag. Skog A Kust makes an excellent product for keeping gear dry. Your child should have a fishing pole that can be easily handled. A small pole with a push button reel works well. Your bait should also be easy to fish with. A bobber and worm is easy to use and a good place to start, but this simple setup can get boring really fast. For youngsters that want to cast, we always tie on a tube from Poor Boys Baits. Kids can easily throw out this bait and reel it in or just dangle the line over the side of the boat. Bait tubes always seem to catch fish. It is also a good idea to visit your local tackle shop for a fun pre-trip outing. They will get you all set up with the proper gear and bait.

Bring Snacks

Fill up one of those waterproof bags with food! A good supply of water and snacks is important when fishing with kids, especially if the fish aren’t biting. It’s amazing what the outdoors will do to make kids hungry!

Have Fun

Be patient and focus on your child. Engage your child in conversation. Try to be purposeful with the time you have together. Be quick to help them with things and celebrate with them when they do well. Your personal interaction while fishing with kids will help create a memorable fishing experience!

 

Tandi Foil is a wife and mother of 7. Tandi and her two youngest sons fish competitively on the
Kayak Bass Fishing Trail in Idaho. Follow them @paddle2fish and paddle2fish.com.