Top 10 Practical Tips For Fishing With Kids

Taking your kids fishing for the first time is exciting but tricky. You already know the challenges ahead, and thinking about the young ones hunting on the waters is a bit scary. Fishing with kids is a great way to spend time outdoors, bond, and have fun. But, success depends on the level of preparedness. If you do not set up well for success, chances are your kids might be exposed to risks on water or hate the sport altogether. 

To ensure you enjoy your first fishing trip with kids, we have put together practical tips to guide you and make it easy to share your passion with young ones.

1. Find a Suitable Fishing Location

Look for a kid-friendly fishing spot with abundant catch. You can opt for a pond, river, lake, or reservoir but start small. Go to a place with small fish like bluegill or crappie, which kids can reel in by themselves. This gives the kids an amazing experience and excitement, encouraging them to want to fish again. Consider fishing at the shallow calm bays to keep the young ones safe when boat fishing. 

Kids can quickly lose interest if they do not catch a fish for an extended time. So, don’t be afraid to try different spots; go to the other side of the pier or move to other parts of the lake. You could also get a castable fish finder that you can throw on the water. This will let you know if there are any fish in your fishing spot, even if you’re fishing from the shore.

2. Start With Simple Gear

Kids learn fast when they are engaged. So, get child-sized gear that your kids can manage successfully. It should be small enough for them to handle without strain. Consider an 8-10 pound fishing line, a 5-foot rod, split shots, and a bobber. A bobber is good for kids as it makes it easy for them to see when there is a bite. 

Get them a simple tackle box to put their fishing essentials in and have extras of each item as kids break things. They can tangle their angling lines and misplace their hooks and baits, which can cut short your fishing trip if you do not have the extras. Use live bait as it excites most kids when hooking. 

3. Bring Enough Food, Snacks, and Water

Kids cannot concentrate when hungry. So, carry enough food to keep them going such as their favorite snacks as it will keep them focused. Always have snack breaks after fishing every 30-60 minutes to keep the young ones interested longer. Hydrating is another important thing while outside. So, carry enough water and ensure the kids drink to avoid dehydration. You can also take a juice box to supplement water. 

4. Keep It Short

Children easily get bored if they engage in the same activity for an extended time. Plan your trip for a couple of hours to ensure your children are attentive throughout and will want to go fishing again. Inform them of the set time to return to keep their interest level high until the end of the trip. At most, aim to fish for two hours and lengthen the time as your kids’ interests and comfort level advance. Plan the trip hours before sunset or in the morning to avoid the scorching sun. This is also the optimal fishing time. 

5. Focus on Having Fun 

Adults may take fishing seriously, but kids need some flexibility. Celebrate the small wins and focus on giving them an amazing experience. No matter the result, be patient and stay positive. When you notice your young ones are starting to get bored, encourage them to do other activities; they can explore the shorelines, skip ropes, or look for crickets. 

6. Teach Them Fishing Rules 

Teach your kids the fishing rules right on your first trip, and they will never forget. Let them know responsible anglers follow the rules and are conscious of environmental conservation. Get a fishing guide to teach them about various fish species available at your fishing location. Familiarize yourself with the current fishing regulations and get a proper fishing license accordingly. Teach them also how they should keep safe while on the water. 

7. Plan Alternative Activities in Case You Don’t Land a Catch

You may have chosen the most productive fishing location, but still, there are those days you can go without a catch. This can be frustrating to the young ones, especially if you do not have an alternative plan. You can carry a net to engage the kids in searching for a minnow in shallow areas. Be open to kids wanting to play with worms, throw rocks around or play other games along the shoreline. In this regard, carry play items such as skipping rope.

8. Stay Safe

As you focus on helping your kids catch fish and have fun, ensure they are safe. Dress them for the weather, carry hats and sunscreen for protection against UV rays, and pack bug spray. You should ensure your kids wear protective clothing, such as reflective jackets, even when playing along the shore. It would help to carry a spare set of clothes for a change in case they get wet. Pack first aid kids to attend to minor injuries. But, consider buying barbless hooks to minimize injuries. 

9. End the Trip on a High Note

If you want your kids to want to fish again, end the trip on a high note. You can have a small treat, such as a drive-through for ice cream or a stop at the park. The kids will feel rewarded for the day regardless of whether they caught a fish. Extend the fun home with fishing-related games and learning. Some ideas include learning about knot tying, playing the ‘Go Fish’ game, or visiting the aquarium. 

10. Keep Going

When you end the trip on a high note, kids will always look forward to more trips. Keep going for fishing expeditions, but make it more interesting by trying a different type of bait or a new fishing spot. As your kids grow and gain more experience, teach them new techniques as you prepare them to be independent.

Key Insights & Takeaway

In conclusion, have a great time and enjoy yourselves. I hope that you feel inspired to go fishing as this can be a very rewarding experience. If done right, your children will be looking forward to the next fishing trip with you!