Fishing With Kids: 10 Things You Need to Know

For many anglers, fishing was a pastime first introduced on a family trip. Whether it’s through camping or boating, generations of fathers have taught their children how to fish. As a father, it’s always heartwarming to see your kids enjoy what you enjoy. America is also dotted with natural parks full of lakes and rivers for any family to enjoy. However, as fun as fishing with the little ones may seem, there are still precautions and in general, things to know. Obviously teaching kids doesn't work the same as teaching adults and even teenagers. For the most part, kids don’t know any better. That’s why it’s an adult’s job to make sure kids have a great fishing experience. 

Tips, Tricks, and Everything You Need to Know About Fishing with Kids

Safety First

1. Let Your Kids Wear a Life Vest

Kids are spontaneous. For better or worse, kids will always surprise you. This just shows the need for extra safety measures. Having a life vest on board a boat is mandated by the Coast Guard at all times. However, when fishing on land, it’s not required. When fishing on a lake or at a pier, it may be a good idea to let the little ones wear a life vest. This is especially true for kids that don’t know how to swim. Though it may look a bit excessive, they’re in case of the most extreme emergencies. 

2. Have a First-aid Kit Nearby

Another mandate of the Coast Guard. Whether on a trip with kids or only adults, having a first-aid kit is essential. Nature will always be an uncontrollable force so it’s best to assume the worst, in order to be prepared.  First-aid kits specific for when out fishing should typically be in waterproof casing. Other items that you may need would include scissors in order to gauze or tweezers for when anglers need to cut a line. Don’t forget to bring any special medication for both you and your kids - for example, asthma inhalers. 

3. Prepare for the Weather

Any experienced angler will tell you that the most important thing to be wary about when fishing is both the climate and weather. In colder climates, it’s best to keep warm by wearing layered clothing, drinking hot fluids, and even buying heating pads. Hypothermia is a real medical emergency that a lot of people brush off. It’s best to keep checking your kids' temperature when out in cold waters. 

The opposite is true for fishing in the heat. It’s good to dress light during these times. When out in unshaded areas, it’s best to use sunscreen as direct heat from the sun can damage the skin. It’s also advisable to use sunglasses or hats in order to protect yourself from the sunlight and heat. 

When Out Fishing

4. Target Little Fish

Not everyone can immediately reel in the huge bass so it’s good to start small. Another good thing about targeting smaller fish is that most adult anglers don’t even pay them any attention. Fish like bluegill are actually best caught by children as they bite easily but can put up a decent fight. Starting small can motivate them in catching bigger fish as they grow older. 

5. Buy Equipment for Kids

Regular fishing equipment is very long and weighs a ton, especially in comparison to a kid. Since they won’t be catching alligator gar or blue marlin, starting them small also applies to their equipment. Companies like Shakespeare or Plusinno have a good selection of rods, reels, and tackles for the young ones. In addition to buying specifically for kids, parents should always be the ones to handle sharp objects like hooks. 

6. Stay On Land

Though fishing on a boat may have its merits, fishing on land may be a better alternative when angling with kids. As young ones can be very active, it’s nice to have free space for kids to wander and explore, instead of being cooped up in a limited space. Going to the bathroom can also be a problem when stuck in open seas. At the very least, when out near lakes or rivers, there’s bound to be a restroom nearby. 

7. Teach Them Patience

Fishing is actually one of the best times to instill patience in a child. When fishing, nothing will always completely go your way. Having your kid understand that is a very important value that’s admirable outside of fishing. This also goes both ways as when teaching them how to fish, parents being patient is a good example for any kid. 

8. Let Them Explore

Face it. Kids have very little attention span. They will wait for a bite for at most, 15 minutes before wanting to do something else. In relation to keeping a fishing trip on land, there are more options for kids to do other things, otherwise, you’ll be trapped with a child’s tantrums with no way to solve the problem. Fishing isn’t everything, so letting them explore gives them a sense of the fun of being outdoors, an essential step of liking fishing in the first place. 

9. Be Careful With the Fish

Some fish will undoubtedly fight fiercely. When reeling them in, parents should always supervise their kids. Fish are very erratic and can have sharp fins. The last thing anyone wants is cuts from a fish. Species like catfish don’t have scales and in turn secrete a slime-like substance making them very slippery. Though these fish are unlikely to be caught, in general, it’s good to be prepared. However, this doesn’t mean that parents should do everything for the kid. Keeping them moderately involved is a good way to start them.

10. Revolve All Your Plans Around the Kids

It’s their fishing trip, not yours. This type of mindset is best used when out with kids younger than 12. You may know everything about fishing but they don’t. Fishing with kids means taking your kids into consideration every step of the way from choosing equipment to handle fish, letting them explore, and so on. In general, being a parent is a selfless job, even when fishing. 

Despite the many restrictions going out with kids may have, fishing with them doesn’t have to be boring. In the end, it’s all about having fun with your kids and letting them learn about a side of you, they don’t normally see. A fishing trip with your kids may not have you catching an elusive musky, but what’s equally important is just spending quality time with the family.