Fishing is an activity that can be fun and enjoyable for the whole family. There's nothing like the special feeling of reeling in a fish, and sharing that experience with our kids. Along with getting kids to (at least temporarily!) ditch their phones and open their eyes to the natural world, family fishing outings can lead to memories that will last a lifetime. This is evident in the words of Jimmy Carter who once stated, “Many of the most highly publicized events of my presidency are not nearly as memorable or significant in my life as fishing with my daddy.” Are you ready to introduce your children to the joys of fishing? If so, this article is for you!
Mother and daughter share in the excitement.
First Things First
Before you take your kids fishing for the first time, you will need to prepare with the right fishing tackle and safety gear. If you won’t be fishing from a boat, we suggest you pick a family-friendly location. This article covers the following key points:
- Select the right gear
- Focus on safety
- Make your fishing trip family-friendly
- Have a backup plan
- Embrace the process
- Beyond the Basics
- Look for teachable moments
- Conclusion
Select the right gear
Legions of youngsters have learned to fish with inexpensive spincast outfits like what you see here.
First, you'll need to make sure your kids have the proper fishing gear. For very young children, adult gear will likely be too large or complicated for them—so select lightweight rod and reel combos that they can handle. Doing so will increase their chances of fishing successfully. There are many fishing rods and reels that are specifically made for young children. Choices include kid’s spincast rod and reel combos like the Catch a Monster Spincast Combo Kit, or if you have a superhero fan, the Spiderman Spinning Combo. If you want to give your kids some ownership over their own gear, consider getting them their own tackle box. Kids' tackle boxes like Shakespeare’s Catch a Monster Tackle Box are offered with fun colors and graphics. Another important piece of equipment is a life jacket. By law, all children are required to wear a USCG approved life jacket when on a boat. But even if you will be fishing from a pier or from shore, we suggest life jackets for young children. West Marine offers a variety of life jackets for kids. When selecting life jackets, choose models that will maximize your children’s freedom of movement.
Focus on safety
West Marine offers a wide variety of life jackets for kids.
Safety first! There is some inherent risk to any water-related activity, so you'll want to ensure your kids have the necessary gear and knowledge they need to stay safe. Teach your kids about the potential hazards of fishing, and show them how to handle fish properly. Make sure they wear properly-sized life jackets when near the water's edge. Apply sunscreen, wear hats, and bring an extra jacket in case it gets chilly. You may want to bring a first aid kit in case of minor injuries.
Make your fishing trip family-friendly
If you will be fishing from a boat, the last thing you want is a seasick kid—or an adult! So pick a day when the lake or sea is calm. If you will be fishing on land, we recommend picking a location that is going to make it easy for you and your kids. Select a location that is easily accessible, family-friendly, and ideally, familiar to you. Consider the amenities at the location, such as restrooms, parking lots, picnic areas, and water fountains. Most importantly, pick a location where you'll have a good chance of catching fish. Make sure to pack extra snacks, water, and anything else you and your kids may need for the outing.
Have a backup plan
Dad sharing a moment with his son.
You may have the perfect day planned, but remember to be open to a change of plans. You never know what the day may bring, especially with kids! The weather might shift, the parking lot may be full, or the kids could be having a rough day. Approach the day with patience and an open mind. If you need to pivot your plans, it's ok!
Embrace the process
The key to introducing your kids to fishing is to remember that it's a process. Be patient and focus on helping them to enjoy the entire experience—rather than on just catching fish. During your outings, keep it fun! Encourage your kids' curiosity about fishing and the natural world, take it easy, and enjoy the experience together. Budding anglers may need to experience several fishing trips before they really get the hang of it, but with patience and support, they just may develop a lifelong love of fishing and the outdoors.
Beyond the Basics
Keep a taught line son, now reel!
The goal for your fishing trip is to create lasting memories and foster a love for fishing in your kids. Everything else is a bonus! Start with the basics, and explain the concept of fishing to your kids. Talk about the equipment, the fish you may catch, and how the sport works. Then teach your kids some basic fishing techniques. Show them how to bait a hook, cast a line, and reel it in. You don't need to reel in the big ones when you're introducing your kids to the sport. Consider targeting smaller, easier species that are easy to catch. Depending on your location, this might be bluegill, crappie, or perch. Celebrate even the smallest successes, and praise your kids for their efforts. Remember this: When a child catches their first fish, it will be the biggest fish that they have ever caught—as will the memory of that day, which will likely remain with them for the rest of his or her life.
Look for teachable moments
Who's teaching who? This little ice fisherman demonstrates patience.
Fishing offers so many learning opportunities for kids! For example, teaching a kid how to tie a knot can be a lesson in patience and perseverance—for the child and the adult! Encourage your kids to ask questions about fishing and the natural world around them. Take time to observe and identify things in nature like birds, bugs, plants, leaves, and whatever else you may encounter. You may even want to bring binoculars, magnifying glasses, cameras, and other tools that will help your kids engage with the outdoors during the fishing trip. If your kids do not yet have their own gear, let them help to reel in the catch. Teach your kids the importance of respecting nature, and what it means to be a good steward of the environment.
Conclusion
We hope the suggestions made in this article will prove useful when you introduce your kids to the art of fishing. Remember that learning to fish is a process with plenty of teachable moments. But as your kids begin to get the hang of it, they will be on their way to a wonderful pastime that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. To summarize, we encourage you to ponder the sage words of the late columnist Doug Larson, who once stated: “If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d by a shortage of fishing poles.”