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Pro Tips For Getting Your Kids Into Fishing
One of the greatest things about fishing is that it’s open to everyone. Young and old alike can enjoy a day spent casting into the teeming waters. However, it can be difficult to know how to take kids fishing.
Perhaps they will find the experience boring, complain about the cold, or hesitate to handle live bait or squirming fish.
If you are an avid fisherman like me, you want to pass those skills down to your children. By consciously making their first few fishing trips child-friendly, you can get your kid interested in fishing and ensure they become lifelong angling enthusiasts.
Here in this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to get your kids into fishing, tips & tricks, the best gear for them to start, and how to keep them interested, and much more.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
There are several ways to get your kids interested in fishing. They include;
Keep It Simple And Fun
In general, children are fascinated with simple things. If you can make it fun and interesting, you will find it easier to get them to like it. The best way to get them started is to let them catch their fish. Let them choose the type of fishing rod or pole they want to use. By doing so, their skills will be developed.
Most children start with a spinning reel, a bobber, and a lure. It makes perfect sense since this kind of fishing is much less challenging. If your kid is the type who has an innate ability to catch fish early on, that’s great, however, don’t push him/her towards it if he/she seems overwhelmed.
In addition, if your child might want to dive into fly fishing, you should start them with bluegills or easy-to-throw trout. Since these fishes are easy targets, it will motivate your child to succeed.
The more fish they catch and feel like they’re fishing, the more likely they are to stick with it. Also, You can lure them to fishing by equipping them with kid-friendly gear and targeting populated areas to make their experience more enjoyable.
Bring Food
When it comes to fishing with kids, you don’t just have to bring fishing rods and reels. You have to bring food too! There is no doubt that children get hungry quite often, and they tend to get grumpy until they eat.
It is best to give children small snacks throughout the day, such as crackers, nuts, and fruit snacks, so they don’t get bored. You do not need to offer an enormous lunch, which might be necessary for some grownups. I recommend bringing tiny finger foods that the children can enjoy while sitting on the shore.
Choose The Right Gear
You must get the right equipment for your children. However, it’s best to avoid complicated fishing gear such as fly rods because kids will spend most of their time discussing technical details.
You can’t expect your child to be a pro with an expensive fishing rod. If they want to have fun while learning to fish, you should get them some simple equipment. It is best to find rods in the range of 3.5 feet and 5 feet in length since these are midway between short and long enough to meet your needs.
Another important part of any fishing setup is the bait. When choosing what type of bait to use, it is best to go for something that is not too large. Larger baits may cause problems if they get tangled in the line.
For younger children, try using smaller hooks, such as jigs, worms, or minnows. These types of baits are easy to cast and will help them learn how to fish.
In a previous post, I talk about some great starter fishing packs for kids. Click the link below to find out more.
The Best Kids Starter Combos (Plus Pro Tips)
Let kids be kids
In my experience, one of the biggest mistakes parents make is forcing their children to fish with them all day. Kids are kids, and if you teach them something they don’t like, they won’t be interested in it. So, what’s the best way to proceed?
Fortunately, the solution is pretty simple. Don’t restrict their freedom. Let them play with rocks, bugs, and frogs, and splash in the water.
You shouldn’t force them to do something they don’t want to do. This is not going to make them love fishing. All you are going to do is turn them away from the activity they love. Instead, let them experience fishing according to their terms.
If they show an interest in it, then let them take charge of their fishing adventure.
Start With A Shorter Trip
If your children are reluctant to spend time out on the water then make sure to keep things short and simple. Keep in mind that you don’t want them to be uncomfortable, or bored. A couple of hours is a good length of time to spend on the water.
If you are going out in a boat, remember seasickness is more prevalent in children than in adults, so take precautions when putting them in rough fishing situations. Don’t let your kid throw up for 8-10 hours on a party boat.
After an experience like that, not many kids will want to go fishing in the future, so don’t ruin it for them. And try to start with a shorter trip and make it fun for them.
Practice at Home
Practicing casting techniques in your backyard can be a great way for your kids to get better. You can even give them targets to practice aiming. In this low-stress environment, they can learn coordination and timing. The next time they go fishing, they will be even more excited about it.
Limit Your Time On The Water
Fishermen should not spend more than a couple of hours on the water, even if they are enthusiastic first-timers. Taking your child on an all-day trip will bore him. Since children’s attention spans are short, you want them to enjoy every minute of the trip so that they want to go again. So, make sure they know when they are returning before you leave.
Target Small Species
When it comes to catching fish, most adults prefer larger species, while children prefer catching anything they can get their hands on. When you take your kids fishing, avoid trophy-sized species because they require advanced skills that most kids do not possess.
Rather than concentrating on larger species, focus on smaller ones, as they are more abundant and easier to catch. Most of them are found in areas with dense human populations and feeding zones. And some species, such as panfish and trout, are found near marinas and weed beds.
A great way to get them their first catch is to take them squid fishing. These cephalopods are easy to find, and more importantly, easy to catch. Therefore making them a perfect first fishing experience. You can read my post on targeting them by following the link below.
How To Find And Catch More Squid
Make A Plan In Case You Don’t Catch Any Fish
Kids will expect you to catch a fish on your fishing trip. The difficulty of catching one may be unknown to them. In case you don’t catch anything, make sure to have a backup plan. If you bring a net, you could send them to the shallow end to look for minnows. Or in a jar, you can catch a few tadpoles.
Where To Take Them
Even though we all love catching big fish, a child’s first fishing experience should focus on smaller fish, like crappie or bluegill, in a small pond. As a result, they will feel like they accomplished something and be more excited about the trip. If you’re after small fish, make sure you use small hooks.
Another great location might be from a Jetty/Pier or Wharf. these places are easy to find, and always hold a lot of fish. Follow the link below to read more about fishing from these locations.
Jetty/Pier Or Wharf Fishing ( How To Catch More)
What is the best time of year for fishing?
As you can see, the best time to fish is during the summer months. This is because the water temperature is at its highest. The fish are active, and they are very hungry. They are usually biting at night. Also, the water is cooler, which means that the fish won’t be as active. As the weather begins to change in the autumn, the water temperature drops.
The fish are less active. They are usually hiding in the depths of the lake. When the weather gets colder, the fish begin to migrate. They are looking for places where they can survive the winter.
That’s A Wrap
In short, fishing can be one of the most relaxing and fun activities you can do with your kids. However, if you want them to enjoy it, you have to find ways to make it fun for them. And it’s therefore important to find the right approach to getting your kids interested in fishing. Following the tips above, you can ensure that your children become lifelong fishermen.
So, now you have learned everything you need to know about getting your kids into fishing. I hope this guide will help you get them hooked on fishing, and it will also provide you with valuable information that will help you get the most out of your fishing trips.
If you’ve any queries, make sure to drop a comment below. Thanks For Reading!
Tony, Creator of Get Reel Fishin