fishing

Fishing with Kids: Tips & Tricks for a Fun Family Adventure

Wild Barrys
fishing
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Teaching kids how to fish is one of the most rewarding experiences you can share as a family. There's nothing quite like seeing the joy on a child's face when they reel in their first catch. However, fishing with kids requires a bit of patience and preparation to make sure everyone has a great time.

In this article, we'll explore some tips and tricks to help you and your little ones enjoy a successful fishing adventure.

Start Simple

Choose the Right Gear and Fish

When introducing children to fishing, it's important to keep things simple. Avoid targeting the biggest or hardest-fighting species at first. Instead, opt for basic gear like a bait and bobber setup and focus on easier-to-catch fish such as crappie or rainbow trout. These species are perfect for beginners because they offer plenty of action and are relatively easy to hook.

For example, starting with a Zebco 202 reel rigged with a trout hook and a red/white bobber can make the experience more manageable. If your child is very young, consider doing the casting and baiting yourself, then letting them reel in the fish.

Find High Catch Rates

Selecting a body of water with a high catch rate can help maintain your child's interest and enthusiasm. Positive reinforcement from catching fish will boost their desire to learn and continue fishing.

Make It a Family Learning Adventure

Pick the Right Spot

Your initial fishing trips should be to quieter, less crowded locations. Popular fishing spots can be distracting and overwhelming for kids. A smaller, serene location allows you to focus on teaching and bonding without the interference of other anglers, pets, or general commotion.

Educate and Engage

Once you've set up your gear, take some time to talk quietly about what to expect. Discuss the ecology of the lake, the types of fish you're hoping to catch, and any interesting observations. This not only keeps your child engaged but also helps them appreciate the environment.

If you decide to fish alongside them, remember it's not a competition. Allowing your child to help reel in your catch can be a huge confidence booster, especially if they're struggling to catch anything on their own line.

Be Patient and Encouraging

It's essential to be patient and encouraging throughout the process. If your child loses interest and wants to stop for the day, that's perfectly okay. The goal is to foster their initial interest in fishing, not to make it feel like a chore or punishment.

Hands-On Learning

Teach Basic Skills

Encourage your child to try tasks they are capable of, such as tying simple knots, selecting bait, and hooking it onto the line. Remember, safety is paramount. Teach them how to handle sharp objects like hooks, scissors, knives, and clippers responsibly.

Safety First

Safety should always be a priority, especially when fishing with kids. If you're out on a boat, ensure that everyone, especially the children, wears a personal flotation device (PFD) regardless of how shallow the water is. Additionally, make sure they are protected from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield their eyes from glare and stray hooks.

In Conclusion

Fishing with kids is a fantastic way to bond as a family and introduce them to the joys of the great outdoors. By keeping things simple, focusing on learning and safety, and maintaining a positive and patient attitude, you can create lasting memories and perhaps even ignite a lifelong passion for fishing in your child.

There's nothing quite like getting a kid hooked on fishing!

Must haves for your every day drive (EDD) Fishing Kit

Being a former Boy Scout, and working in a very rural environment, I’ve learned to keep a basic “survival fishing kit” in my vehicle all the time. This kit doesn’t have to be large and cumbersome. In fact, the kit I keep in our truck is contained in a small fanny pack. We've all heard of EDC, here we're going to discuss the EDD (Every Day Drive) kit.

Below I’ve listed all my must-haves. Keep reading to find out!

What’s in the kit

One of the first things I put in the kit was a method of making fire. Following the “Be Prepared” mantra, I have multiple methods for starting a fire. A ferrocerium (“ferro”) rod tops the list in this area, as even wet material will succumb to the extremely hot sparks put off by this material. Amazon has an excellent assortment of ferro rods in different dimensions. I’ve found that the ¼ inch or larger rods work best, but any port in a storm as they say!

The tried and true Bic style lighter obviously has a place in the fire kit. Because let’s face it, those things last forever.

I’m a huge fan of Dave Canterbury, but on this next point he & I diverge just a bit. Old fashioned strike anywhere matches (when you can find them!) are a great method for fire starting (another Boy Scout hold over lol). Make sure that you waterproof the heads to avoid wet weather complications.

Believe it or not, there is a flint and steel kit in the fire bag as well, along with char cloth and jute.

Water and water purification methods are up next.

Stainless steel water bottles are my go-to. But if you’re just starting out or just want to keep it simple, store bought bottled water, plastic sports bottles, or a bota bag (personal fav) work fine. I keep water purification tablets in the kit in case I have to replenish with water I can’t boil first.

The food component is made up of trail mix, granola bars, pre-packaged “snack packs” (tuna, chicken, etc). Add a few tea bags & coffee pouches and you’re set.

Don’t forget the fishing gear

A small collapsible fishing rod & reel are obviously a main component, along with a good assortment of lures/bait/flies. There’s nothing wrong with a small Plano or similar compartment box to be able to expand the lures and goodies. In my kit I included a couple of the yo-yo style automatic reels. These things are great! not only will they double or triple your effort to reward (they set the hook) but you can also use them for triggers in light snares.

For a shelter component, I threw a couple of emergency space blankets (mylar) in, along with some 550 cord.

A small folding knife and a small flashlight round out the basic kit.

Ready for anything

I’m sure you’ve noticed it ain't all strictly fishing. The point is to not completely limit yourself, be ready for a multitude of potentials. Different situations, different kits!

Hope you find this useful! Feel free to comment with any questions and I’ll get back to you ASAP!