Do you Remember your first time? Out of all the different outings in a young sportsman’s life the first fishing trip is something special. Nothing compares to the surprise and amusement of reeling in your first fish. Having a rod suddenly come to life and hoping for a monster bass. My first fish was a little 4 inch bluegill that set me on a lifetime of fishing. Make sure you bring a camera, because that’s a moment you’ll want to remember the rest of your life.
Tips For Fishing With Kids
1. Fit The Tackle to Your Child
Always make sure you choose the right tackle for your child. As simple as that spinning reel may seem to you it’s probably not the best option for a 3 year old. You’d be better off getting a small basic rod that’s going to be easy to use. It all comes down to what you think your child can handle. Is he old enough to be able to reel in his own fish, or would he be better off with a basic bamboo fishing pole. If your childs a little bit older you should probably buy a cheap reel. As tempting as the ten dollar Walmart reel looks I’d skip it for a decent spincast reel. Spending the extra 10-20 bucks on a cheap Zebco, Daiwa or Pflueger reel will save some frustration. You’ll be able to use the same cheap reel from the beginners rod into the teenage years. Just make sure you don’t get a pole that’s too heavy or larger than the child can hold.
Try and fish for something that’s easy to find and catch. Fish for sunfish or other panfish that are going to be easy to locate. It doesn’t matter how big the fish is, all you want is the excitement of the catch. Your days objective should be to catch fish, not catch big fish.
2. Use Basic Easy to Handle Baits
Try and bring baits that are going to be easy to handle. On your first fishing trip you should always bring along live worms and small synthetic alternative. I’m all for teaching kids how to use live worms, but some children could be traumatized. Use the live worms at first, but bring along some soft plastic as an alternative. Once they get a little more comfortable with plastic they might just ask to use a real worm.
Use small easy to handle baits that will attract little fish. Kids crave action and a little meat on the end of a hook will go a long way. You’ll have more fun realing in 5 little bluegill than 1 massive bass.
3. Don’t Forget Some Kind of Camera
Moments such as a child holding up his first fish are are priceless so make sure you bring along a camera. Luckily you don’t need a fancy DSLR to get great pictures. Just bring along your Iphone and make sure it has a full charge. Unless you want to have an unhappy wife, do yourself a favor and take a ton of pictures. Believe me when I say your wife won’t buy the excuse that you were too caught up in the moment. Ten pictures at the start of your trip will save you a ton of grief.
4. Bring Insect Repellent and Sunscreen
Apply a good sunscreen to your kiddo before leaving the house. I haven’t used sunscreen in years, but my kids quickly burn. Young skin is much more susceptible to sun exposure, and sunburn is sure to ruin an otherwise great trip. Reapply sunscreen frequently and make sure you reapply after a swim.
Insect repellent is almost as important as sunscreen on a fishing trip. Nothing will ruin a trip faster than a swarm of unruly mosquitos. Toss a few compact Repel insect repellents into your tackle box just in case. Slightly larger than a pen it won’t take up much room in your tackle box.
5. Bring along Drinks and Snacks
In the hot summer sun you’ll need to have loads of drinks and snacks. It might seem like you’re not getting much exercise, but a long day in the sun dehydrates you fast. When the fish aren’t biting its a perfect time to distract your kids with some snacks. Keep their line in the water and maybe they’ll get a bite while eating a PB&J.
6. Safety Should Always Come First
State law states that kids must always wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat. It might even be a good idea for young kids to wear safety vests fishing along the banks of a stream or pond. Use a non bulky life preserver that increases the childs comfort and mobility. I really like the new life vests that automatically inflate when they contact water. They’re a little bit expensive, but the added comfort is well worth the price.
7. Be Ready For Accidents
As safe as you’re trying to be, no fishing trip would be complete without a hook catching on someone. It’s always a good idea to bring along a small first aid kit. At the very least bring along bandages, because kids and hooks don’t mix. The magical powers of a band-aid can be a real life saver when they inevitably get hooked.
8. Give Lots of Assistance
There’s no need to force your kid to bait a hook or unhook fish if they’re uncomfortable. If they see you handle worms and fish long enough they’ll eventually want to do it themselves. If they’re willing that’s great, but don’t push the issue. When young kids get a bite be ready to help the child by supporting his rod or cranking the reel. Some fish put up a big fight and can be a little much for a 5 year old.
9. Don’t Plan on A Long Day Fishing
You might love to fish all weekend, but you’re better off limiting yourself to a few hours. A young fisherman will let you know when they’re getting bored. Don’t overdo it and try to bring along a distraction when fish aren’t biting. It’s all about creating a fun day, whether that’s fishing or going off to look at birds or play in the grass. Also plan on fishing when it’s the most comfortable time of day. Mornings are both cooler and the fish seem to come in closer to shore.