6 Tips to Get Your Kids Interested in Fishing

Fishing is a fun hobby for kids. Even if you’ve never been fishing, these six tips will help you get your kids interested in fishing.

Growing up one of my favorite hobbies was fishing with my dad. I looked forward to early morning wake-ups and heading out with my fishing pole and worms hoping to catch a big one. My fishing hobby has stuck with me for my entire life and I enjoy instilling that love of fishing with my kids. I started taking both of them fishing with me at a young age and it’s one of their favorite things to do today. While they didn’t really know what they were doing, they enjoyed trying and just holding their poles splashing in the water. Today, my son is my favorite fishing buddy. He loves fishing just as much as I do and my daughter is starting to enjoy just as much. If you’re thinking of taking your kids fishing, these 6 tips will help make your trip enjoyable for everyone.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

When they were younger, my motto was keep is simple. And it still is today. A pole and some worms are all you’ll need.  Don’t plan on spending all day at the lake either. An hour or two is all you’re going to get out of them when they’re young. Over time, their attention spans will last longer and as they get older, they’ll want to spend more and more time fishing.

BRING THE RIGHT GEAR

When it comes to fishing gear for kids, start small. Let them amass their collection over the years. A simple tackle box to hold a few bobbers, a starter pole of their own and a box of worms is all you need to get started.

It’s also better to invest in a better pole and avoid those character fishing poles where the line tangles all too quick. As they get older and more experienced, treat them to new gear and lures for their collection.

SAFETY FIRST

Fishing involves water and sharp hooks. So teaching safety habits is a must. If you’re bringing along your tackle box full of shiny, colorful lures, teach younger kids not to touch them.

Show them why and explain how they can get hurt on the hooks. Keep your tackle box closed up while you’re not using it to prevent any curious little hands from getting in there.

The same goes for the water. Make sure you teach your kids the basics of water safety. When my little ones were small, we only fished at docks that had fencing around the sides or lakes that were flat edges. Nothing with rocks or dangerous ledges.

PLAN AHEAD

When fishing with younger kids, it’s best to plan ahead a bit. Find out which lakes in your area are well stocked with fish so their chances of catching is a little higher.

Kids like to see the rewards of fishing and it will take them a little while before they enjoy the relaxing part of fishing. The quicker they catch a fish, the more exciting it will be for them, even if it’s just a little sunny.

BRING ALONG A FRIEND

Fishing is always better when you have a fishing buddy and the same carries over to the kids. Invite a friend or two, along with their parents, and make it a family fun day.

PACK SNACKS

It’s inevitable that they’re going to get hungry and thirsty during your fishing trip. They’re kids and if they’re anything like mine, snacking is a huge part of their day. Bring along a small cooler filled with snacks and drinks for the day.

Fishing is a great hobby to begin with your kids and these tips will have you off to a great start.

Have you taken your kids fishing before?

Dawn