Taking Young Kids Fishing

Fishing can be an exceptionally rewarding experience if you go into it knowing what to expect.

For many kids, a fishing trip without a catch means a failed and boring trip. What starts as an exciting adventure turns into a game of waiting for enough time to pass so you can go home and watch Paw Patrol or PJ Masks.

There are a lot of ways to make fishing more fun for young kids. The most important place to begin is to set realistic expectations. Before you even go to the tackle shop, make sure the kids know and understand there is a chance they might not catch anything. As long as the kids know this, there is a great chance they will be set up for a good time.

Many parents have the tendency, especially with their young boys, to force them to bait their own line and hold the fish they catch. Some kids might enjoy this part, but if your kids are squeamish or just don’t want to do this, don’t force them. This will just move toward ruining the experience.

Photo: Volodymyr Tverdokhlib | Dreamstime.com

After expectations are set, it is a good idea for parents to pick a spot they think will result in a lot of fish, even if they are just small bluegill. If you aren’t sure yourself, ask the locals at the bait shop. They will definitely be able to point you in the right direction. It doesn’t matter what they are catching, young kids will have an excellent time as long as they are pulling something out of the water.

If your kids are a little older or get bored of Bluegills and Yellow Perch, you can always try your luck baiting up for something a little bigger. These bigger fish can also be caught with ease if you know where to go. The tough part is finding anglers who will gladly part with the knowledge of their secret bass or trout spots.

The most important aspect of fishing, though, is the appreciation of enjoying time outside. Many anglers will testify fishing is just an excuse to sit around outside. If you can get your kids to come to appreciate the serenity of the outdoors at a young age, you will find they enjoy fishing whether you catch something or not. The problem is getting them to sit still long enough to enjoy the peace.