Top Five Tips on Getting Kids into Fishing
My uncle Bob, dad (“Papa Wayne), my aunts, my brother, cousins and I - all grew up fishing since any of us can remember. Many of us have made careers out of fishing. So, I feel we have nailed a few key tips on how to get your kids into this super beneficial sport, and today I’m going to share them with you!
Two year old Tiger reeled in this bluegill and loved it! We brought him to a special spot where we were almost guaranteed to get him into some easy to handle fish.
One:
Keep it light and fun. On a kid’s first day of fishing, it’s probably best to skip the two-hour-into-the-abyss-offshore-big-game type fishing, and start with an easy day of tossing the rod into a nicely stocked pond. Somewhere the kids have control, and can easily stand on solid ground. Or, if the “easy” spot you know of is fished only by boat, them make sure it’s a calm body of water, and a really nice day, void of too many challenges. Let me be clear: I’m a person who LOVES challenges, BUT for this purpose specifically: getting your kids into fishing, this “easy” route is a fool proof strategy. We have taken more kids than we can count, out for their first day of fishing, and it’s worked every time. We have yet to come across a kid who didn’t love it!
5 year old Yale and I, shore fishing near our home in Costa Rica.
Two:
Have a “secondary” goal to focus on, other than just reeling in the big one. We all want to reel in the big one, but on this first day of fishing for the kids, focus on the whole experience. Be sure to point out the nice weather, the cool bait you are using, other wildlife, etc. And if you do bring in a fish - which you should since tip number one was to bring them to an easy spot! - be sure to take your time pointing out the cool intricacies of the fish including the shape and colours (while still operating with a good amount of urgency of course, if you’re planning on releasing the fish).
Our buddy Yovia caught her first bass with us. It was a calm easy spot to get to, and she started out by catching a few bluegill.
Three:
Kids love learning in unconventional settings, so brush up on your knowledge of whatever species you’ll be catching so that you can discuss pre, during and post-catch, what these fish do. Do they travel a lot? Do they hang out in schools? Do they like the bottom or cruise up top? All of these little tidbits help make the outing engaging.
Veteran anglers Tiger and Yale. Thumbs up all around.
Four:
Make sure all safety is in place, so that you don’t have to spend the entire time worrying and can really be present. Lifejackets are number one! Clearing the area of anything dangerous (big hooks, sharp knives), OR, if your child is mature enough, simply making them aware of all the dangerous things around them once at the beginning, usually does the trick!
Five:
As with ALL waking hours spent with kids, make sure there is a good amount of SNACKS! You can never have too many. Packing them in large ziplocks or any waterproof bag is a nice bet so that it doesn’t matter if they get wet. Drinks are also key. And if your kids are anything like our kids, they will be so excited that they won’t think to drink so be sure to remind them throughout the day.
That’s it. Pretty simple, yet so rewarding. Enjoy!
Tiger has been on a boat since he was a few weeks old. Go Tiger!