Get Ready to Go Fishing with Your Children

There are several factors that parents need to keep in mind in order to have a good experience taking their children fishing. For example, the weather, area, view, fishing equipment, and more. It's always important to plan well.
Get Ready to Go Fishing with Your Children

Last update: 05 June, 2019

Today, technology has changed many things in the lives of families. However, going fishing with your children can still be an exciting experience.

For generations, fishing was the perfect activity for strengthening the bond between parents and children, or even grandparents and grandchildren. There was no such thing as video games, and children were full of curiosity about the world around them. 

Despite the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, there are still parents who take the time to share this old practice with their kids. Going fishing with your children can be a great success for the entire family, but we need to plan well and be prepared.

That’s why today’s article will offer the advice you need to make this an unforgettable experience.

Preparation is key to going fishing with your children

Even if you yourself didn’t go fishing as a child, we’ve all seen scenes about fishing in movies and on TV. Without a doubt, you already have an idea of what can go right, and what can go wrong. If your children are able to go fishing on a fun, sunny day, the outing is sure to be a success.

However, if you go fishing in a spot where there are no fish or it ends up raining, then things can go south fast. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much effort to plan for a fun and successful fishing experience.

To make this a positive activity, you need to know how to prepare your fishing pole and have everything on hand. Have things as prepared and organized as possible before you even leave your home.

If your children have to wait around while you get things ready, they’re likely to get bored. It’s our role as parents to make the day a pleasant one so children take a liking to fishing.

The location will define your experience

The first thing you need to think about before getting in the car or boat is where you’re going to fish. Ideally, you should go to a spot you already know .

Remember that your surroundings will have a huge impact on your day. If the location is comfortable and you have a good view, then you’ll construct an unforgettable moment. If you can’t visit the spot ahead of time, try consulting by internet.

At the same time, make sure that the place where you’re going permits family fishing. Some parks even let you cook the fish you’ve caught. And of course, you want to make sure that, wherever you go, there are fish! Otherwise, your children are likely to become frustrated.

Another factor to consider, depending on where you live, is the need for a fishing licence. Every state issues its own licences and has its own rules and regulations about fishing. Plan ahead and make sure your licences are in order to avoid penalties.

Buy the right pole

Everything will go well if you have the right fishing pole. Ideally, the pole your child uses should be one that’s easy to manage. Even though there are fishing poles specifically designed for children, we don’t recommend using them.

It’s much better to invest in a guarantee lightweight professional fishing pole. There are products that measure up to about 5 feet, which is the smallest model on the market.

This will help your little ones get to know the sport of fishing and understand what it’s really all about. Remember that you’re not just having a fun family outing, but also passing on a valuable lesson.

Choose proper bait

The fun thing about fishing is that it guarantees the participation of your children from start to finish. An important part of the experience has to do with handling the bait. It’s normal for this to spark curiosity among little ones.

When choosing your bait, you need to be particular. First, you need to make sure you have the right lure for the type of fish you’re looking to catch. Second, you want your child to like it, too.

For example, there will be children who love the idea of handling life worms. If that’s the case, buying this type of bait will get their attention and make the activity more fun.

However, some children are turned away by live bait, so you might be better off using olives or some other type of food.

“If your children have to wait around while you get things ready, they’re likely to get bored. It’s our role as parents to make the day a pleasant one so children take a liking to fishing.”

Fishing with your children: Allow them to experiment

Although the adults will be in charge of the activity, it’s best for the learning experience to be interactive. Allow your children to participate in putting equipment together, choosing baits, etc.

Make this day something very special, and plan as if there were different stations of fun and learning. If you’re on land, you can take time to explore your surrounds. Also, you can prepare, cook and eat your fish on site, if allowed.

Experimentation is the only thing that will allow children to learn and have fun while doing so. The idea is to get away from your daily routine and build stronger bonds. It’s important for parents to exercise a great deal of patience and be sure not to become exasperated.

Get Ready to Go Fishing with Your Children

Make sure things don’t get out of control

Allowing your children to experiment doesn’t mean leaving them to do things on their own. Every activity has its rules, as a way to preserve your little one’s integrity.

Be sure to provide the guidelines and supervision your children need to be safe. Furthermore, be sure to take along and apply both sunscreen and insect repellent as often as needed. 

Fishing with children has all sorts of advantages. It teaches children to obtain their own food, it gets them away from their usual surroundings, and it exposes them to nature.

What’s more, it gives us valuable time to share together as a family. What’s best is that you won’t need the internet or any other electronic devices – just contact with the great outdoors.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.