Fishing is a great activity that can be enjoyed by anyone.
It’s fun for both adults and kids: It’s easy to learn and doesn’t have to involve lots of expensive equipment.
Fishing will teach children to appreciate the nature and you’ll spend some quality time together.
Kids can begin fishing at almost any age, although they usually learn best if they are at least 4 years old.
Bringing them to fish when they’re young will help them know if fishing is an activity they want to continue with as they get older. Hopefully, you will introduce them to a lifelong and fulfilling hobby!
Source: Fix.com Blog
What to bring when fishing with your kids?
What to bring when fishing with your kids?
You don’t have to pack every fishing equipment: start easy and light. Choose a soft and flexible rod and a small tackle box with all the essentials and a good variety. Do not pick the most expensive baits either. Bring hats, plenty of water and a good pair of fishing sunglasses to protect your eyes. Get your kids a pair too, better if with polarized filter. Pack a lot of snacks as kids get hungry fast. Don’t forget sunscreen and anti-bug spray. If children feel comfortable, they will be more likely to want to go fishing again soon.
Mistakes to avoid
When you go out fishing with your kids, they’ll probably want to have their own rod and tackle box. Invest in a lightweight set that you can use as well, in case you’re not sure whether your children will actually like fishing. This way, you won’t waste any money and you’ll be able to use the equipment again. You don’t have to buy them an expensive set, opt for something mid-range but still with good quality to avoid common problems such as bird nest or bad reel performance. Also, debarb your hooks for the first times you go out with kids. This way they won’t get hurt when you teach them how to fish. It’s also a good idea to always have with you a first aid kit.
What species should you target?
When you go fishing with your kids for the first time, choose a place where you have the most chances of getting something. If the children get frequent bites, it will hold their attention longer. Bluegills are one of the best species you can target, as they live near the shoreline and are eager to bite. A top lure for bluegills is a grub with a short stubby plastic body. Bluegill like calm or slower moving water, so look for them in backwaters of big rivers. In lakes and ponds, they tend to stay around cover like weeds or wood. When fishing with kids, your best choice is to focus on catching panfish: they are the gateway to fishing for many anglers and it’s the perfect choice as they are not very picky.
Many fishermen’s first catch is one of these species: they are widely distributed throughout both urban and rural areas. Popular fish you can target are Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed and Redbreast. Green sunfish prefer gravel and rock bottoms in calm waters. They eat insects and small minnows, so all live baits will catch them. Redbreast is the prettiest of all panfish and can be found in ponds and rivers. Use any live bait to catch redbreasts as well. Pumpkinseeds prefer clear, shallow water and can be caught with live bait or with small lures. Regardless of what you use, opt for a light line and small hooks.
Teaching your kids how to fish
Fishing requires many skills, so the first times you practice you want to avoid doing it too seriously or for too long. Children are very curious; explain how a float moves when a fish bites and how to react when this happens. Show hot to set the hook and how to grip the handle of the rod, keeping it in front of them in a 9 to 11 o’clock position. When demonstrating how to cast a fishing line, teach them how to do a sidearm cast rather than an overhead cast, because it’s a safer move for children, and remind them to check no obstacle is in the way before casting. When hooking the worm, watch your reactions: if you make handling the worm sound disgusting, kids probably will not want to touch it. If you don’t make it look as a big issue, it won’t be for them either. It’s also a good idea to practice casting and reeling in the basement or out in the backyard. Just remember to keep every lesson short and end it if you notice that the kids are losing interest.
Conclusions
It doesn’t matter if you don’t catch anything on your first fishing trip with your kids: be sure to keep it fun and they will have a good experience and build long-lasting memories. Spending time with your kids, teaching them about nature and enjoying the process all together are priceless: just get out there and try!
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