Fishing with the Family

By Steven Wintemute

As publisher of Hooked magazine I have the opportunity to spend a lot of time on the water fishing. But the times I enjoy fishing the most is when I have my two beautiful daughters with me. Now fishing with kids is a lot of fun but it can also be a little demanding. Over the last few years I have figured a few things out to make sure the KIDS enjoy the fishing as much as I do.

Target areas with a high likelihood of success. Most kids are satisfied catching lots of smaller fish such as Perch rather than catching fewer, bigger fish such as Bass or Walleye. Catching a few fish on the first few outings will peak your child’s interest and make them look forward to the next trip.

Use live bait to increase the chance of catching a fish. Plus we all know kids love worms!

Pick a place that is easy to get to, comfortable, and safe.

Bring snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent and first aid basics. This will make your trip comfortable for everyone.

Provide them with simple tackle in working order. Nothing can be more discouraging to a child than complicated equipment or equipment that doesn’t work. Consider giving the child their own fishing outfit but make sure it is of decent quality. You don’t fish with a Scooby Doo rod do you?

Above all else, have patience. You will be un-snagging lines, baiting hooks, and landing fish for them often. On your fishing trips with youngsters, they will get dirty, fall down or even get a little wet. Hey that’s what kids do. and unfortunately some adults I have fished with.

By taking time to introduce children to fishing and trying your best to make sure it is a successful day on the water, you may end up with a fishing buddy for life.