10 Tips for Fishing with Kids

Fishing with kids is one of those childhood musts to me. It’s an experience, yes. It’s also a way to learn about habitats and animals and patience and other life skills.

I feel like I should put the disclaimer on here that I don’t even really like to fish. When I was little we used to go camping every summer for a week in Northern Wisconsin. My dad loves to fish and he would take us one or two at a time out in the middle of the lake on a canoe and teach us to fish.

Now there is a lot about fishing that is really not for me;

I do not enjoy putting worms on a hook.

I am not a particularly patient person so waiting for a fish to decide to swim along isn’t what I would describe as fun.

And I absolutely refused to touch a fish once they were caught for my entire childhood.

BUT I loved fishing with my dad. I loved getting one on one time with him. I loved sitting in the middle of the calm lake (bonus there were far fewer mosquitoes out there!) and I loved the thrill of catching a fish which despite my impatience and lack of general enthusiasm for the fish once it got inside the boat, I am actually decent at doing.

It wasn’t until I had my own kids that I realized I thought this was an important thing for children to learn. I also hadn’t realized how tricky it might be to explain to another person.

So here is what I’ve learned about fishing with little kids:

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10 Tips for Fishing with Kids
from a Non-Expert Fisherperson

1. If at all possible, become knowledgeable about the local fishing OR find someone who is and is willing to go with you.

You will be far more success at actually catching fish if you know where to go and what fish you are trying to catch. How you fish, what bait you use, etc all varies depending on this information.

If you don’t happen to have someone in your life who loves to fish, then I recommend starting with the fisherman working at your local bait shop for getting this information.

2. Be prepared to model patience.

A large part of fishing is patience. For those of you naturally blessed with the gift of patience this will not be a big deal. But for impatient people like me and pretty much every child ever, fishing is an excellent time to practice and develop the great skill of waiting.

Be prepared to take deep breaths and come up with things to talk about while you wait for fish to notice your bait.

3. Get child sized gear and bring extras of everything.

Having child sized gear is important for your kids to be successful at managing their fishing pole. You can purchase a child fishing pole (like this one) for a reasonable cost online or at a sporting goods store. Please avoid the super cheap ones with characters on them. These are not very sturdy and will only cause frustration.

Tackle boxes are fun. My kids are pretty obsessed with theirs and the variety of bait that came included. That being said, although everyone NEEDS their own pole when fishing, you can share a tackle box between several people.

It will not come to the surprise of most parents to learn that children break things. Fishing gear is no exception.

Kids will tangle their lines. They will lose their hooks and their bait. They will lose and break a ridiculous number of everything so make sure you have extras otherwise your fishing expedition will be brief.

4. Also pack bug spray, layers for you and the kids, wear waterproof shoes if possible, bring a hat and sunscreen.

Lakes, ponds, streams aka the type of places you typically fish are usually buggy, always wet, and often in the direct sunshine.

Dress for the weather and have a spare set of clothes with you or in the car.

5. Try different fishing spots.

Although it is important to be patient, it is also okay to try different spots. Row to a different part of the lake. Try the other side of the pier. Move up or down a little along the shore.

6. Get over your disgust or fear of touching slimey things.

This will be a non-issue for many of you, but it is something I had to get over once I had kids. My dad kindly handled much of the slimey things when he taught me to fish and oddly enough my children seem to think I’ll do the same for them.

While I’m actively trying to teach my kids to be both patient and less squirmy around wiggly creatures, they still need help when we’re fishing. I have to show them how to put on a worm or take off a fish. When they swing the fish around to proudly show me their catch I need to not squeal.

7. Bring a camera or something to document their fishing triumphs!

(and maybe something to wipe your hands off with before you grab that camera!)

8. Make sure you know the regulations on where you can fish and what you can keep.

This is similar to your knowledge about where to go and what you’re fishing, but it’s important to know that there are laws and regulations around fishing. Adults often need permits to catch and keep anything. There are also guidelines in most places about how many you can keep and how big they need to be. Look this all up before you go!

9. Be ready to celebrate their victories and deal with their frustrations.

One of the things that I love about fishing for kids is that in our world of immediate gratification you can almost guarantee that fishing will be an exercise in dealing with frustration. I think it is important for kids to have to work for something and deal with those emotions, especially when they can do that with an adult there to talk to them about it and support them through those big feelings.

And the victories? That’s the easy part. I mean look at the look on her face. This is the biggest fish she had ever caught and she could not have been more proud or excited.

These are the moments that make it completely worthwhile.

10. Extend the fun at home with learning and games.

If your kids get really into fishing, then make sure to extend that learning and excitement at home.

Here are some extension ideas:

• Ideas for Learning About Fish with Kids
• Visit an Aquarium or go on another related field trip.
• Classic Rotating Fishing Game
• Magnetic Fishing Literacy Game for Preschoolers and Kindergarten
• Play Go Fish
• Learn about Knot Tying
• Read Children’s Books about Fishing such as H is for Hook, The Three Little Bass and the Big Bad Gar, and Fish: A Picture Book.
• Extend your unit or learning to all Ocean Animals if your kids seem interested.

What are your favorite fishing memories? Or your top tips that I missed? Add them in the comments below!