6 Must-haves for taking a child fishing
First, let me say that I am making the assumption that a person planning to take a kid fishing already has basic fishing knowledge so I'm not covering that in this post. With that as a starting point, these tips are my ideas to help make it comfortable and enjoyable for the little ones. It worked for me.
1. A 'child size' fishing pole and reel
For little kids who are just learning to fish, a kiddie pole is the best option. Particularly if they are still developing coordination. Here is an example of a recommended fishing pole for a child 6 and under. This pole is long enough for the child to develop their casting skill. You don’t want a long pole that will be a hinderance to their movement or the movement of others around the lake. Sounds pretty basic but it can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe and limiting frustration.
2. Drinking Water (preferably cold when begining your adventure)
The basis for any extended stay outdoors is hydration. The kids will need to stay hydrated particularly if it's warm outside. I recommend a child size hydration pack, like this Camel Bak, to wear on their back. It holds 1.5 liters of water which is more than enough for the kiddies. Drinking water from the camel bak is also something fun and different for the kids so getting them to drink plain water is a breeze. It also provides some storage for their own small personal items so parents don't have to carry them.
3. Snacks
The choices are many. Just keep in mind that you’ll be on the move and hands may be fishy and filthy from bait guts. So keep it simple. Nutri-Grain bars, gummy snacks or pre-sliced apples/fruit are great options. For a protein solution, cheese sticks can be kept next to your cold water in your Camel Bak. See tip 2.
4. Hammock (yes, required.)
Fishing can be slow at times and kids tend to lose focus and want to do anything else but fish. So while mom or dad stare at that float and watch for ‘signs of a big one on the line’ put the kids in hammock heaven. In my prior blog I discussed the comfort that a hammock can bring to your outdoor adventures. So setup a hammock away from the waters edge so that the kids can take a moment to kick- back and swing in the hammock, enjoy their snacks or take that welcomed nap. It even gives the adults a few moments to focus on their own fishing adventure.
5. Encouragement
It can turn competitive and sometimes there can be jealousy. That’s right, jealousy! That green-eyed monster can show up anywhere and sometimes he makes an appearance on the lake. When you have more than one child fishing and one catches a fish and the other doesn’t…. Well that’s when it’s time to give a little more encouragement and once again explain that they are ‘fishing’ but ‘catching is optional’ but it's ‘possible’ so just keep trying…Your time will come.
Just encourage them no matter what. Remember, it’s supposed to be fun!
6. Options
Try to have some options for other fun outdoor activities in case the fish never fall for your tricks and become entangled in your schemes to put them in hot oil. As an example, putting all the tips together: Hike to your fishing spot(s). This gives the kids the opportunity to see interesting things along the way. If your fishing lake has hiking trails around it, you get the added benefit of trying promising fishing holes along the way. You already have the hydration requirement covered in an easy/fun way to carry. You have fishing poles that are easy to maneuver. Snacks are available for those who get cranky when they are hungry or just need a quick energy boost. Finally, you’ve got your hammock when it’s time to kick back and enjoy their snacks or to give those little legs a rest.
Pretty simple right? More importantly it’s a seed planted or one you are already cultivating. So, take the kids fishing. The outdoors awaits!!
By the way, they caught Bass, Crappie and Sunfish. We used all the options. #Leave No Trace
