Did you know that, according to this survey, 91 percent of fishing of current fishing participants started the sport in their early childhood?
With decreased participation in the sport over the last few years, you might find that fishing with kids is actually important to its survival. Not only that, but a day on the water is something everyone can enjoy — no matter their age. How can you get everyone involved, though?
Luckily, we’re here to help. Read on to learn everything you need to take the kids fishing for the first time.
Keep It Brief
If your children are young, it’s best to keep things brief during the day. An all-day fishing trip might be out of the question depending on their attention span, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of a sunny Saturday morning.
Also, if you know of a nearby lake or stream with a lot of fish, then you should start there. Kids aren’t going to necessarily care about getting the biggest catch right away, they’re going to be happy with simply catching something.
Stay Equipped
Next, you’re going to need to get your equipment. The best starter reel for a child is a simple push-button spin-cast that doesn’t require a lot of fuss. The rod itself shouldn’t be taller than them, and the line should be cast with an 8-pound monofilament.
With bait, artificial ones might be best since they don’t have to be rebaited, but live bait can sometimes be better. If you’re out on a certain day and the fish aren’t biting, then you should with live bait.
Get Licensed
Next, you’re going to need to get licensed.
You can visit freedomboatclub.com to learn more about getting your fishing license in Florida, but it’s important to remember that your children don’t need one until they’re 16.
Remember the Essentials
We’ve gone over the basics of what you need to fish, but that isn’t all your kids require.
If you’re going out on a boat, they’re likely to need a life jacket, and they’re definitely going to need sun protection. A reef-safe sunscreen is a minimum, but you can also opt for hats and even sun shirts with added SPF for extra protection. You should also bring along bug spray and a first-aid kit (just in case).
You should also bring along a camera to document your trips together. Whether you take the photos or they do, it’ll be a great way to remember the moments.
Ready to Start Fishing With Kids?
Now that we’ve gone over a few of the best basics, are you ready to go fishing with the kids? Whether it’s the first time for you both or you’re hoping to carry on a family tradition, these tips are sure to help fishing with your children remain a breeze from the beginning to the very end.
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