Taking Children On Their First Fishing Trip
Fishing is a perfect way to spend quality time as a family or for some one-on-one bonding between a father and son. And many girls enjoy fishing, too! What are you waiting for if you have never taken your child fishing?
Grab your fishing rod, your preferred fishing bait, and your child, and head off for a fun day of fishing. These safety tips will help to make this a great outdoor adventure.
Fishing Basics
Research ahead of time to plan a trip to a place that is understood to be well-stocked with fish or try lakes in your area if you do not want to travel far.
Remember, fish like to hang out close to rocks and logs. This is because they feel like they can hide behind these things to protect them from danger.
Using live bait offers better chances of making a catch, though it may not be your child’s first choice. If you opt not to use live bait, other choices might be salmon eggs, bread, cheese, or you can buy fishing pellets from a bait store.
Exercise plenty of patience if you take your child fishing for the first time. It is not easy at first, but they will soon learn when given time.
If you are an expert at fishing, be careful not to overload your child with every bit of information you know. He wants to have fun, experiment, and spend time with you.
Bring along a first-aid kit just in case you or your child loses a battle with the hook or receives another injury.
Fishing Equipment
Kids’ fishing equipment should be comfortable to manage. Keep the tackle simple. The less time you spend preparing the equipment, the better. Children just want to feel a fish on their line, and that is thrilling enough for them. They are not concerned about fancy gear.
Think about how often you will take your child fishing to determine how much you want to spend on equipment. If you plan to make this a regular hobby, invest in kit that will last a little longer.
If it is a one-off trip, go light.
Basically, you will need a rod and reel (fishing pole), hooks, and weights. You may also want a bobber. This will tell you when a fish is on the line.
What to Do When You Get a Catch
You have two options:
- Keep the fish.
- Throw it back into the water.
Check your local fishing laws about permits and rules determining if you can keep a fish. Laws are usually based on the fish’s size and species.
If you are keeping your fish, have a bucket or carrier filled with ice to place the fish in. This will keep them cold until you can prepare them for dinner.
If you plan to return the fish to the water, keep it in the water and gently remove the hook. You may have to revive the fish by moving it back and forth. It will eventually swim off.
Fishing Fun
Bring along your camera. You want to get pictures of your child and his catches.
Pack a picnic lunch. Bring blankets, sunscreen, and plenty to drink.
Bring games or a tablet PC to keep you occupied while waiting for a catch.
Don’t throw stones or rocks into the water because you’ll scare away the fish!
Best of all, have fun. Enjoy relaxing and spending time together.