Fishing is a very relaxing and enjoyable activity for most adults. However, unless you go about it the right way, your kids won’t think the same. All it takes is some tangled lines and a little discomfort to ruin their first experience and make them unwilling to repeat it.
Still, what can you do so that your kids enjoy their fishing trip? We’ll give you a few tips and tricks you can follow to make it a fun day for you and them.
5 Tips for Parents When Fishing With Kids for the First Time
1. Take It Easy
It’s important to remember that children may not be very patient. They can quickly lose interest in whatever they’re doing, and you certainly can’t expect them to be good at fishing, especially the first few times.
So, try to make your fishing trip less about the fishing and more about enjoying your time together outdoors. Don’t make the success of your trip depend on whether you’ll catch something or not. Instead, your goal should be to make the trip fun and memorable.
Also, have realistic expectations. Don’t expect your children to sit idly for more than two hours at a time. Once they get bored, they’ll dislike the whole experience and won’t want to come again. And if they’re struggling with understanding or doing something, don’t get frustrated with them and explain things slowly till they get the hang of it.
2. Maximize Kids’ Comfort
For your children to enjoy fishing, it has to be a pleasant experience. Since harsh conditions can turn the most exciting activities into a miserable ordeal, you have to make your trip as comfortable as possible.
To illustrate, you can do that by choosing a day with good weather. When it gets too hot, cold, wet, or windy, any person will want to ditch the trip, be it a kid or an adult. So, plan your trip when the weather is just right, and pack some extra clothing layers, blankets, and raincoats in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Furthermore, try to go out closer to the evening when the sun isn’t too intense. That way, your kids won’t get tired quickly under the harsh sun, and they’ll be more entertained, as the fish are more likely to bite at this time.
Finally, remember to bring some cozy chairs to make the wait bearable and bug spray to ward away any annoying insects. Furthermore, sunscreen is another must to avoid getting burnt under the sun.
3. Go Step by Step
Understand that you don’t have to teach your children all there is to know about fishing in a trip or two. Hurling too much information at a child will be pretty overwhelming, so it’s essential to take it one step at a time.
To illustrate, the best way for your children to learn is to have them do everything themselves after they’ve seen you do it. So, start by taking them with you to the fishing shop and having them pick the tackle box and lure they like, provided that they’re appropriate, of course. And if they aren’t, teach them why that is and what would be a better option.
Then, once you’ve reached your spot, you can teach your kids to put their rods together and put the baits on the hooks. Explain which bait is the best for each fish and which one suits the fish in your chosen spot. Nevertheless, don’t make your kids lose interest in the activity by making it too educational or complicated.
Similarly, try to pick fishing gear that’s light and easy to use for a child. For example, a simple cane pole or spincast reel will be perfect, as it’ll reduce the possibility of the hooks getting caught up or the line becoming tangled when casting the rod.
In addition, remember to aim for smaller fish in the beginning until your child gains more experience. As they say, practice makes perfect, so you can start going for the bigger, more impressive catches with time.
4. Have Extra Fun
Sometimes, you just aren’t lucky, and the fish won’t bite no matter what you do. Unfortunately, that means you’ll be staying still doing nothing for a long while. When that happens, it’s good to take a break and put a backup plan in action to help pass the time until a fish bites on your bait.
To give you an example, you can have a treasure hunt or explore your surroundings with your child. If you’ve got more than one child, you can make them play games with each other. You can also have them compete at skipping rocks and telling stories to make the trip more exciting for them.
5. Don’t Forget Snack Time
Never underestimate the importance of good food and drinks on a fishing trip, especially when it comes to children. Children get really cranky when they’re hungry, and if they’re also bored, you’re in some deep trouble.
So, don’t forget to pack your kid’s favorite sweets, snacks, and beverages. And if the circumstances allow it, have a full-fledged picnic.
Conclusion
All in all, if your children are about to have their first-ever fishing adventure, it’s best to go slow and take it easy. Don’t make the trip last too long, and fill it with other fun games and activities.
Moreover, remember to choose a spot that doesn’t pose any danger to your children and educate them on proper fish care to prevent any bad experiences. And if you take our tips to heart, you’ll surely be on the right track to a great fishing adventure!