Did you go fishing with your family as a child? One source says that 55 million people went fishing in 2020 — so tens of millions of Americans enjoy that particular activity.
If you sometimes go fishing with friends on the weekends, you know all too well the joys of driving to the fishing location, boarding the boat, sailing to the perfect spot, and catching some fish. You might enjoy the experience so much, in fact, that you want to include your kids. But you’ll need to prepare them to get the most out of the experience.
Keep reading for five tips you can use to ensure your little ones are ready for a fishing trip.
1. Take the Time to Explain Everything to Them
Explain what your kids can expect on the fishing trip. Their brains will absorb the information. It’s best not to force them to take part if they’re not interested. Fishing isn’t for everyone. But if you communicate how much fun they’ll have, your kids will look forward to a fishing trip. Give your kids a realistic overview of the fishing trip — when it’ll take place, what lake you’ll be going to, and how long the trip will last.
2. Demonstrate How to Fish Safely
Children aren’t always aware of the risks they face. In fact, they’re often risk-takers and adventure-seekers. That’s great as long as they have proper guidance. Explain the need for safety precautions. Children not only need to know the rules, but also need to know how following them will keep them safe. You’ll also want to keep an eye on them when they’re aboard the boat so they don’t get into trouble.
3. Find the Right Lake
Find a lake with a particularly healthy fish population. Do you go fishing often? If so, great. You likely already know which lakes have the most plentiful supply of fish. That will make choosing the right lake for your children’s first trip easier. Your kids will have more fun in a lake teeming with fish.
4. Bring Food and Beverages
Before heading out for a day of fishing, pack enough food and beverages. You’ll want to ensure everyone, especially your kids, are well-hydrated and well-fed. The last thing you want is a boat full of cranky children. That’ll make you want to turn the boat around and head back toward the shore. Pack healthy items. But you can also include some treats, like cookies or chocolate bars, to give your kids an energy boost.
5. Capture the Moment
Bring a camera and take many pictures when you take your kids out for their first-ever fishing trip. There’s only one first time for any event, so capture the moments. For instance, you’ll want to have pictures commemorating when your children caught their first fish. It’ll be great to look back and relive the experiences.
Are you ready to head out on the water for an afternoon of fishing with your kids? Remember the suggestions above for a great trip you’ll all remember for the right reasons. But while a day of fishing can be great, that’s not the only way to enjoy time outdoors with your kids. If your kids are young, why not take them to a playground where they can burn off energy, challenge themselves on the equipment, and enjoy themselves? Finding the right playground equipment will make for a great time.
But you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can do both. Fishing will allow you to spend more quality time with your kids. It’s the sort of experience that might grow into a habit as they enjoy many weekends over the summer months fishing on the open water.