Tips for Taking Your Child Fishing

Just a Few Hints

By Capt. Wayne Michie

There is nothing more boring for a small kid than watching dad watching a trolled fishing rod for hours on end. You see he wasn’t there 15 years ago when you caught your 40lb. spring salmon trolling this area on "that" day.

Try taking a small spinning rod along and stopping near a sandy area where the young angler has a chance to catch a sole or even a bullhead to tell mom about. Pretty exiting stuff when you’re only ten. Take a crab trap along, let him or her help you bait it and put in just the right place so you have something to look forward to on the way home.

More times than I care to remember I have had guests on a fishing charter with me when dad and Uncle Ron try to get a young angler to hold up a still squirming fish or crab or whatever for a picture when the poor kid is doing his or her best not to scream in terror.

When you take a kid along make it fun for them and they will surprise you for years to come with the small things they pick up about the joy of spending a day fishing with us old guys.

Some Helpful Reminders

From Gibbs / Nortac

It's Fun: You’re there to relax and enjoy some time outdoors with your child. Don’t worry about fishing techniques, if the fish are biting, or what size of fish you’re catching. Kids love fishing off a dock as they can see the fish. Hours and hours of trolling are a no-no. Kids can have a great time with a stick and a piece of line with a hook. They don’t need the latest super-super rod and reel combo. Those are for Moms and Dads!

Take Photos: So that kids can show their family and friends what they accomplished.

Be Safe: Show your child how to act in a safe manner around the water. Wear lifejackets and whistles and explain to your child what to do if they fall in the water or get into some trouble.

It's Easy: Don’t make fishing too hard for kids – they’ll get frustrated. Keep it as simple as possible, and let them have fun.

Touching the Fish: Don’t make a child touch or handle the fish if they don’t want to. They may be more comfortable watching you handle the fish the first couple of times. Eventually, they will probably want to handle the fish, and they’ll learn by watching you.

To Release or Not to Release: Ask your child if they want to keep their fish (If it’s legal) if you do release the fish, show the kids how to properly release a fish.

Don't Forget: Protect them from the Sun, use a hat and good sunscreen. Sunburns don’t make for happy memories.