Fishing With Kids
Fishing is a time-honored tradition, pastime, and profession, and it’s never too early to learn to love it! But taking your kids on a fishing trip presents some unique challenges. Luckily, we here at The Harbor know a thing or two about fishing, so we’ve put together some tips to make the most of your family trip. If you want to know more, or you’re looking for a fishing boat to try this with, contact our store in Branson, Missouri, today!
Preparation
Like any trip, a fishing trip requires some preparation, both in terms of expectations and supplies. First, make sure your child knows what a fishing trip will look like—mainly, that there’s some waiting time between bites, if there are any bites at all. Just make sure they know that down time will be filled with something, even if it’s just a planned quiet time.
You’ll also need the right supplies to make the most of your trip, including but not limited to:
- Life jackets for everyone
- Kid-friendly snacks
- Plenty of drinking water
- A first aid kit
- Hats and/or sunglasses and sunscreen
The Trip Itself
As fun as the outing might be, remember that your child isn’t used to long stints of little stimulation. Keep the trip to around two hours to ensure you make plenty of memories without boring or overwhelming the kid. Younger children will also need breaks from the “action” to explore and have fun. Encourage that, while of course making sure they stay within sight. You can even make a game of it and tell them to bring you an interesting rock or two.
On a similar vein, aim for easier-to-catch fish. That means fish that are plentiful, relatively small and light, and easy to bring in. If you find fish that are actively eating, that will make it easier for you both to lure them in.
Correct Fish Treatment
Especially for children under the age of 12, you’ll want to release any fish you’re letting go for them. Talk them through the process and explain the importance of being gentle with the fish. Older kids may be able to release the fish on their own, but help them out the first few times to ensure they don’t drop or throw the fish. It’s your responsibility to make sure the fish is well taken care of until the child knows how to handle that on their own!
We hope these tips help you and your kids make the most of their fishing experience! If you have any questions, or you’d like to browse our inventory of fishing boats for sale, contact us at The Harbor. We proudly serve the people of Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri—let us serve you today!