Tips for taking your kids fishing and the best family vacations.
May 1, 2003
Do's & Don'ts
This information is based in part on the advice of Hooked on Fishing International,
an organization that has helped to introduce more than 6 million youngsters and their families to fishing.
1. Fit the tackle to the child.
Don't give the child a rod and reel that is too large for his or her hands and
too heavy to handle properly. Fish for sunfish or other panfish that are relatively easy to locate. At first, the object is to catch fish, not to catch big fish.
2. Use small, easy-to-handle baits.
Small baits such as bits of worm or PowerBait most probably will catch small fish, but that's okay. Kids crave action, and meat on the end of the hook is the shortest route to a hook-up.
3. Don't forget the camera.
Moments such as a child holding up his or her first fish are priceless and irreplaceable. Have a camera and an extra roll (or two) of film to preserve the memory.
4. Give young anglers a treat.
Take along a good supply of snacks and water or soft drinks. Carry favorite treats that the child associates with a good time. Take some wet wipes to clean up fish-slimed fingers and hands before and after snacks.
5. Hold back the bugs.
Insect repellent is almost as important as sunscreen. Nothing can ruin a trip faster for a child, and you, than an unchecked swarm of biting insects.
6. Make sure safety comes first.
State laws require that a child fishing in a boat wear a life jacket. It's also a good idea even when the youngster is fishing along the banks of a stream or pond. Use a non-bulky life preserver. It increases the child's comfort and mobility, which will make for a better day on the water.
7. Don't forget the sunscreen.
Apply a good sunscreen to the youngster's exposed areas before you leave home. Young skin is more susceptible to burning, and
the long-term risks of overexposure are well documented. Reapply
sunscreen frequently, especially if the child goes for a swim.
8. Don't exceed a child's limits.
A young angler will let you know when enough is enough. Don't overdo it. If anything, it's better to quit before the alarm bells ring. Also, plan on fishing at the most comfortable time of day, usually in the morning.
9. Give plenty of assistance.
There is no need to force a youngster to bait the hook or unhook and handle fish. If he or she is willing, terrific. If not, don't push it. Be ready to help the child by supporting his or her rod or cranking the reel handle if the fish is putting up too much fight.
10. Be prepared for boo-boos.
It's always a good idea to pack a small first-aid kit. The magical powers (to a four-year-old) of a Band-Aid can be a lifesaver should the spines of a feisty catfish
scratch your child.
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