Let's Go Fishing!

Today is the official go fishing day! 

Whether or not you can celebrate this exact day or not, we have some pointers for going fishing with your family. 

Fishing is a great activity for many age groups, from young to old. It doesn't require much besides some willingness to try new things and patience. Surprisingly, young kids can work on patience with this though it's best to do small spurts with the younger kids than try to make them sit the entire time.

A small checklist, besides the usual fishing supplies, for your outing includes:

  • Sunscreen lotion or spray
  • Plenty of water
  • Snacks
  • A small first aid kit, bandages & antiseptic spray are the priority
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Wet wipes
  • Life vests if with children yet to swim or on a boat (any age)

Be sure to pick a location not too far away from home and with restrooms nearby. You don't want a long car ride back with cranky kids. Also, try to plan in the morning or evening as fish, and kids, are less energetic.

One thing to remember is to bring a fishing pole that your children or child can hold. A child will have some trouble focusing, and it will be harder to keep them involved if you always need to help them. They can learn how to fish independently with poles they can handle.

Young kids will need breaks from fishing and, for any age group, it's best to stay an hour or so, depending on your children's ages. Because of this, plan a few other activities besides fishing. If you're going to a lake or river with a beach, bring some beach balls or sand toys. If you're on land, spread out some blankets and have a mini scavenger hunt. If you're in a boat, have your child choose where to fish next and go to a new area every so often.

Some tips you can give your children would be to find hiding spots for the fish. This way lets them use their minds while guiding them to the best area to find fish. Try to look for shaded, shallow locations. Also, have them imagine fish as sluggish to avoid them reeling in too quickly.

Don't be afraid to get creative. Bobbers are great for beginners, but a good fisher knows it can be good to try different things while fishing. Experimenting allows you to involve your kid as well. Let them brainstorm what kind of bait they think the fish will like. This exercise lets them learn what does and doesn't work in a relatively low-stakes activity.

Finally, don't forget to take pictures! Whether or not you catch a fish, you can snapshot your children finding a fishing spot, or you can take a video of them casting. Or take pictures of you making funny faces.

Because fishing is fun, catching is a bonus.