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Whether planning an overnight fishing trip or one that will take you away from home for a week or two, teaching your kids to fish during the getaway is a great way to turn that family oriented time into a fun, memory filled vacation.
To keep the kids interested in fishing for a vacation lasting longer than a day or two, plan to include other side trips that they will enjoy. Whether camping right at the fishing location or driving there for the day, consider a hike around the area. Bring with a pair of binoculars and see if you can spot an eagle. If camping, include a campfire during the evening to share some fish stories of your own, or tell a few new ones, like how Junior out-fished you the first day out!
Gear
Depending on the length of your stay, pack appropriate gear, including extra poles and line. This way, if a pole breaks or lines become extremely tangled, there will still be a pole available for inpatient youngsters.
Children will appreciate having their own tackle box with gear. It will help teach them to take proper care of their equipment and give them a sense of pride that you feel they are old enough for their very own. This is true for even the youngest anglers. Allow them to help you choose the tackle, and take the time to explain about the lures, baits, hooks, and other gear.
Baiting the Hook
Each child, if they are old enough, should be given the chance to learn to bait their own hook. Tell them what the bait is, and why you are using that particular bait. If they absolutely refuse to touch the bait, do it for them. Some old-timers insist on making kids bait their own hooks or not letting them fish. I say give them a chance, and if they do not want to do it, offer them the chance the next time you go. Most likely after they get the hang of the fishing itself, they will start baiting the hooks so they do not have to wait for someone to do it for them.
Choosing a Spot
Once you have assembled all the necessities, head to an area that you know will have calm waters and easy access. If you know of a spot that the fish are biting well, start there. Kids will be less likely to lose interest if they feel as if they are accomplishing something.
Patience
Be patient. While you may be concentrating on fishing, kids may grow bored quickly. Water means temptation for splashing, skipping rocks, etc. The best way to deal with this is to set down your pole and join the kids in whatever they are doing. Learning to skip rocks is as important as learning to cast when you are a kid. By keeping the tempo light and making having fun a priority; they will be more inclined to want to learn to fish for real.
The Serious Child
Some children take learning to fish seriously from the start. They want to learn what lures or flies work best. They want to know why a cast may land in one spot perfectly and the next does not. They handle their pole like an extension of their arm from the first time they pick it up. If you are as serious about fishing, take advantage of their wanting to learn and be as detailed in your teaching as you can be.
Boating
If you will be using a boat during the fishing trip, be sure to have all safety gear before hand and make sure that life preservers are properly fitted to the children. This is important for all ages, but especially for the youngest. Too often large gear is used and with any safety equipment, this is not acceptable.
Snacks
Energized kids are better learners. Allow children to bring with a fanny pack or backpack for them to carry a snack and water or juice. This will keep them from whining about thirst and hunger just when the fishing is starting.
Camera
Make sure to bring along a camera to capture your kids as they reel in their first fish, and if the day winds up with more tangled lines than fish, snap a few pictures as they are casting or baiting their hooks.
By sharing your love of fishing with your child, you will have created your very own fishing buddy for a lifetime!
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