Kids Fishing - Checklist & Tips

By Vinnie & Cassie

It is one thing to plan a fishing trip when it's a solo mission. Then there's the added logistical challenge of taking a few mates or the missus, however the ultimate fishing trip challenge would have to be... taking the kids. Having them tag along is part of the fun, however there is always the challenges of how do you keep them interested, happy and ensure that it's a great experience for everyone? Here's some of my best tips, a survival guide if you must, on getting the kids into fishing and ensuring it's a positive day for all.

1. Plan, make a list and then plan again.

There's nothing worse than rocking up to a spot and realising that you've forgotten a vital piece of equipment. Items like sunscreen and insect repellent can make or break the entire mission. Although most things on the list won't actually be fishing gear, it all adds up to making the whole day enjoyable.

Even though you've probably been doing this for years, it's not always easy to coordinate the troops. Lists also allow the older kids (with reading skills) to be able to help, while also giving them some responsibility over the packing. Allowing some responsibility in the process gives children a sense that it is 'their' trip, not just a passive experience that they are being dragged along to. Of course, all families will have their own creature comforts, however this basic list will keep you out of trouble for the most part.

Our packing list includes:

• Long sleeve sun-safe fishing shirt
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Suitable footwear
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Snacks/lunch
• Water
• Wet wipes
• Shelter (bimini, gazebo)
• Gear and tackle
• First aid kit

2. Patience

First of all, this is a survival tip for anyone who lives of works with children. It is the decider between a good day's fishing and a bad one. There are many new skills that may have to be acquired when learning to fish and patience and practice were things that we all needed to have when picking up a rod and reel.

It's our job to instil a positive attitude and mindset for children. It may be hard to remember back to when we were first learning, however taking the time to explain things, demonstrate and then to hand over control to allow kids to try is of the utmost importance. This stuff doesn't come bottled, so if you can feel your patience waning, you may need to adjust your expectations for the sake of keeping the mood light and fun.

3. Think about how you're going to teach/demonstrate.

Before you go, think about how you're going to teach each skill, such as the basics; casting, tying knots, 'baiting' hooks (including plastics etc.) and don't forget the common safety features. In the most part, children are great at learning, however sometimes you will have to explicitly state that it is 'not wise to cast over your sister's head' or that 'rod tips can be weapons'.

Casting (different styles - spin, baitcast, fly)

Start off with spin gear as it is the easiest way for them to get a feel for casting. Once they're confident with that then you can progress them to baitcast or fly.

Knots

The uni knot is a great knot for beginners and is an easy tie for even small fingers. It can be used in a range of different applications from joining lines to joining leader to braid and tying on lures or hooks.

Retrieve Techniques

Start with straight retrieve style lures, for example, paddle tail plastics, curl tails and jig spinners/spinnerbaits. These styles of lures require minimal rod action to impart an action on the lure, and can be worked effectively by just casting and retrieving them.

Beginner Species

Try and target species that eagerly take lures. We are fortunate up here in NQ to have sooty grunter, which readily attack any lure that moves. The areas that we catch them in also offer distractions when the fish aren't biting, like swimming, should the kids get bored.

Handling Fish

This is a prime opportunity to teach kids the importance of catch and release techniques. It is essential to teach the young ones how to take care of their catch for healthy release. Explaining different hazards on different species, bag and size limits, non-take species and also correct handling and weight support is important. Even if you just start with simple things like; always handling fish with wet hands, and using Boga grips (lip grips) on particularly toothy fish.

4. Safety

It goes without saying, however it is essential that all family members remain safe when engaging in water activities. Whether you are boating or land based, always have a plan in place for how you are going to minimise hazards. Ensure that children always have the correct PFD on when boating and that smaller children have 1:1 attention from an adult caregiver.

Keep tackle stowed away and out of reach of small fingers, making sure no hooks are unnecessarily exposed or left on the ground. Protection from environmental hazards include sun exposure, insect bites, stings and other harmful animals. Familiarise yourself with first aid procedures and it might be helpful at first to make a habit of flattening the barbs on hooks, just in case. If not boating a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is a valuable asset to take with you, in addition to a well-stocked first aid kit.

5. Finally, make it fun.

Make the day about the kids and endeavour to get them to catch fish. When we take our kids fishing, we are rarely doing much of the fishing ourselves. It may not be about getting the biggest species, instead focus on quantity over quality. We hope that the early memories of fun in the outdoors will give them the passion for a lifetime of fishing trips to come.