Top Tips For Fishing With Kids

Getting kids hooked on fishing can be a rewarding experience, combining fun and learning in the great outdoors. In this blog, we'll explore our top tips for fishing with kids, covering everything from essential clothing and accessories they'll need to the right fishing gear that suits young anglers. We'll also include tips such as emphasising the importance of planning ahead and highlighting your role as a teacher - which means you might find yourself spending more time guiding than fishing. Additionally, we'll discuss how to plan your trip effectively to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Let's dive in and make your fishing adventure memorable!

Quick Links:

• Get Comfortable Kids Fishing Clothing
• Make Sure They Have The Right Fishing Rod
• Best Tips When Fishing With Kids

Get Comfortable Kids Fishing Clothing

Before you can set out on your fun fishing trip with the kids, you will first want to make sure that they are all set for the following:

Kid's Fishing Shirts For Functionality And Protection

When planning a fishing trip with kids, choosing the right kid's fishing shirt is essential for comfort and protection. Vented shirts are ideal for long outings under the sun, featuring strategically placed vents that enhance breathability, keeping young anglers cool and comfortable. Additionally, kid's long-sleeve shirts offer vital sun protection, shielding their arms from harmful UV rays and reducing the risk of sunburn. These functional designs not only ensure safety but also allow for greater freedom of movement, making fishing more enjoyable for kids (and you!).

Kid's Fishing Pants To Stay Dry and Breathable

When it comes to kid's clothing when fishing, having the right pants for kids is crucial when planning a fishing trip, as long pants provide essential protection from the sun during long days on the water. Kid's long pants will shield their legs from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and ensuring comfort - especially when fishing in Australia. It's also vital that the material is breathable and comfortable to keep them cool and allow for freedom of movement. Look for pants made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon or polyester, which dry quickly and resist water. Cotton blends can also offer comfort, but prioritise quick-drying options for outdoor trips like fishing.

Kid's Sun Hats For Sun Safety

Ensuring your child has a hat while fishing is essential for sun protection, especially in Australia, where UV rays can be particularly intense. A brimmed hat offers comprehensive coverage for their face, neck, ears and nose, preventing painful sunburn and reducing the risk of skin damage. This protection is crucial during long hours spent under the sun, where kids may not realise they are getting burned. Additionally, a well-designed hat with breathable fabric keeps them cool and comfortable, allowing them to focus on the fun of fishing. Investing in a quality hat and other kid's clothing accessories ensures a safer, more enjoyable outdoor experience for your kids.

Sunscreen For Defending UV Rays and Protecting Delicate Kids Skin

You can't go on a fishing trip with your kids without sunscreen - which is an absolute must for protecting their skin from Australia's harsh sun. The recommended SPF for kids is at least 30+, providing maximum defence against harmful UV rays. This high protection is crucial during long days on the water, where reflections intensify sun exposure. Make sure to choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours. Don't risk sunburn ruining the adventure - pack sunscreen to keep your kids safe, comfortable and ready for a great day fishing!

Insect Protection To Keep Bugs at Bay

Insect protection is a must when planning a fishing trip with kids, as nothing ruins the fun faster than being swarmed by bugs. Stocking up on insect repellent ensures your little anglers stay comfortable and focused on fishing. Depending on where you fish, different insects can be a nuisance - swampy areas with still water are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, making it essential to be prepared. Bringing insect repellent not only keeps nasty bites at bay but also helps prevent itching and potential diseases. Don't let bugs spoil your family adventure! Pack quality insect protection for a worry-free fishing trip with your kids.

Make Sure Kids Have The Right Fishing Rod and Gear

Choosing the right fishing rod is key to ensuring your kids have a fun and successful fishing trip. A kid-friendly fishing rod makes it easier for them to handle, boosting their confidence and enjoyment. The main factors you'll want to consider are length, weight and grip. A shorter, lightweight rod is easier for little hands to manage, while a comfortable grip ensures better control. Look for kid's fishing rods that are made from durable materials to handle a child's learning curve. A well-chosen fishing rod for your little ones will make the fishing trip more accessible to them, giving them the best chance of catching fish and creating lasting memories on the water - and less complaining!

Best Tips When Fishing With Kids

To help you make the most out of your fishing trip with the little ones, here are our top tips that will ensure it all goes off without a hitch:

Make A Plan First

Planning ahead is one of the best tips for a smooth fishing trip with kids, ensuring a fun and hassle-free experience. Start by picking your fishing spot ahead of time, including any backup locations in case you encounter unexpected hiccups, such as crowds or closures. This way, you'll avoid frustration and keep the adventure on track. Checking the weather forecast is crucial to eliminate nasty surprises and helps you prepare the right fishing gear and clothing, ensuring everyone stays comfortable, dry and safe.

Next, create a checklist of essentials, so nothing is forgotten. Pack plenty of food and drinks to keep your little anglers energised and hydrated throughout the day. Include healthy snacks and a few treats to maintain excitement. And make sure you have enough fishing hooks, fishing line and bait, and even a small tackle box for quick fixes.

Having a well-thought-out plan lets you focus on teaching your kids the joys of fishing rather than scrambling for missing items or dealing with unexpected issues. It's the difference between a memorable outdoor adventure and a day full of stress. Preparation is key to making sure your fishing trip with the kids is one to remember!

Safety First Around Water

Safety gear is essential when fishing with kids to ensure a worry-free adventure. If you're fishing from a boat, always have a life vest or PFD (Personal Flotation Device) for each child - it's non-negotiable for keeping them safe around water. Additionally, pack a well-stocked first aid kit to handle any minor scrapes, cuts or insect bites that can happen during outdoor activities. Being prepared with safety gear means you can focus on the fun while having peace of mind. Prioritise safety and create unforgettable fishing memories with your little anglers!

Be A Teacher - Not An Angler

Remember that with rebaiting their hooks for them, checking their lines and always keeping an eye on them, you won't be doing much fishing, so understand that you're going to play the role of a teacher; not an angler. Be patient, understanding and encouraging. Some key areas they'll need guidance are:

Correctly handling fish

A fishing trip with the kids is the perfect opportunity to teach them how to handle fish responsibly. Learning proper catch and release techniques, like wetting hands before touching the fish, supporting its weight and avoiding contact with gills, ensures fish are safely returned to the water. It's important to explain bag and size limits, so they understand sustainable fishing and why certain species are non-take. Discuss potential hazards like sharp fins or spines on different fish, teaching them safe handling. By passing on these skills, you're nurturing respect for nature and helping raise responsible anglers for future fishing adventures.

Correctly casting

Teaching your kids the correct casting styles is crucial for developing their fishing skills and boosting their confidence. Start with spin casting - it's simple, using a push-button reel that's perfect for beginners. Once they master this, you can introduce baitcasting, which offers better accuracy but requires more control, and fly casting, a technique that uses a weighted line for catching fish in rivers or streams. Progressing through these casting styles helps them adapt to different fishing environments. By building a strong foundation in casting, your kids will enjoy a more rewarding fishing experience and be eager to take on new challenges.

Correctly tying fishing knots

Teaching kids how to tie different knots is essential for building their fishing skills and independence. Start with the uni knot - it's easy to learn and versatile, making it perfect for beginners. The uni knot securely attaches the fishing line to hooks or lures, giving kids confidence in their setup. As they progress, they can learn more advanced knots for tying on hooks and lures. Mastering knot-tying not only improves their fishing experience but also fosters patience and problem-solving skills for your little ones.

Correctly reeling in

Teaching kids the right way to reel in a fish is key to helping them land their catch successfully. This includes showing them how to keep the rod tip up while smoothly reeling in and how to maintain steady tension on the line. Also encourage them to avoid rushing, as this prevents the fish from breaking free. Start by practising with smaller fish so they gain confidence and learn to manage the rod and reel together. By mastering this technique, your kids will feel the thrill of catching fish on their own, making the fishing trip more rewarding and fun.

Remember to have patience

Patience is essential when fishing with kids, as their short attention spans can make waiting for a bite challenging. They might get restless or frustrated if fish aren't biting, so staying calm and encouraging is key. Consider planning a shorter fishing trip to match their energy levels and keep it fun. By being patient and understanding, you create a positive experience, making fishing more enjoyable and helping them develop a love for the sport. A little patience goes a long way!

Make Sure Kids Have The Right Fishing Rod and Gear

Choosing the right fishing rod is key to ensuring your kids have a fun and successful fishing trip. A kid-friendly fishing rod makes it easier for them to handle, boosting their confidence and enjoyment. The main factors you'll want to consider are length, weight and grip. A shorter, lightweight rod is easier for little hands to manage, while a comfortable grip ensures better control. Look for kid's fishing rods that are made from durable materials to handle a child's learning curve. A well-chosen fishing rod for your little ones will make the fishing trip more accessible to them, giving them the best chance of catching fish and creating lasting memories on the water - and less complaining!

Best Tips When Fishing With Kids

To help you make the most out of your fishing trip with the little ones, here are our top tips that will ensure it all goes off without a hitch:

Make A Plan First

Planning ahead is one of the best tips for a smooth fishing trip with kids, ensuring a fun and hassle-free experience. Start by picking your fishing spot ahead of time, including any backup locations in case you encounter unexpected hiccups, such as crowds or closures. This way, you'll avoid frustration and keep the adventure on track. Checking the weather forecast is crucial to eliminate nasty surprises and helps you prepare the right fishing gear and clothing, ensuring everyone stays comfortable, dry and safe.

Next, create a checklist of essentials, so nothing is forgotten. Pack plenty of food and drinks to keep your little anglers energised and hydrated throughout the day. Include healthy snacks and a few treats to maintain excitement. And make sure you have enough fishing hooks, fishing line and bait, and even a small tackle box for quick fixes.

Having a well-thought-out plan lets you focus on teaching your kids the joys of fishing rather than scrambling for missing items or dealing with unexpected issues. It's the difference between a memorable outdoor adventure and a day full of stress. Preparation is key to making sure your fishing trip with the kids is one to remember!