How to Make Your Child’s First Fishing Trip The BEST Experience Ever

It’s often fun to reflect on all of your firsts — your first bike ride, your first dance recital and your first big outdoor outing with your parents. As a parent, you look forward to sharing some of those traditions and firsts with your own children.

Going fishing with your son or daughter is a family experience you’ll never forget. After all, it provides such a sensory experience — you’re putting your fingertips on the water, skipping rocks, and watching the birds and wildlife all around you. Still, fishing with kids for the first time requires some planning. Keep the following tips in mind before heading out to the pond.

Come Prepared

You’ll want to develop a simple checklist before heading out to avoid any small incidents that could hold you back from a great time. As such, make sure to get your vehicle’s oil changed, and consider replacing your tires if they look worn. You probably won’t be eating what you catch, so it’s best to pack some snacks and lunches, along with your fishing gear and equipment.

Making a checklist before you embark on a trip to remember will enable you to not be left without your tackle box, raincoat or sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring comfort items too, such as camp chairs and a cooler full of drinks for you and your child to enjoy.

Check the Weather

Miserable weather can make for a miserable experience. Before heading out for your first big day on the water, check the weather so you won’t be suffering through a thunderstorm or gusting winds. If your child has a terrible first experience on the water, it’s possible he or she might not want to return anytime soon.

Pick a day when the sun will be shining, so that everyone is comfortable and ready for a good time. The weather can also affect the fish from biting and, thus, prevent your little one from reaching his or her goal of bringing home their first catch.

Bring Worms

Taking your child fishing gives them the opportunity to get dirty and be carefree in the outdoors. Bring along some creepy crawly worms and other live bait for your child to play with and use for fishing. Even if they lack enthusiasm for the actual fishing portion of the outing, they might enjoy playing with the worms themselves. I know this may sound gross but it’s a sure-fire way to entertain boys. For girls, investing in a pink fishing pole might help.

Let them go to town on a bucket of worms and help them bait their very own reel. Keeping things interesting for your child will result in a more memorable experience for them especially since waiting around for a fish to bite can be boring.

Fishing With Kids Will Give Everyone Involved A Sense Of Pride

Fishing for a parent and child is a team effort. They will require a lot of help and guidance throughout the process. While it can be a test of patience for you, the parent, but no doubt will be a rewarding experience for both parties. If you luck out and catch a fish, give your child the chance to reel it in.

Even if they didn’t catch it themselves, they’ll feel a great sense of pride in the process. This may also aid in promoting greater self-esteem within your child and have long-lasting effects throughout their life. As a parent, you can take pride in being a teacher and mentor when the day is through. Seeing the joy in your little one’s face is totally worth it!