Getting Started Fishing
So, you want to your son and daughter to take your son or daughter fishing. It's supposed to be fun, but too easily a day fishing with a child can go sour. To help make it a memorable day for everyone, Idaho Fish and Game offers some simple suggestions for parents to keep in mind when they take their child fishing.
Buy a license
While both resident and nonresident children under the age of 14 can fish for free, nonresident children must be accompanied by a licensed adult. Licenses are available at license vendors, Fish and Game offices, by phone at 1-(800) 554-8685 or 1-(800) 824-3729 or online.
Don't Wait
Some parents think a child needs to be twelve or older to take them fishing. Actually you can start by taking babies for short walks outside along the lakeshore or on a dock. Feeling and sensing the outdoors is a great first step to create a love of the outdoors. Even at an early age, children are fascinated with animals. So show the child nearby songbirds, minnows, tadpoles and even insects.
Give a Child a Child-size Rod and Reel
The right size rod can be a big factor is whether a child has fun fishing. There are many affordable ($12-$15) children's rod and reel combos on the market. Zebco makes combos to fit the smallest of children with Snoopy and Donald Duck outfits, just to name a few. As kids grow, they can get Johnny Quest or Spiderman and right on up the line. You can even get a tackle box full of tiny hooks, sinkers and bobbers.
Avoid Hard to Catch Species
Fishing isn't all about catching fish. But, nothing is more discouraging to a young angler than not catching any fish. To avoid this, take kids to ponds with easy-to-catch species like bluegill, crappie or hatchery trout. These fish are plentiful in most ponds, lakes and reservoirs, especially waters designated as Family Fishing Waters.
Be Patient
Set up a special time to take a child fishing and then devote every minute of it to make sure they are having fun. Be positive. Offer encouragement for the smallest successes. And when they make a mistake, remember when you were in that same situation and how it felt.
Take Pictures - Plenty of Them
Pictures can bring a moment back to life. When you're fishing with youngsters there are dozens of memories to capture and remember. Get close-ups of a child who's got giggles or even the one who's crying because the family dog ate his cookie when he wasn't looking. When your back home, pull them out and look at them with your child. You might just hear the questions, "Can we go fishing again?!"
Food
Children's attention spans are short. They are even shorter if they are thirsty or hungry. Always make sure you have snacks and drinks on hand for them to munch on during the day.
Don't Misinterpret Success
So what if you had a flat on the way to the lake, or dropped your tackle box and spilled all the contents, or your toddler fell in the mud puddle? If you spend the day together and had even one moment of laughter you had a successful day. Judge the success of the day by memories you make, not by how many fish are caught.
Take Breaks - Go for a Hike
Few kids can fish all day long. When your child gets bored take a break. Go for a hike, play in the sand, or catch minnows. For mixed ages, bring snacks and toys to occupy younger children for when they become restless. The key is to just have fun outdoors.
Avoid Staying Too Long
Kids wear out fast. Make a trip last about an hour per year of age. Another important tip is leave before they ask to. When you leave them wanting more and they'll soon be begging to go again.
Don't Forget Safety
Life vests, sunscreen, mosquito repellants and sting kits are also fishing gear when it comes to kids. Remember to use a life vest that fits snuggly, as a loose jacket will come up over a child's head. Idaho law requires all children fourteen and under to wear an approved life jacket when in a boat 19 feet or less when the boat is underway or under power. This law applies to all boats, including canoes, kayaks, rafts and float tubes.