Beginners Guide to Fishing with Kids

Over the past year my family has really developed a love for fishing. It’s a fun family activity and the kids get to learn about aquatic life while we’re at it. About a month ago I bought my kiddos new fishing rods, and our trip to Pensacola Beach was the perfect time to use them. From our previous experiences fishing, I compiled this list of essentials that you will find useful if your family is new to fishing. We’ve gone out enough times without these items to know they are needed for a successful catch.

Timing – The best days and time to fish have a lot to do with our sun, moon, tides, and weather. If you are just fishing for recreation, and want to make sure you catch something that day, it’s best to fish early morning, or an hour or so before the sun goes down.  

Fishing Rods – Those fishing rods for kids sold in stores are very cute. However I warn against buying them. They are more for novelty and don’t really serve a purpose. Most children will do just fine with a regular size fishing rod. If you’re unsure about which rods to purchase, head to a tackle or sporting goods store and express your needs. They should point you in the right direction. 

Bait – If you are squeamish, you may not want to deal with live bait. But…..guess what?! Fish are very small and know the difference. Most fish have no concern for those cute sparkly, fake jelly worms. They want to eat, and if you want to catch fish you are going to have to use what they like to eat. Worms are great bait, and surprisingly fish like to eat other fish. Who knew?! 

Pliers – Once you’ve successful caught a fish, you’ll have to remove the hook. Using pliers is the easiest way to do this. We like catch and release fishing, so a pair of pliers come in handy to easily remove the hook without doing much damage to the fish. 

Utility Gloves – Fish are very slimy and slippery. Some even have spikes that can harm you if you aren’t careful. Utility gloves are helpful when you grip the fish to pull the hook out. Otherwise they were slip right through your fingers. 

Fishing Net – Using a fishing net is an easy way to scoop up fish, but it may be useful when you don’t want to harm sea life. While we were fishing on the Pensacola Bay, a sea turtle got caught in a hook. We were able to scoop him up in a net, safely remove the hook, and then re-release him in the ocean. 

 Bucket – If you want to take your fish home, you’ll need a bucket to transport them in. a bucket with a lid, and a little bit of water works just fine until you are able to get your catch on ice. 

Fishing can also be a great learning experience. We caught this blow fish, and of course my entomologist was more than happy to hold him and further inspect before he was thrown back into the ocean. 

Here in Georgia, we can pretty much fish year round. Fall is a great time to plan a fishing trip, or even a day at your local lake. Hopefully utilizing this list will help your family be prepared for a fun day fishing! 

Has your family ever gone fishing together? 

Ashley