Take a Kid Fishing!

Make it a really big deal and create future anglers who enjoy the sport as much as you do.

Start off by making your trip a really big deal. If you are going on a weekend start talking about it on Wednesday or Thursday to get them pumped up! Here are some more great tips for making this a trip to remember. 

1. CHECK THE WEATHER

The last thing you want is to take your kids out in hurricane winds and heavy rain, so make sure you have good weather so your kids will enjoy their time outdoors.

2. TAKE IT SLOW

You don't want to travel five or six hours away from home. Find a close location so they are not sitting in the car for too long. When you arrive, have a look around at Mother Nature - birds, snakes, grasshoppers anything that piques their interest before getting out the rods and sitting on the bank or in a boat.

3. ENCOURAGE YOUR KIDS

When your kids are fishing, cheer them on and let them know what a great cast they are making! Take your time to teach them how to handle a fishing rod, worms and lures etc. It is very important that kids are taught in a simple, fun manner.

4. WHEN LANDING A FISH

Show your kids how to properly handle a fish that you are going to release and I would encourage you to teach them to catch and release for their future. There is nothing wrong with keeping a few for lunch but keep the smaller ones.

5. SHORE LUNCH

Kids love to see things in nature and having a good old fashion shore lunch is very bonding with your kids. Teach them survival skills at an early age is an asset. And a great way to just get away from the rods and reels for a while to keep them wanting to get back to it.

6. PANFISH

Start out with panfish like bluegill, perch, and crappie where there are plenty and lots of action so you can keep the kids busy catching fish, this will keep them interested and not lose focus or get bored.

7. MAKE IT NOT JUST ABOUT FISHING!

Lastly, make the trip fun and not just all about fishing. You have to make it an outdoor experience that the kids will love and will want more in the future. After all, the time you spend with your kids is time you will never get back and that is the most important thing in the world.

About Ron James

Ron has been fishing for over 35 years. He started fishing when he was just a youngster with his father Bill James (God rest his soul). He moved onto tournament fishing as his passion grew. With numerous wins and top finishes, the next step had to be taken. He met Leo, and the unstoppable force of Fish TV "is the best thing that has happened.

Recommended Articles

Pro Fishing Photos

Helping You Take Better Photos of Your Catch

Balsam Lake Walleye

How to use snap jigging to catch Ontario walleye.

Tactical Trophy Trouting

Ice adventures for Lake Trout fishing across Northern Ontario

5 Adjustments for Fishing Cold Front Smallmouth Bass in Ontario

Smallmouth bass are considered the weather watchers of fresh water.

Take Your Tackle Box to the Next Level

Freshen up your lines and strategically re-stock your tackle box with these tips.

Catching Ontario Walleye

Pro Tips for Bait and Walley Presentations

A Happy Fishing Place

Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Northern Skies Resort

Expanding Your Horizons

A longtime angler shares why casting around in new waters is good practice

Trophy Lake Trout on Lake Obabika

The pursuit of giants on a recovered fishery.

Island Camping

An Isle of Fishing Heaven in Ontario

Angling the Missinaibi

Exploring and fishing the mighty Missinaibi River

Cook A Tasty Shore Lunch

This is a tried and true recipe cooked up with fresh Ontario fish on the shores of Big Kaby Lake.

Jack's Lake Lodge

The Musky Hunter visits the Kawarthas in hopes of landing a trophy!

Rigged for Ice Fishing Success

How to start planning your next ice fishing adventure in Ontario.

Dreams of Bass at Waterfalls Lodge

This drive-to lodge is the perfect location for anyone looking to get a little R&R.

How Smallmouth Bass Came to Ontario

Ontario has Smallmouth Bass lakes from the far reaches of the north and south.

Top 5 Flies for Smallmouth Bass

The inside scoop on bass flies from the hosts of The New Fly Fisher.

Dream Fishing Trips

These two Ontario lodges, just across the border from Minnesota, offer anglers the chance to fish multiple species.

Kesagami Wilderness Lodge

Kesagami Lake has just under a million acres of fishable water that is chock full of pike and walleye.

Sandy Beach Cottages on Lake Clear

Pet-friendly cottages and everything you need to have a worry-free holiday!