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

Become a World-class Fishing Guide

Misconceptions, behind-the-scenes intel, and key tips from a professional guide.

The Amazing Nipigon River

Fishing the river that is home to the world's largest brook trout ever caught.

Why Georgian Bay is a Fly Angler’s Final Frontier

Discover how a 75-year-old fishing camp serves as the ultimate basecamp for navigating the transition from river currents to island shoals.

5 Places to Shore Fish

Fish’n Canada shows you where to go shore fishing in Ontario.

The Eyes Have it

How to Use a Natural Resource as Bait

Brook Trout: A Natural Work of Art

Ontario is one of the world's best brook trout fishing destinations.

Bobber-Whacky Magic

Don't Say Good-bye To The Bobber

World Class Carp

Ontario is a World-Class Fishery for Carp

Trolling for Walleye

Fishing on Dog Lake, Missanabie, Ontario

Pike and Walleye: Ontario’s One-Two Punch

Walleye and the northern pike reside in the same bodies of water. When one's not biting, the other might!

River Run Walleye

The Walleye Fishing Adventures Abound in Ontario's Algoma Country

Agich's Kaby Kabins

Fly-in for Amazing Black Bear Hunting and Fishing

Winter Fish Scents

How to Use Fish Scents When Ice Fishing

Sweeping the Basin

October is a Great Time to Fish for Ontario Crappie

Talon Lake Lunge

This 3500-acre lake holds trophy muskies and should not be ignored!

Lakair Lodge

Largemouth bass fishing on Lake Nipissing

Leuenberger Air Service Is Your Ticket to Ontario's Best Fishing

Discover remote outpost fishing for northern pike, walleye, and whitefish

Cat Island Lodge

Fly-in fishing for walleye and lake trout

Steelhead and Salmon of Northern Ontario

Ontario's north is home to tributaries of Lake Superior and Lake Huron—and many species of salmon and steelhead

The Best of Both Worlds

From spring right through to late fall there are species that you can target close to the home base in the Spanish River