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

Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass Year Round

A drive-to cottage resort where the smallmouth fishing is second to none.

5 Keys To Canadian Muskies

The fish of 10,000 casts; an elusive predator fish with legend and lore.

Snap Jig Weed Walleye

In pursuit of big walleye and smallmouth bass at Opeongo Mountain Resort.

Muskie Fly Girls

Lac Seul turned a trail of broken hearts into a circle of fishing friends.

Tag Team Walleye

Experience the fishing at White Moose Wilderness Outpost.

A Guide to Fly-in Ontario Lodges

Today’s fly-in fishing vacations are no more expensive than most other getaways.

Hard Balling Walleyes

Spring Fishing Tactics to Catch Ontario Walleye

Heavy Rods and Heart-Stopping Follows: Fly Fishing for Muskies

An ultimate destination for fly anglers looking to test their gear and grit against the North’s most legendary predator.

Lodge 88: Keeping it in the Family

Fish'n Canada host Ang Viola takes his grandson to fly-in fishing lodge Lodge 88 on Esnagi Lake.

Pro Fishing Photos

Helping You Take Better Photos of Your Catch

Balsam Lake Walleye

How to use snap jigging to catch Ontario walleye.

HIdden Bay Lodge

Fly-in to Armit Lake for Epic Walleye Fishing

Get Hooked on Ice Fishing

Ice Fishing is very enjoyable and one of the fastest growing sports.

Bass Abound

Fishing at Lorimer Lake Resort for Big Bass

Fishing the Marten River

Extreme Angler fishes for BIG walleye in Northeastern Ontario.

Summer Brook Trout

Expert Advice for Fishing Ontario Lakes

Jack's Lake Lodge

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

3 Secret Tips for Landing Ontario Muskies

Muskies aren’t easy to catch. So here’s a simple formula to change that.

Top 5 Flies for Smallmouth Bass

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

First Time Walleye Fishing for Beginners in Ontario

I was lucky to share that experience with first-time anglers twice last week.