| Kids love to fish even if they have never done it. | | | | Kids enjoy casting for example and you might |
| They just love the idea. I think all kids should | | | | even get them to cast a hookless bobber or |
| experience fishing, and some may end up with a | | | | sinker to practice while another line with bait is |
| lifelong love of it like I did. But the reality of fishing | | | | out. Conversely you can toss out a baited line, |
| can bore kids if it's done wrong. Fishing with kids is | | | | and work with them on casting a lure. Anything to |
| different than fishing by yourself or adults, at | | | | keep them active and happy. |
| least until the kids get some experience and start | | | | 3) Let the kids engage in other activities while |
| to understand it. I fish very differently with kids | | | | fishing if they want. My kids like trying to catch |
| than alone, and even fish very different places | | | | crabs, frogs, and crayfish near shore while fishing. |
| with kids than with myself. | | | | Sometimes my son throws rocks (please not into |
| Here are five guidelines for getting kids to enjoy | | | | the water or anywhere dangerous) or reading a |
| fishing. | | | | book. That's fine. Anything that keeps them |
| 1) If possible, take them somewhere with a lot of | | | | happy. |
| fish. You may have some small ponds just | | | | 4) If they get bored or want to leave, let them. |
| teeming with sunfish for example, and although | | | | You want fishing to be a positive activity in their |
| you may not want to fish for small stunted fish, | | | | minds, whether you fish for 10 minutes or 2 |
| kids don't care. They love action! If you don't | | | | hours. If they get bored they will not have a |
| know of a place like this just ask around. People | | | | positive experience. |
| gladly share great children fishing spots, although | | | | 5) Consider combining fishing with another activity. |
| their favorite spots may be big secrets. You can | | | | We sometimes go fishing for a little while and |
| ask other fishermen as well as at tackle spots. | | | | then take a swim. Or we may go get an ice |
| People are very supportive of taking kids fishing. | | | | cream cone and then fish a nearby creek. |
| 2) Unless you are pretty sure you are going to | | | | Kids love to fish. Just do your best to make it a |
| catch fish, you can tell them you are going to | | | | fun and positive experience and they'll want to go |
| practice fishing. If you catch fish, that is a big plus. | | | | again and again. |