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Kids Fishing Trip Ideas

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By Rick Seaman

The secret to making an outing successful for youth, is to plan the entire trip around their interest level. Rather than taking them on a trip to "learn how to fish", take them to the lake for a day of fun which includes angling.

As adults we enjoy the “fishing” and kids typically first need to experience the “catching”. If they get hooked on catching, they will grow to enjoy the sport. If the child likes it, they will certainly let you know it.

Consider the following as you plan your trip:

  • Keep it simple.
  • Begin by fishing for pan fish or catfish. Success is more important than species.
  • Make it a reasonably short trip to a close by body of water, a few hours at most.
  • Pack a fun lunch and make it a part of the experience.
  • Take time to throw sticks and rocks into the water along the way, kids love that.
  • Use basic tackle at first – the simpler, the better.
  • Focus your praise on their participation rather than the catching.
  • Share the beauty of the outdoors with them during the experience.
  • Be ready to quit when you can see that they are done.
  • Be ready to extend the time if they are having success.
  • Be a good example for conservation and preserving the fisheries.
  • Teach them “Catch and Release” when appropriate.

Keep the focus on the kids and adapt to their wishes, and you’ll be a hero. Not all kids are destined to become fisherman, so present the opportunity and see if they like it.

Many state, city and county parks departments provide urban programs for kids. Often the waters are stocked to improve the catch rate. Check for programs and waters near you, using the state listing below.

 

Locations, by state.

AK Kids Fishing AL Kids Fishing AR Kids Fishing AZ Kids Fishing CA Kids Fishing CO Kids Fishing CT Kids Fishing DC Kids Fishing DE Kids Fishing FL Kids Fishing GA Kids Fishing HI Kids Fishing IA Kids Fishing
ID Kids Fishing IL Kids Fishing IN Kids Fishing KS Kids Fishing KY Kids Fishing LA Kids Fishing MA Kids Fishing MD Kids Fishing ME Kids Fishing MI Kids Fishing MN Kids Fishing MO Kids Fishing MS Kids Fishing
MT Kids Fishing NC Kids Fishing ND Kids Fishing NE Kids Fishing NH Kids Fishing NJ Kids Fishing NM Kids Fishing NV Kids Fishing NY Kids Fishing OH Kids Fishing OK Kids Fishing OR Kids Fishing PA Kids Fishing
RI Kids Fishing SC Kids Fishing SD Kids Fishing TN Kids Fishing TX Kids Fishing UT Kids Fishing VA Kids Fishing VT Kids Fishing WA Kids Fishing WI Kids Fishing WV Kids Fishing WY Kids Fishing