Kids Fishing Trip Ideas
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 fishing.
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.
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.
101624*
Take a kid fishing and plant a seed for life.
Statistics prove out the theory that kids who participate in the great outdoors are much less likely to get involved in crime and drugs. Introduce a kid to these experiences and watch nature draw them away from trouble, and into the great outdoors.
Fishing Information
