Getting Ready for a Family Fishing Trip

Taking a family fishing trip is a terrific way to bond with your children, enjoy outdoor activities with kids, and experience the mental health benefits of nature together. But there are many questions you may have about family fishing, such as, do I need a license to fish with my kids? And how do I keep children entertained while fishing? Getting ready for a family fishing trip may seem stressful, but with a fishing checklist and some beginner fishing tips, fishing trip planning can be a breeze and family fishing trips will be easier than you think.

What gear do I need for a beginner fishing trip?

The most important gear for family fishing is the apparel that protects kids from the water. That’s right, the number one item on any beginner fishing checklist is a life jacket. Fishing is one of the best outdoor activities with kids, but being near or on the water while fishing from a boat can be dangerous for your littlest anglers. Make sure each child wears a life jacket, even if they are capable swimmers and even if they are fishing from dry land, because you may become distracted helping other children with their rods and bait. A life jacket will be there to keep your curious kids safe when on or near the water.

Other gear you need for a family fishing trip include: sunscreen, bug spray, towels, water shoes, rod and reel, hooks, bobbers, a fishing net, bait, and rubber gloves in case your kiddo doesn’t want to handle the fish with their bare hands for their smiley first catch photo!

Where can I find family-friendly fishing spots?

You may dream of a grand family fishing trip in a National Park, but when it comes to fishing for beginners, start with a simple setup in a nearby watering hole. Some of the best family-friendly fishing spots may be right around the corner or in your neighborhood! Look for weedy or rocky areas where the water level is only a few feet deep and where the bottom changes (sand to gravel, sand to mud, for example). The key beginner fishing tips are to remain as silent as possible and to keep the water still. Of course, silence and stillness are not two of the most common traits of children, which is why some conversation and family fishing trip planning are required for success! Disturbing the water may scare the fish and make them swim away, which, of course, will make them harder to see and to catch.

Do I need a license to fish with my kids?

Generally speaking, kids don’t need fishing licenses, but in all likelihood, you will. Most states start requiring fishing licenses at age 15 or 16, which means while adult angles will support wildlife preservation and official research into environmental health with their fees, parents can enjoy one of the best outdoor family activities without any additional expense. That said, 15 or 16 is just the average age. Some states do require fishing licenses earlier. While planning your family fishing trip, be sure to find out exactly what fishing licenses your state or the state you will be visiting requires.

How do I keep children entertained while fishing?

Finally, the most important question for a fun day of family fishing! Fishing for beginners is equal parts making the actual activity of fishing enjoyable and making the whole day go smoothly enough so that the kids will want to do it again. When it comes to the fishing portion of the family fishing trip, help your kids cast the bait as far from shore as they can and watch the bobber—often enough to entertain a younger child as the colorful plastic ball bobs up and down in the water. When a fish takes the bait, it will of course try to swim away, pulling the bobber under the water—a very exciting moment in the life of a beginner angler! When that happens, help the child raise the tip of their rod quickly to set the hook and then they can slowly start to reel in their momentous first catch!

Pack snacks and drinks

No trip with kids, fishing or otherwise, is complete without snacks and drinks. Always pack food and beverages, like water bottles and juice boxes that they love. Making sure children are happy and ‘at home’ while on a family fishing trip will make beginners fall in love with the recreation and outdoor activity of fishing faster.

When planning a fishing trip for beginners and children in your family, be sure to plan a short trip and/or a trip that involves other outdoor activities for kids to have a diverse array of entertainment and fun on the schedule to show them how fishing can seamlessly fit into any vacation.

Finally, be sure to bring your camera and capture these amazing memories being made while on fun family fishing trips.

Check out the 5 reasons why fishing is good for your health!