How to Teach Your Kids to Fish

Whether it’s the challenge of the sport, the solitude and connection with nature or the respect for the outdoors, each of us who drops a line in the water has something we love about fishing.

And like any of our passions, those anglers with children yearn to teach and share this love for fishing with their kids. But how to teach your kids to fish is not always easy.

Fishing is a sport that requires concentration and commitment, though—not every child’s strong suit—so we’ve put together some tips to help make teaching your kids to fish fun and memorable.

Remember, They’re Children

Perhaps the best way to teach your children is to not teach them at all. Instead of looking at it as teaching, start small by taking your family on day trips to an aquarium, local gardens or even the beach. Then, as your kids grow, show them how enjoyable fishing can actually be by taking them out on a day trip with you on the water. This will develop their initial interest and get them itching to grab a rod and reel of their own

Choose the Right Gear

It’s great to teach children about fishing, but passing down your knowledge doesn’t mean passing down all of your old gear, too. Chances are most of your rods, reels and lures will be too big, heavy or otherwise unsuitable for a child. You can find adequate combos and tackle boxes suitable for a range of ages wherever fishing gear is sold. One of the most popular combos for children is the Bass Pro TinyLite, which comes in spincast/push-button and underspin/trigger versions that won’t break the bank.

Go Where the Fish Are

Seems obvious, doesn’t it? While you might enjoy a lazy afternoon of fishing, kids won’t share this sentiment and their first priority will undoubtedly be to catch fish. Most children need a physical reward to feel as though the fishing outing has been a success, and going home without the thrill of a catch can leave a bad tinge on the day. Choosing a location that is well-stocked with fish will help minimize the chances of this happening and keep your kids from getting bored.

Be Patient

Though you might be a seasoned angler, it’s safe to say you weren’t born that way; no one is. Children can be frustrated by the slow nature of fishing and, thus, lack the patience for the sport that takes years to cultivate. It’s important when teaching your kids how to fish that you engage with them in in both the exciting times and the less than eventful times, and remind them making a catch is not the only measure of a successful day on the water. Leading by example with a calm and positive outlook will ensure that such an attitude will be inherited by your young angler.

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