Tips For Fishing With Kids

Since summer is here and the kids are out of school, I thought I’d dedicate this week’s article to kids and fishing. Introducing children to the outdoors through fishing will give kids a love for and appreciation of nature. Getting kids outside and away from the computer and video games will lead to happy and balanced children. And fishing is one of the best ways to bond with your kids or grandkids. Some of my best memories growing up are of dad and me fishing at the lake or on the river. It’s the kind of things your kids will remember all their lives.

Don’t Put Too Much Pressure On Kids
Putting too much pressure on kids can quickly ruin a fishing outing. Don’t expect kids to be up 2 hours before daylight and ready to go. Once on the water, don’t get in a rush to be in a certain spot. Take time to show kids what you’re doing and why you are doing it. Most knots are simple enough that a child of 7 or 8 can easily tie them. If the youngsters that are out on the water with you are getting bored with fishing and want to check out snakes, frogs or bugs, that’s great too! Remember, a day on the water is supposed to be fun.

Take Kids Fishing Where the Fish Are Biting
Make your first few trips to lakes where success is fairly certain. In the spring, many area lakes are stocked with rainbow trout that are very willing to bite. Later in the summer, Umpqua River smallmouth bass get very active and can be caught in large numbers. Yellow perch and crappie in local lakes can be a lot of fun to catch, and are also great eating. Ocean salmon can be very active and plentiful, especially in mid to late summer. Avoid sitting on anchor for hours hoping to hook a sturgeon. Save those trips for older children who are really interested and won’t get discouraged after a few hours of boredom. Whatever fish you decide to go after, catching them will keep the kids interested.

Pick A Nice Day
Sunshine and warm weather days are a great time to bring kids fishing. Save those cold and rainy steelhead trips for teenagers who show a strong interest in fishing. Not all good fishing comes during the harshest weather. Pack a picnic lunch, bring some sunscreen and swimming trunks, and head out for the water. Finally, if you are taking the boat out, remember to have life jackets for everyone on the boat, and that kids under 12 are wearing them at all times.


See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)