A Fish Tale – Family Fishing Fun

Family time is precious, especially during the summer months when kids are off from school and families are looking for ways to bring family activities to the forefront. Obviously, sports are big, summer vacations are big, family get-togethers are big… but I would encourage you to include fishing as one of your family’s summer activities, and let me tell you why…

For starters, fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Never too young to get kids involved and introduce the sport to them, and then of course you’re never too old to keep trying either! There are ample fishing opportunities to get the family out catching fish. Fishing piers, beaches, boat/pontoon rentals, family cabins, local pond or river… it doesn’t matter, there are options all around us if you want to “test the waters” and give the sport a try.

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Fishing is also inexpensive to get into. Now, you can certainly go all out and buy a new boat, fancy sonars, boxes of lures, etc., but that is not necessary to get started. Fishing rod and reel combos can be purchased all over the place, same with lures, bait, and some of the necessary tools to do the job. You do not need a boat to go fishing (although it does give you more opportunity), you can certainly find success at the local fishing pier and a small assortment of gear.

Fishing also brings with it a ton of excitement! I don’t care the age—or how long you’ve been fishing—but when your bobber goes down or you feel a tug on the line your adrenaline kicks in! It never gets old, and it always sends a thrill through your spine! However, I’d say that thrill is certainly heightened when you’re a kid! The excitement factor of catching a fish is awesome, and something that truly is fun for the whole family.

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There are some key things to consider when fishing with the family, especially if you’re introducing new people to the sport. Always make it fun. Obviously, that goes without saying, but a successful day of “fishing” doesn’t always have to be measured by the amount of fish you catch. It can be the stories you create, something “quirky” that happened, a fish that got away, or maybe just something as simple as the food/snacks you ate during the day. Regardless of the goal, make sure you focus on keeping things fun and create memories. Cater to the kids, let them pick out their favorite lure, their favorite snack, their favorite drink… make it about them and they will want to do more of it.

I’d also like to touch on the expansion of fishing into the competitive realm for Kids. I’m sure many of the readers are familiar with the concept of a fishing tournament. Maybe you’ve seen one on TV, or even on your local lake or body of water. The bass fishing world has really done an excellent job with promoting the sport of fishing and showcasing bass tournaments to the masses. In recent years, this has exploded across the country with the younger crowds, and bass fishing tournaments and leagues are popping up all over the country for Kids!

High schools and colleges all over the country are adopting the sport of fishing, and taking part in the state, regional, and even national level events. You’re also seeing a stronger push for grade school kids getting involved as well, where you now see kids from third to eighth grade competing in bass fishing tournaments and traveling to enjoy the sport. Teams consisting of two kids and a boat captain, competing for the five biggest bass. They have weigh-ins just like the “pros” and everything that comes with it! Just another way to fuel the passion for our youth anglers out there who really take a liking for the sport of fishing!

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One of the many cool things to come out of this youth fishing movement is the involvement of the families. Many parents become boat captains, team managers, helpers, and at a bare-minimum, fans and supporters. You’re seeing new opportunities for kids and families to be involved in the community, school and clubs, and once again it’s provided by the great sport of fishing!

So regardless of your angle or desire when it comes to the sport of fishing, it’s clear that the sport brings people together—especially families. It’s something that can be shared and enjoyed by ANYONE willing to give it a shot. You can make it a hobby, a sport, or even a career. So many opportunities out there and it really starts with someone willing to take you out and give it a shot! Family time can certainly be spent on the lake, at a dock, or along a riverbank… and fishing is no doubt fun for the whole family!

Good luck, and good fishing!

You can connect and follow Matt at his website or else look for him on Facebook at Matt Johnson Outdoors.

Top 5 Tips for Fishing with Kids

Target Species: Panfish are a good place to start.  The most plentiful in a majority of the lakes.  Easy to locate/catch right from fishing piers, on-shore, or in a boat/canoe.  Otherwise don’t ignore the “roughfish,” meaning carp, bullheads, and suckers.  They put up a great fight and kids love to catch anything that pulls!  Just gotta get them “hooked” (pun intended).

Rods and Reels

Focus on shorter rods for the younger kids.  Easier for them to handle and doesn’t become “work” in order to hold and cast.  Close-faced, push-button reels are a good option, otherwise, get them used to a spinning reel and it will make things easier in the long run.

Lures and Tackle

Let the kids pick out their favorite lure that looks “cool.”  Let them be a part of the process.  Otherwise smaller jigs/hooks, bobbers, twister tails, soft plastics with scent, topwater baits (super fun to watch a fish bite at the surface!), and baits that you can rig weedless—as many kids seem to “find” the weeds.

Snacks

Make sure to bring their favorite snacks or drinks.  Make some of these snacks special for fishing.  Amazing how something as simple as a special treat or drink can help a kid relate to fishing or create a connection.

Have Fun

The primary focus is making sure it’s fun!  Let them make some of the decisions.  Tell stories—and create them as well!  Don’t always make it about catching fish, but rather the experience… walking through the woods to a fishing spot, going to “uncharted” territory around the next bend, coming up with your own slang for various fishing experiences… whatever you can do to keep them excited about being outdoors and if they catch a bunch of fish, then that’s even better!!

Matt Johnson

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Matt Johnson is a fishing guide and the pro staff director at Clam Outdoors. You can connect with Matt at mattjohnsonoutdoors.com or look for him on Facebook.

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