Fishing with Kids – Putting together their first set of fishing gear
Once you have decided to take your child fishing, the most important thing you can do is to ensure that they are personally involved in it. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to help them put together their own set of fishing gear. Allowing them to have some say in the selection of the components will ensure that they are happy and as a result they will be more excited about going fishing.
The starting point for everyone is the selection of a rod and reel. For beginners it is often better to purchase a rod and reel combo to ensure that they are properly matched. For kids the best choice is usually a light spincast reel on a relatively short (5 foot) lightweight rod. It's best to use basic monofilament line until they gain more experience. Stay clear of the rod and reel sets priced below $20. These are often simply toys and are not suitable for actual fishing.
Once you have your rod and reel taken care of it's time to look at the rest of the tackle. You should start by attaching a snap swivel to the end of the line. Snap swivels will help prevent the line from twisting and make it much easier to change the lure. Even though young kids will probably not have enough tackle to fill a tackle box, it's still best to get them one. Write their name on it and let them have complete control over its organization. This will go a long ways towards getting them to buy in to the process.
The selection of additional lures and tackle will depend greatly on where you fish and what species of fish you are targeting. There is however a basic selection that should be in any tackle box. It's often best to target smaller panfish such as sunfish and yellow perch when starting out. These fish are fairly easy to catch and land which will help the kids build up some confidence. The best way to catch this type of fish is using a single hook (#6 - #10) and some form of live bait such as worms or minnows.
I would recommend allowing them to pick out several other lures. Generally they will pick things that are not really suitable for the type of fishing you are planning but it's worth it to allow them to have a few things they picked out themselves. You can round out their tackle box with a few other basics such as small and medium daredevils and a few spinners, spoons and jigs. There isn't really much else required in the way of fishing gear for a beginner.
The only thing you have left to do is to find a suitable fishing spot. With younger children it's often best to find a fishing resort that caters to families and stay for the weekend. This allows youngsters to get started fishing but also to have fun swimming and playing which will help them develop a positive impression of fishing.
The starting point for everyone is the selection of a rod and reel. For beginners it is often better to purchase a rod and reel combo to ensure that they are properly matched. For kids the best choice is usually a light spincast reel on a relatively short (5 foot) lightweight rod. It's best to use basic monofilament line until they gain more experience. Stay clear of the rod and reel sets priced below $20. These are often simply toys and are not suitable for actual fishing.
Once you have your rod and reel taken care of it's time to look at the rest of the tackle. You should start by attaching a snap swivel to the end of the line. Snap swivels will help prevent the line from twisting and make it much easier to change the lure. Even though young kids will probably not have enough tackle to fill a tackle box, it's still best to get them one. Write their name on it and let them have complete control over its organization. This will go a long ways towards getting them to buy in to the process.
The selection of additional lures and tackle will depend greatly on where you fish and what species of fish you are targeting. There is however a basic selection that should be in any tackle box. It's often best to target smaller panfish such as sunfish and yellow perch when starting out. These fish are fairly easy to catch and land which will help the kids build up some confidence. The best way to catch this type of fish is using a single hook (#6 - #10) and some form of live bait such as worms or minnows.
I would recommend allowing them to pick out several other lures. Generally they will pick things that are not really suitable for the type of fishing you are planning but it's worth it to allow them to have a few things they picked out themselves. You can round out their tackle box with a few other basics such as small and medium daredevils and a few spinners, spoons and jigs. There isn't really much else required in the way of fishing gear for a beginner.
The only thing you have left to do is to find a suitable fishing spot. With younger children it's often best to find a fishing resort that caters to families and stay for the weekend. This allows youngsters to get started fishing but also to have fun swimming and playing which will help them develop a positive impression of fishing.