Is Fishing a Hobby for Kids? 8 Tips to Make a Great Catch!
Is Fishing a Hobby That Your Kids Want to Try?
Whether you are new to fishing or a longtime angler, here are eight tips to make fishing a hobby that will keep you heading back to the water.
Fishing has been one of my kids’ favorite hobbies since they were toddlers. They love the gear, the suspense, the water, and the thrill of catching a big fish! If you are planning to take up fishing as a hobby with your family this year, read on for the best fishing tips.
Plan Ahead for Fishing with Kids
I think the secret to a successful adventure is… a plan. The likelihood of enjoying the hobby of fishing, especially with kids, greatly improves with a little help from you.
Check out some great fishing books to add to your library. Here is our favorite fishing guide about the hobby of fishing:
The Total Fishing Manual
This guide promises to teach you 318 essential skills to catch giant fish. It will immerse you in the knowledge of the fishing world.
Learn about tools, techniques, tactics, different kinds of fish, and be entertained by big fish stories.
My kids have also really enjoyed fishing shows like Chasing Monsters on Amazon Prime. Reading and watching informational shows about fishing will get the kids excited about the fun of casting and hooking a prize fish.
Fishing for Kids: The Gear
Once the spark has been lit, your kids are going to want fishing gear!
There are two ways to get fishing gear—it just depends on the kind of parent you are.
When my kids get interested in a hobby, I rarely buy them the things they need right away. I let them research, dream, and study until they have learned so much about the hobby that they are ready to spend their own money or make what they need themselves.
Making Fishing Gear for Kids
Humans have been fishing since the beginning of mankind, and there was no Walmart in Canaan. Let your kids try their hand at making a cane pole from a straight stick or bamboo, then attach a string and a hook.
Then, dig for the worms! You must get over being squeamish about worms if you are going to be a successful fisherman.
Once the homemade pole is completed and the bait is found, find a small pond or creek and see if anything can be caught in this primitive way of fishing. Over time, your child can perfect their pole into something that can catch fish and might even look pretty cool.
For my littlest kids, a line with a hook is really the easiest way for them to fish anyway. No need to buy those junky kids’ poles.
Buying Fishing Gear for Kids
There might come a time when you are ready to invest in some factory-made fishing gear. These are some of the things that might be needed:
| Gear | Description |
|---|---|
| Fishing Rod & Reel | A lightweight rod and reel combo is perfect for small hands, but don’t get the cheapest or smallest one. My 8-year-olds can handle an adult-sized pole with just a little practice. We like the Ugly Stick brand. |
| Hooks, Sinkers & Weights | Different sizes for different fish and bait. This kit is exactly what you need to catch different sizes of fish. |
| Bobbers | When a fish bites, the bobber is pulled under the water. Kids love bobbers, and it makes it easier to help them fish too, because you will be able to see their line from a distance. |
| Fishing Line | Your pole might come with fishing line, but you will need more. Buy an extra roll for the tackle box. |
| Bait (or Lures) | Worms, crickets, minnows, or artificial lures all work! Kids really love an assortment of bait, and digging and catching live bait is fun too! |
| Tackle Box | Tackle boxes keep all your gear organized. You can even buy one with all the bait, bobbers, hooks, and weights included. |
| Bucket | Buckets help store your catch for releasing fish safely back into the water or taking them home for dinner. |
| Fishing Pliers | Fishing pliers might be the most important tool you need! It can help you remove a hook from a fish, cut your line, and do other necessary fishing tasks. |
Practice Fishing
If your kids are ready for a fishing adventure beyond the neighborhood creek, let them practice fishing.
If they have bought gear, let them cast the lines in the yard and practice putting on the bait. Let them organize their tackle boxes and learn the function of each item. I promise this will make your fishing adventure more pleasant.
I have a lot of memories casting my fishing pole in the front yard when I was a kid. I learned to cast and tie my bait before we ever got to a body of water. I thought it was fun!
Packing Tips for the Fishing Trip
Don’t forget these items for your fishing trip:
- Layered Clothing: Fishing can be hot, cold, rainy, or windy—all on the same trip. Dress in layers to stay comfortable.
- Snacks and Drinks: Fishing is a sport for patient people. Most people are not naturally patient, and snacks make the time go faster. Pack a cooler full of yummy food and drinks, and even if the catch is unsuccessful, everyone will enjoy the day on the water.
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray: If you are a sunscreen and bug spray family (some are not), then bring these items.
- Fishing Gear: Don’t overdo the fishing gear but go through the checklist to make sure you have the basic items needed for fishing.
Have the Right Attitude
Fishing is not only about catching the biggest fish. When you go with people you love, it’s really about spending time together. Fishing is a hobby that allows you to bond, relax, and enjoy nature.
Fishing is the perfect setting for making childhood memories and enjoying nature. Something about being out on the water, fishing for food, speaks to our human nature and just feels good and right.
Teach your kids to have the right attitude about fishing. It is so fun when you catch a lot of fish or a really big fish, but it is more important to enjoy the experience.
Keep the Day Short
Remember, most of us are short on patience. Keep the first fishing trips short, and they will be more enjoyable for everyone.
Be Encouraging
When we try a new hobby, gear and technique can be frustrating. Especially if you don’t follow my advice to keep your day short, bring snacks, and keep the gear simple…
Fishing is a slow hobby that requires us to learn patience, a very important life skill. While your family struggles against moss, hooks, lines, and casting, just encourage them in their new skill. With practice, everyone will improve, and fishing will become very enjoyable.
Learn About Nature
Being on the water, in different seasons, can teach so much about nature! Fishing will help you take the time to notice all the things on the water. You can learn so much—animal species, weather, water properties, ecosystems, and more.
We live in the Midwest, and my kids’ fish for bass, crappie, catfish, and carp. They also catch small fish for bait. It is fun to find out the local species in each area and learn how to identify each type of fish.
Is Fishing a Hobby for Kids?
John Gierach, a famous fishing writer, once said: “Fishing is not a matter of fish. It’s about us.” Fishing is more than just catching a trophy trout. It’s about the peacefulness of being by the water, the thrill of the unexpected tug, and the joy of spending time with loved ones.
Fishing for kids is a great hobby to start or continue. If you’ve been wondering, “Is fishing a hobby worth pursuing?” the answer is absolutely yes. Fishing is a hobby that combines adventure, learning, and family bonding all in one. I hope you find joy and make wonderful memories with your children on a fishing trip someday soon!
For more posts about fishing: A Fishing Birthday Party: 7 Tips to a Great Day
For more outdoor hobbies:
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Teach Woodworking to Kids: 10 Easy Steps to Get Started
