Looking for a great outdoor kids activity to do during socially distancing? Try fishing with kids! It’s an outdoor adventure for kids of all ages that the whole family can enjoy. Yes, it’s a slow-paced, but I have some tips to make it enjoyable for all. Looking for a spot? Check out the best places to fish with kids in Cincinnati.
What to bring fishing with kids
Papa Jake is our go-to fishing expert with over 50 years experience fishing and most of the tips below are from him. I’ll go into more detail, but you need a:Ā
– tackle box (see below for what’s needed inside)
– fishing poles
– proper bait
– a fishing license (see below for how to get one)
– camp chairs for the kids
– plus a few other tricksĀ
Camp chairs for kids are key because fishing requires ALOT of waiting.Ā Speaking of waiting, bring lollipops. It gives them something to do as they sit there and watch the line for a bite.Ā
Bubble machines keep the littles entertained. Just make sure you’re not on a dock chasing the bubbles because that’s a good way to end up in the lake.Ā
Other musts for our family:
– sunscreen
– sunglasses or a hat
– a fishing vest to look the part – which can also be used for ALL your outdoor adventures.
– snacks, hand sanitzer and drinks are also necessary.
Best Bait for fishing with kids
Looking for the best bait for fishing in a lake? Fishing bait is a key to catching fish, obviously.
Sometimes the bait is the most fun part of fishing for kids! Seriously, my girls played with the bucket of minnows for 75% of the time. And it was fun to see that the youngest one was the first to ‘catch’ a minnow in the bucket and had no fear holding it. She held it a little too long…oops!
Minnows, wax worms and nightcrawler worms are best. If you can’t find that, hot dogs work too! Parents, bait the hook for your kids. No one needs an ER visit!
** Pro Tip: if you leave a hook on the fishing pole, push the hook into a wine cork so no one gets hurt!
Best Fishing poles and equipment for kids
New to fishing? Have a 4 or 5 year old who wants to cast by themselves, but needs help? This pole has a casting button which is helpful for the ‘I do it myself’ kind of kids. Just give them space and stay away from the hook!
This is a great option for a beginner who is too old for the ‘kid rod’. The reel is great for ease of use.Ā
A tackle box with hooks, bobbers and fishing line is essential. It’s always good to have a small pair of scissors for when the lines get tangled and a needle nose pliers for the hooks when you snag a fish!
This rod is a family favorite! There’s no reel so you just bait the hook and drop it in the water. It’s good for the new fisherman.Ā
Fishing lessons for kids
No clue where to start? Try a fishing lesson from Bass Pro Shop or Cabela’s. There are fishing classes for kids and fishing seminars for 2 select weekends at Bass Pro Shop each year, usually the first weekends of June. Bass Pro Shop has a FREE catch and release pond event with fishing pros there to give you tips and crafts for kids to pique their interests.Ā
Fishing not your thing? There are tons of other Ā Outdoor Activities With Kids to be had as a family. Give Disc Golf a try!Ā
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