Fishing with the kids is the perfect way to get the family together for a fun afternoon or evening.  Taking the kids fishing teaches them valuable skills and life lessons. You also get the opportunity to spend quality time with your kids while creating lasting memories for everyone.

Here are some tips to remember to make the outing perfect:

1. Keep it simple – There is no need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques.  A simple pole and some basic spinners or live bait usually does the trick and helps to build confidence.  (Your kids can make their own fishing pole here.)
2. Keep it short – The younger the child, the faster they get bored.  If you keep them out too long, they’ll lose interest and may not want to fish again.  It’s best to take them out in short increments until they are older.  All-night fishing trips may not be the best way to instill a life-long love of fishing into a 6-year old!
3. Keep them involved – In order for your kids have a good time, learn something, and fall in love with fishing; you need to keep them engaged the entire time.  So many times, we do all the work for them and then hand them the pole when a fish is on line.  This works when the fish are really biting, however, they will feel much more satisfied if they are involved every step of the way. To start with, let them catch the bait (grasshoppers, worms, night crawlers, etc).  Show them how to tie a hook on the line.  Teach them how to put the bait on the hook.  Show them how to cast properly.  Have them help you to clean their catch, and if you really want to make their day – let them help you cook it!

Not only is fishing fun, but it is also a great opportunity for you to visit with your kids. Sometimes our days and lives are so busy that we don’t take the time to listen.  Just having the time and space to talk without the interruption of cell phones, video games, and television can help us to really engage with our kids.  It gives us the time to listen to them and also the opportunity to teach them some valuable life lessons.

Check out the full line of JM Cremps fishing equipment for kids.  Our best selling kids fishing vest is in stock, along with our most popular kids fishing gear.  If your kids take a liking to fishing, the book Kids Gone Fishing is our most popular kids fishing book.  The tips, techniques, and tricks contained within its pages are valuable for kids and adults too!