Once you’ve decided to take your child fishing, the most important thing you can do is make sure he or she is personally involved. One of the best ways to do this is to help them assemble their own fishing gear. Allowing them to have a say in the selection of components will ensure that they are happy and, as a result, more excited about going fishing.
The starting point for everyone is the selection of a rod and reel. For beginners, it’s often best to purchase a rod and reel combo to ensure they pair together correctly. For kids, the best option is usually a light spincast reel on a relatively short (5 foot) light rod. It is best to use basic monofilament line until they gain more experience. Stay away from rod and reel sets priced under $20. Often these are simply toys and not suitable for actual fishing.
Once you’ve taken care of your rod and reel, it’s time to look at the rest of the tackle. You need to start by placing a swivel snap at the end of the line. Snap swivels will help prevent the line from twisting and make it much easier to change the lure. Although young children probably don’t have enough tackle to fill a tackle box, it’s best to get them one. Write their name on it and let them have full control over your organization. This will go a long way in getting them involved in the process.
The selection of additional lures and tackle will largely depend on where you are fishing and the species of fish you are targeting. However, there is a basic selection that should be in any tackle box. Often it’s best to target smaller panfish, such as sunfish and yellow perch, when starting out. These fish are pretty easy to catch and land which will help kids build some confidence. The best way to catch this type of fish is by using a single hook (#6 – #10) and some type of live bait such as worms or minnows.
I would recommend allowing them to choose several other lures. They will usually choose things that aren’t really suitable for the type of fishing you’re planning, but it’s worth letting them have a few things that they chose themselves. You can fill out your tackle box with a few other basics, like small and medium daredevils and some spinners, spoons, and jigs. There really isn’t much else required in the way of fishing gear for a beginner.
The only thing left for you to do is find a suitable fishing spot. With younger children, it’s often best to find a fishing resort that caters to families and stays for the weekend. This allows youngsters to get started in fishing, but also have fun swimming and playing, which will help them develop a positive impression of fishing.
