This post brought to you by Stren. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sunshine and Hurricanes.
EASY TIPS FOR FAMILY FISHING FUN
Fishing with family is a tradition that my husband grew up with and a hobby we are passionate about sharing with our children. With four children between the ages of 4 and 13, we’ve figured out a few things that make it easier when you take the family fishing and would love to share them with you!
SIMPLE
You’ve heard it said, “Keep it simple”, and that is especially true when fishing with kids. Having hundreds of lures, 12 kinds of bait, and 20 pounds of additional gear is completely unnecessary on family fishing excursions. As I mentioned before, my hubs is the resident fishing expert and in charge of getting everyone set up and the more simplistic the rig, the quicker everyone can start casting. Our family enjoyed the Shakespeare catch more fishing combo that come pre-spooled with fishing line and include a fishing kit equipped with everything you need to get started.
There is a large pond behind our home, full of fish my kids enjoy catching several times per week. And while we love driving 15 minutes to fish at the beach or hopping a boat at the marina, it is definitely simpler to walk out back and start fishing. Don’t underestimate the value of everyday family time; big excursions are fun and exciting but taking advantage of the opportunities in your neighborhood can be precious as well.
SAFE
If fishing from any type of boat, lifejackets are a must, no exceptions! Explain that expectation before hitting the water so kids know that’s an absolute. Be sure to apply sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing with shoes that are able to get wet. Also, do a quick sweep of the shoreline for any hazards, like broken glass or metal. We’ve found that outlining our rules, specific to the area we’re in, go a long way to ensuring a day of family fun and not one of tears or disappointment.
SHORT
My hubs likes nothing better than fishing from sunrise to sunset. We’ve tried trips of various lengths and discovered that shorter was better. A few hours with everyone engaged and happy is far more enjoyable than an entire day with grumpy, bored kiddos. In general, about 2 hours on land or 3-4 on a boat has been a good guideline with our family.We love fishing at the beach because if the kids need a break, they can put the rods down and build sandcastles or play in the water until their interest is piqued again.
SWEET
Spending time as a family, engaged in an active, purposeful activity, is one of the best ways to bond and enrich your family life. Over the years, hilarious stories, sweet memories, and great conversations have occurred on boats and shorelines as we’ve fished and spent time with one another. Parents, pack an extra measure of patience as you set out on your adventure, it can be hectic with multiple kids but you’re striving for a positive experience that will keep your kids wanting to return to the water again and again. Taking the opportunity to relax and be still, scheduling a break from the crazy busy of life is priceless gift to give yourself and your family, it’s something your children will remember forever.
To make your fishing excursion even smoother, be sure to look at this fishing checklist and short video from the experts at Shakespeare, you’ll be ready to fish for F-U-N!
Fishing as a family can give you a lifetime of amazing memories, just keep the four S’s in mind: Simple, Safe, Short, and Sweet. You’ll be on your way to creating a legacy of fun and sportsmanship!
Be sure to enter here to win a memorable fishing trip with a friend! Simply upload a photo of yourself fishing and share a fishing memory!
Sarah Anderson says
Safety should always be your number one concern. Fishing with your family can be a fun time, you just need to make sure your kids enjoy and don’t really hurt themselves. They may get stuck with a hook or two, but that’s not too bad. Bring the disinfectant in case of that.
Erin says
Oh my gracious I needed these tips! My son has been begging for a fishing trip lately. He’s a 4-year-old wild child who lost his fishing pole in the lake last time 🙂
Debra says
This is so awesome! We are planning on taking our daughter fishing for the first time soon!
Denea Duran says
I loved fishing growing up! I have so many memories going fishing with my grandparents that I can’t wait for my kids to have the same memories! Thanks for sharing!
Karissa says
We went fishing while growing up. I didn’t carry the tradition into my family but my sister did to hers I don’t like fishing and neither does my husband.
Rebecca says
I used to love fishing as a kid and I really should go more often now!
alexandria waning says
my daughter, who will be 4 next month, has had this obsession with going fishing forever! we talk about it but really wonder if she’d even last 5 minutes. so yes to keeping it short and simple.
Pam says
I haven’t been fishing since I was a kid but I used to love it. These are some great tips. It looks like your family had a great time!
Bonnie @ Living a Fit and Full Life says
Oh this looks like so much fun! Cute kiddos!
Stacey says
My kids have all grown up loving fish. But this is thanks to my dad not me! I am happy to cook up the cleaned fish, but the fish needs to be handed to me scaled and cleaned. Thankfully Papa has taught them that as well. Then I fry up pounds of fish for our favorite fish tacos! Great list you put together – these are key tips for a successful fishing trip with kids.
Amanda says
I love fishing! We try to go up to Lake Erie a couple times in the summer to fish (:
Shannon Peterson says
This is something I really really hope I get to do with my son when he gets older!
Julie @ Girl on the Move says
Such great tips! I think I would like fishing more if I would do it your way…our family takes ALL day (and sometimes over night or multiple night) deep-sea fishing trips…I don’t enjoy fishing for that long!
Lauryn Hock says
These are some awesome tips! I used to go fishing with my grandpa when I was younger, but I have forgotten most of what he taught me.
Kristen says
I live on a lake and have never fished! I think I will get my hubby to teach us!!