11 items parents can use to make fishing with kids amazing

         When introducing kids to fishing, there are a few basics items items parents need when fishing with kids. You can easily get and bring along these items, which will make the family experience a positive one. Most of these items you already have. If you have decided to take a child fishing with you, and are looking for advice on things to take to make the trip a success even if catching is bad, keep reading. 

Consider these 11 things when fishing with kids.

1. First, get a cheap fishing rod and reel. Taking them to the local store to get them a fishing pole, is the first step in building a fishermen for life. This is also probably the first smile (after the one where you tell them your going to the store) you will probably see when they realize you will be talking them on a new adventure. (See my review here for the Zebco-Slingshot-Spincast-Reel-and-Fishing-Rod-Combo selling for around 10.00).
   
   
2. Bobbers! You probably have a tackle box full of them. For loose change you can let them pick a bobber or two and start them their own tackle box. In addition, when fishing make a game out of finding them along the shore. You should walk the shore with them and find bobbers!
   
   
3. Live bait. Along with the cheap bobber and new pole, you need something to play with while you wait. What could be better than worms or crickets! Nearly all kids whether or not they will touch them, will watch them or return to see them frequently. This can be an all day hit. You can feed them, play with them, build houses for them…….
   
   
4. Bring water and snacks! The list of drinks and snacks is endless. I personally and a fan of health snacks like granola, trail mix, and fruit, but anything to drive away the hunger and thirst is a winner. Remember they eat snacks all day at day care or school. They eat so much more than we do!  IF, and it probably does, keep them happy and busy in the back seat of the car, or in a chair on the bank, bring plenty for them. Food, snacks, water….. today is the day you need to hook it up. You wont regret this when the time comes.
   
   
5. Sun protection. With sunburns in young children being directly related to adult cancers, I know I am definitely at risk (since originally writing this I have been diagnosed with Basil Melanoma and had surgery). With your kids, don’t take the chance. Do some research and pick a good sunblock. One of my favorites is here, and is available on amazon. Even under a clouded sky, you can still get burned. Apply …. and then reapply frequently.  Remember SPF is sunblock Lotion – UPF is clothing which is a sunblock in design. See next paragraph.
   
   
6. Remember to bring clothing appropriate for the environment and conditions. Think long sleeve and pants, short sleeve and shorts. Jackets and hats. Shoes and boots. Similarly, if you need it, they probably do to. I am a big fan of rash guards, hats, and fishing pants that are as light, or as heavy as I want them to be. Also, so I don’t have to apply sun screen all the time, I wear clothing that is UPF – blocks suns radiation to the skin by material design. I like rash guards. They breathe easily and don’t get overly hot, but also keep my body heat close in colder weather.
   
   
7. Think toiletries – if there are no bathrooms around, don’t forget toilet paper and bags. Most often times there could be facilities there, but the walk/hike back doesn’t make it worth it. Because of this think about seal-able bags for trash, hand wipes, and waterless hand soap. Dong bring just a few wipes or a small container of waterless soap, bring the Costco size. The alcohol/hand wipes, and the waterless soap burn a little, but let me tell you how much better it is than a 100% walk when you or them have to go. Have enough for everybody. 
   
   
8. Bring a bucket. Just as you would make sand castles at the beach, you can collect rocks and sticks to make little castles and forts. A bucket is a multi use item which in and of itself has endless uses.
   
   
9. Bring a backpack with trucks, digger toys, or other favorite outside toys. This will allow them to enjoy the outdoors environment when the fish aren’t biting. This will allow you to tend your gear, play with them, or watch them be busy kids while you take a break. See this page for 11 things kids need to bring with them on a fishing trip. 
   
   
10. I am not a big electronics or gaming dad, but I will be honest I have found for a limited time, there is a time and place. In spite of this I have two applications on my phone which are educational and that they enjoy. In the event we are on one of our bigger road trips, I have an Amazon Fire and now a chrome book. This can hold movies or games depending on your choice. I gave also found this to be successful with the hotspot feature on my phone. Something about watching Finding Nemo while fishing is kinda funny.
    
    
11. Lastly, bring a camera to record the adventure. The kids are growing up fast and the memories can easily be forgotten without something to help us remember. Take pictures, and video. Buying a cheap digital camera for your child can catch memories from their angle, and are also easy to delete from. You could also consider getting them a cheap disposable camera or two.

           In closing, the items above are ones that I have taken with me and have shown to have the best success in my adventures. Above all, there is no single list that will meet the demands of every child in every situation. I have created a general list of items parents need when fishing with kids. You probably know what keeps your kids occupied, and just need to make a bag of items that can safely be taken. As the kids grow, so will there needs and desires while out in the wild. Remember to always have a good time and remember it is just as important to teach them how to have a good time as it is to spend quality time doing it.

        The “11 things parents need while fishing with kids” will probably evolve over time, as I find better things to add. Depending on the age it could be 20 things, or 5, who knows. Let me know what works for you and leave a comment below.

To see the 11 things kids need to bring with them on a fishing trip, click on this link. 

To read about, how to handle strong willed children, or things to consider, click on this link.