9 items Kids need when fishing with Parents

         When introducing kids to fishing, there are a few basics items items kids need when fishing with parents. 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. 

Think of these 9 things Kids need when fishing with Parents.

1. First, I would ensure they have something that connects them to the environment you are trying to create for them. Just as in the previous post, I believe the child need his or her own fishing pole. I wouldn’t get an expensive one. I would go cheap. The Zebco click and cast combos are great for young children and easy to handle.
   
   
2. I like the idea of getting them some kind of box. The more like a tackle box it is the better. Even a clear plastic tray to a tackle box with the flip lid and little compartments would work. This way, if you make a game out of finding all the fishing tackle left behind by others, they are making their own tackle box. Think swivels, weights, hooks, bobbers, soft baits, spoons, rubber worms, lures…..
   
   
3. I am always a fan of bringing some kind of clear container with me wherever I go. When I was a kid we called them critter cages. They came in different sizes and had tops with lids that opened up to put things inside. This way, when you find a crayfish on the bank, caterpillars, lizards, grasshoppers, a polliwog, or maybe even catch a fish fry at the bank, you have somewhere to put it.
   
   
4. Let them pack some of their favorite toys. This is one I look to create engagement. The child uses it to build or role play. The Tonka toy or action figure/barbie that can build houses, ramps, tunnels, walls….. if books are their time passer than books are great.
   
   
5. Separate from toys I like art. A simple notepad and colored pencils, along with your help, can last for hours. They can write a story, draw the scene in front of them, or use their imagination for something not even involved. I have seen my kids trace leaves, sticks, or other items, and make new creations out of them. A dinosaur leaf, a turkey hand, a fish stick…..
   
   
6. While I am not an electronics guy or at least I don’t rely on them a full-time source of entertainment, I have realized and understand there is a place and time for them. Most school programs today require Chromebooks, kindles, fires, etc…. Or, the kids just own one. In any case, they are a great way to pass some time in a peaceful way. If no other option is working, a movie on a fully charged tablet could get you an hour or more.
   
   With phones and cell services being so good these days, hot spots and streaming services are becoming a necessity in everyday life. And portable batteries can make sure the phone or linked device will last for hours.
   
   
7. The child will inevitably get tired. This could be on the banks, boat, park or on the car ride home. In any case let them pick a blanket and/or pillow that they can use when the time comes. Let them pick it so they have some investment in the trip. This item should bring them some emotional comfort when times get tough. Nothing nice or fancy. If it gets dirty you can wash it later.
   
   
8. Let the child bring some kind of bucket, backpack, or container they can put favorite rocks or sticks into. You have to be clear on the rules from the start though. They can only take home or keep for show and tell, what fits in the container. If it doesn’t fit, hopefully there isn’t the days biggest meltdown. If you’ve already talked about the rules with them, you should be able to redirect their attention using communication.
   
   
9. Lastly, and this depends on the child in age and maturity, I am a fan of slingshots, catapults, or wrist rockets. If your on a boat obviously this is a no go. But if your on a lake shore, pond bank, or river bank, this can be hours of fun.
   

           In closing, the items above are ones that I have taken with me and have shown to have the best success in my adventures. I have created a general list of items for kids that might be beneficial to help parents fish, or at least give you time to tie and bait a line. You probably know what keeps your kids occupied. All you need to make a bag of items that can safely be taken. Above all, there is no single list or time that will meet the demands of every child, or parent in every situation.

As the kids grow, new and bigger kid items will take over for the smaller kid ones. From my own experience, this makes it easier and harder. Just remember to always have a good time. It is just as important to teach them how to have a good time, as it is to spend quality time with them doing it. To be honest, some of the things above were just as much fun for me, if not more, than they were for the kids.

        The “9 things kids need while fishing with parents” 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 items parents need when fishing with kids, click on this link. 

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