HOOKED YOUNG –KIDS AND FISHING
Introducing kids to fishing can be a rewarding and memorable experience. With careful preparation and a focus on safety, young anglers can quickly develop a love for the sport. Below are some simple strategies and tips for fun, safe and engaging fishing with the whole family.
Words Jack Lusk
Safety
Pick the right spot. Fishing spots that are safe for adults often aren’t safe for kids. I’ve seen little kids out on the rocks in big swells, or at the very edge of fast currents in an estuary. There might be better fishing on offer, but it’s too risky with kids in tow. If you’re going from the rocks, pick flat, shallow water spots. If you’re heading out in the boat, choose the safest conditions and don’t get ambitious chasing the big catch. Lifejackets are mandatory for kids wherever you’re fishing, and of course you need to watch them very closely.
Comfort and Warmth
Kids go from overheated to freezing and back again in a matter of moments, so you need to be well prepared. Take warm clothes, cool clothes, multiple changes of clothes, hats, sunscreen, gloves, rugs, towels and anything else you can think of. Pack like you’re going away for three days. Expect a couple of pairs of shoes to get soaked within the first hour. And you need to take plenty of plasters for the inevitable skinned knees and other minor accidents.
Catching Fish
Kids lose interest quickly if there isn’t any action. I’d rather get them catching some minnows than make them wait ages for a snapper or kahawai that might never appear. New Zealand’s waters are full of life, and there are generally small fish like mullet, piper, and mackerel in easily accessible spots. I mostly use very small, sharp hooks and fish them under floats. This brings a visual element to the fishing, even if the kids can’t see the fish. They don’t need a trophy to put on a wall – a tiny sprat can be a lifetime memory.
The Bucket
Even if you’re going to release what you catch, it’s great to take a bucket, or use a handy rockpool, so the kids can watch the fish for a while. They love to put seaweed and rocks in the bucket to make the fish feel at home, and they’ll have lots of questions about them. After a little while, they can gently tip the bucket over in the water and watch the fish swim away – always a great end to a fishing trip.