Taking Kids Fishing
Kids often get excited about the “idea” of fishing, however, anyone who has ever taken kids fishing knows that fishing with kids often turns into a bunch of adjacent adventures … and that’s ok!
My advice to anyone taking kids fishing is to plan and prepare to take them “catching,” if possible. As adults, we say it’s called “fishing, not catching,” but kids aren’t philosophical about it. My experience taking kids fishing is that it helps if they catch something, but often that’s not enough to keep them engaged. However, it is still a fantastic opportunity for them to explore the natural world - catching minnows or frogs, exploring plants and bugs, or just playing in the water and mud.
So what can you do to help make your trip with kids a success?
Make it all about them. Leave your rod at home and focus on helping them learn new skills and explore. You will be plenty busy, I promise. And it increases their chances of success.
Be prepared with options for kids who might not be as engaged as others, so those who are engaged don’t have to cut their trip short.
Bring LOTS and a variety of snacks and water.
Learn to tie a basic fishing knot. There are an abundance of great videos on this. The Palomar knot is super simple for beginners.
Go at times when biting-bug activity is not as high and the weather is fair
Hooks will be flying everywhere and in unpredictable places and ways. It’s always a good idea to make sure kids are appropriately distanced from each other. Bring eye protection - a cool pair of sunglasses will help protect their eyes from the sun and stray hooks. It’s a good idea to “pinch” barbs on hooks with a pair of pliers to make removal easier in the event one does go astray.
Ticks are more and more abundant in Nova Scotia. Make sure everyone applies bug repellent and does a tick check after each trip.
Sunscreen is a must for kids - make sure you have lots and apply it regularly and liberally.
A bobber with live bait is a very effective for kids to fish and probably the easiest way to start. Make sure you read and follow the corresponding regulations though, as specific measures have been implemented to reduce the likelihood of the spread of invasive species here in Nova Scotia. Refer to the Anglers’ Handbook for more information.
If you don’t have live bait, you can still be successful with kids. Two very effective and easy ways for kids to fish is with a small swim bait or ned bait on a small jig head. These options will catch most anything that swims in fresh water in Nova Scotia. For a swim bait, I recommend the Berkley Ripple Shad in the 3” Smelt colour.
For a ned bait, I would recommend the Z Man Finesse TRD in the Green Pumpkin colour. - note when using Z Man plastic baits, keep them in their own packages and do not mix them with other soft plastics - their materials and products are extremely durable and catch fish, but they do react with other kinds of plastic ruining the baits.
Nova Scotia also has an abundance of stocked lakes, fishing derbies and learn to fish programs that are great opportunities to get kids out and optimize their chances of success or at least ensuring they have a positive experience.
If you are not a fisherperson yourself, consider signing your child up for one of the learn to fish programs that are offered all across the province.
I’d encourage you to contact one of the many great guiding businesses operating in the province. Whether you intend to hire us or not, many are willing to help out with tips and pointers, and may even share locations and other information that will help you make the most of your time on the water. We all want to see kids enjoying the sport we love - after all, we’ve all been there.
Pro Tip: Invite a friend or bring kids in small, manageable-sized groups and they will help keep each other engaged, if the fishing is slow.
