One of my favorite things to do with my kids is head out for a day of fishing. In my neighborhood, there is plenty of opportunity for freshwater bass fishing. We venture from pond to pond by golf cart, casting our lines. Fortunately, the kids can fish in over 70 separate ponds all stocked with largemouth bass. However, it is imperative to get kids excited about fishing before and while you’re on the banks. So, if you’re bass fishing with kids, here is how to get them excited to remain engaged.
Talk To Your Kids About The Excitement Of Fighting Fish
Even at my age now, it is hard not to get excited about hooking, fighting, and landing a fish. No question about it, that level of excitement is multiplied by 100 when it comes to kids.
With that said, talk to your kids before you go fishing about how fighting a fish is fun because of the pull and jumps based on the species.
Furthermore, make sure that they understand how to set the hook, reel, and land the fish. However, don’t avoid some coaching during the process.
Preparing The Fishing Gear
I am fortunate that my son gets so excited about fishing he pulls the gear from the garage mounted rod holders and shelf. Once he has the gear down, he loads into into the golf cart so we can head out.
However, showing your kids the lures, rods, and associated equipment and educating them will pique curiosity.
Rather than just looking at the gear, they will want to try it out for themselves. Also, if you’re fishing artificial worms, let the kids pick out their own colors and see what performs best.
Spot Fish Along The Shore
No matter if you’re walking, biking, or driving along the banks of a pond stocked with bass it is always fun to spot fish.
In my neighborhood, some ponds are clear while others are not. I prefer to fish the clear ponds so that the kids can get excited about spotting fish.
Often, we walk along the shore and sight cast to bass that are cruising along the banks. Not only can the kids spot the fish but they can cast, and potentially hook the fish before the battle begins.
However, if you have alligators in your area, make sure to stay with them and continue to look ahead.
My daughter loves to spot fish sitting along the shoreline and yes even the turtles, which are in abundance.
Encourage The Kids While They Fish
I’ll admit my son can be a bit clumsy when it comes to casting. He often casts into trees or manages to wrap the line around himself. However, he manages to catch plenty of fish.
When bass fishing with kids, it’s important to have frequent positive conversations. Something as little as a “nice cast” will keep children more engaged compared to saying nothing at all.
Furthermore, talk them through battling a fish. A little help verbally will coach them to successfully land the fish compared to losing bass time after time.
Make Sure To Take Pictures
First off, it is not possible to catch fish on every outing to the local bass pond or ponds. Some days, the fish will be finicky and simply not bite.
However, when the bass are biting, make sure to take pictures with the kids. It should be noted that some kids will be more willing to hold fish compared to others. It took some time but now my son and daughter will both hold fish that have been caught.
With that being said, do your best to get a picture of your kids holding the fish. The picture will serve as a reminder of the fun that they had while fishing. In the event your child is hesitant on making the decision to fish on another day, show them the pictures and you’ll likely draw interest.
Have A Fun Fishing Tournament
A fun challenge is to create a fishing tournament for the kids. Importantly, even the parents can partake in the fun.
Create a contest for the person who catches the most fish and the bigget fish. The winner gets a treat after the fishing is done for the day.
Remember, to keep it fun and not overly competitive. You don’t want to discourage a young angler.
Kids Love Bass Fishing
As an avid anglers as a kid and a parent of two not only do I love bass fishing but so do they. It is easy to keep kids engaged in fishing when you take them to spots with big populations of fish and an easy area to cast. Remember to fish on a consistent basis with kids to maintain a high level of excitement.
