Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind if you are planning to go fishing with kids.
#1: Wear Sunglasses
Fishing safety for kids begins with protective eyewear. Polarized sunglasses are ideal for reducing eye strain and for spotting fish, and invaluable for protection from branches when walking beside a pond or from lures being tossed by other kids.
#2: Use Barbless Hooks
Should a child (or an adult) be snagged, barbless hooks are far easier to remove. Barbed hooks are important when fishing with live bait and a serviceable option is to slightly bend them down with pliers.
#3: Personal Flotation Device
Another must-have safety item when fishing with kids: PFD’s. Kids in kayaks, canoes or boats are safer when wearing a Personal Floatation Device.
#4: Take a Float and Rope
Having a float and rope to toss to kids in the water is a good idea either when fishing from land or from a boat.
#5: Clearly Defined Rules
Kids want to have fun. Teaching fishing skills (and etiquette) includes setting the rules ahead of time and having the little ones follow them throughout the trip. This is especially important when fishing with a toddler to keep him or her away from items that could cause harm.
#6: Bring Drinks and Snacks
Kid-friendly snacks and drinks are important to have to prevent hunger or dehydration.
#7: Use Kid-Friendly Tackle
Pack light-weight kids fishing gear (even toddler fishing gear is available) that makes their fishing easier.
#8: Appropriate Clothing
Fishing safety for kids also requires appropriate clothing. Rain or wind gear, fleece or wool, and sneakers or boat shoes keep kids warm and dry.
#9: Take a First Aid Kit
Having a simple kit of bandages, band-aids, gauze pads, cleaning and disinfecting liquids and gels, and pain medication is important when fishing with kids. Be sure to pack it in a waterproof container.
#10: Carry a Whistle
Yeah, you might look like a lifeguard or a football coach, but when kids stray upwind of you, a blast or two gets them back.
With those thoughts in mind, you’ll be ready to handle most situations and focus on fishing. Ready to get fishing?