Our Blog

Taking your kids fishing is a great way to spend time together and help them learn to appreciate the beauty and bounty that nature provides. However, if you're not properly prepared you could end up with a bored kiddo — and a frustrated parent. Here are some tips that will ensure everyone gets the most out of your next fishing experience, from packing the right gear to picking out the perfect rod for your young angler. 

Successful Fishing Trips

Successful fishing trips begin with planning. The last thing you want to happen is to get a fish on the line and then have a youngster screaming "I'm hungry!" before you're able to reel in your first catch. Grab these items to be sure you're well-stocked for success:

• Snacks and drinks
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• First aid basics
• Comfortable clothing

Perhaps the most important thing you'll want to pack is patience! Children often enjoy fishing, but having some ways to keep their attention is optimal. Choosing wiggly live bait, finding locations that are convenient to your vehicle and finding somewhere comfortable to fish will go a long way towards making your trip together an enjoyable one. It also doesn't hurt to let them have a little casting practice in the back yard before you head out. Keep in mind that whether or not you catch any fish is of no interest to your little one. Try to make at least the first few fishing trips all about them to help build their interest in the sport.

Best Fishing Rods for Youngsters

Younger children are generally started on a Spincast Reel with a 5-1/2-foot to 6-foot rod with medium power. Decide whether you want to go for smaller fish with a 6-pound monofilament line or choose a 10-pound line for larger prey such as bass, carp or walleyes. A spinning reel is excellent for experienced young anglers, with moderate-weight baits of up to a 1/2 ounce. While the reels are slightly more expensive, you'll get years of smooth casting and reeling and the ability to support up to a 20-pound braided line to nab larger and more aggressive fish. Older anglers will appreciate the control and strength of the Baitcasting Reel, with a 6-1/2-foot to 7-foot medium-power rod. Baitcasters provide fishermen with massive amounts of power to crank in big fish over long distances or in open water.

Bonding Over Bait

Kids today are used to getting what they want when they want it — but fishing can help teach them the value of patience as well as a love for the great outdoors. Remove the potential of immediate gratification, and have a quiet chat about dreams for the future while you're waiting for the next nibble. Teach your child to think creatively about ways to capture their wily prey and the pure joy of reeling in their first fish of the day. Have fun, and celebrate the fact that they're doing something people have done for years and years to provide for their families. 

There are dozens of reasons to go fishing with your kids. Pick one, pick a day and go for it! Stock up before you head out with gear from Norton Sporting Goods in Waldo, OH. Our friendly and professional staff will make even the newest angler feel like a star. Norton's has fishing tackle and bait from all your favorite brands in stock!