Tips for Parents

For many children, the first few attempts at something new will determine for the rest of their lives whether they enjoy that activity. If they have fun during their first few fishing experiences, there’s a good chance they’ll be “hooked” for life.

If, on the other hand, those first couple of fishing trips result in frustration and misery, kids may never want to try it again. Here are a few tips that might help to make those early fishing events a success:

• Let the kids help plan and prepare for the trip. They’ll feel more involved if they can help out, so give them a few of the chores and let them make some of the decisions.
  
  
• Give them dependable tackle and some advance instructions on how it’s used. Early morning on a lake full of hungry fish isn’t the time or place for a child to discover that his reel doesn’t work or her fishing line is rotten. The tackle needn’t be new, but it must be in good working order.
  
  
• Dress them warmly. Mornings and evenings around here are often chilly and sometimes wet, and the enthusiasm wanes quickly when those feet and hands get cold. Layers of clothing and life jackets are a must, and dry clothing for the trip home isn’t a bad idea, either.
  
  
• Try to ensure that the kids catch fish, any kind of fish. Don’t stubbornly stick to trout fishing just because that’s what you like to catch. Young beginners don’t care if they catch a 5-inch sunfish or a 15-inch rainbow, as long as they catch something. Success keeps them enthused.
  
  
• Be prepared to keep them entertained in case the fish aren’t biting. Take along plenty of food and have each child bring a small bag of books, games and toys for those times when the angling action starts to wane. Engage them in conversation and brain games to help pass the time, or let them try unorthodox angling techniques just because they feel like it. If all else fails, let’em play with the fish they’ve already caught.
  
  
• Don’t demand perfection. It’s fine to teach kids how to do things right, but give them a chance to learn from their mistakes. Nobody likes to fish with someone who acts like a drill sergeant.
  
  
• Set a good example. If they see you catching more than your limit and scattering garbage all over the lake, they’ll think it’s part of fishing. Teach good fishing manners, tell them about the rules, and wear a lifejacket to show them it’s the thing to do.
  
  
• Start planning that second fishing trip immediately after you return from the first, and take the kids fishing again as often as possible.

This booklet provides basic information about where and how youngsters and families can enjoy Washington’s many freshwater and saltwater angling opportunities. It does not, however, list all rules concerning open seasons, catch limits, license requirements and other important details anglers should know before going fishing. That information is found in the current sportfishing rules pamphlet Fishing in Washington and in rule changes posted on the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website, www.wdfw\.wa\.gov/