A Packing Checklist for Your Child’s First Fishing Trip

Fishing is one of the country’s most common pastimes and a great outdoor activity for families. It’s not just the fun act of fishing but the time you spend with your loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, eating good food, and exchanging stories while waiting for your pole to signal a catch. If you love fishing as a hobby, you probably can’t wait to take your child on their first fishing trip.

If your child is finally old enough to tag along on the next fishing trip ( to fish), here’s what you need to bring to make the day as fun and comfortable as possible:

Fishing gear

First, get your child fishing gear appropriate for their age, size, and experience. Here’s a checklist of the fishing gear you need, but take note that you can share some of these items with your child if you already have them:

• Fishing rod
• Reel
• Leader
• Fishing line
• Hooks
• Bait
• Floaters or bobbers
• Line clippers
• Net
• Bait
• Bucket
• Sinkers
• Snaps and swivels

Always remember to handle hooks, jigs, and other hazardous objects yourself. If your child is old enough, teach them how to use these objects bit by bit, but think twice before allowing them to use them on their own for their first fishing trip.

Life jackets

A life jacket is a must-have for children of all ages, even if they know how to swim. Keep your child’s life jacket on, and don’t let them take it off until you’ve reached land.

Proper clothing

To keep your child safe and comfortable while fishing, you’d want to dress them up in:

• Long-sleeved, sun-safe fishing shirt
• An appropriate hat
• Suitable footwear
• Sunglasses
• Thick, waterproof socks

Hydration pack

Fishing can be physically demanding, and all that rowing and casting under the sun will surely make you thirsty. To keep your child hydrated, buy them their hydration pack and remind them to sip occasionally.

Sunscreen

Don’t forget to bring a high-SPF sunscreen that is tried and tested on your child’s skin. You will spend a lot of time under the sun, and your child’s bucket hat will not be enough to shield their skin from UV rays.

Healthy snacks

Bring plenty of healthy, on-the-go snacks such as fruits, cut-up vegetables, trail mix, sandwiches, granola bars, and whole wheat biscuits to energize your child throughout the day. Steer clear from calorie-dense foods with no nutritional value, like chips, soda, and candy. The last thing you want is a hyperactive child when you’re trying not to scare away the fish.

Insect repellent

Bring insect repellent to ward off the mosquitoes if you’re fishing in a body of water near a wooded area. Before you arrive, apply a generous amount to the exposed areas of your child’s skin.

Wet wipes

Fishing can get pretty dirty, especially with children. Help keep their hands and faces clean by bringing a pack of wet wipes in your bag.

Towels

Please bring a small towel for your child’s hands and face and a large towel to dry other parts of their body.

Cooler

A cooler is essential for any fishing trip. It will keep your drinks cool while you’re fishing, then it can store your catch and preserve its freshness for the journey home. However, if you’re feeling with your child, you might want to bring a separate cooler for your food and drinks.

First aid kit

Bring a first aid kit with all basics, such as essential medicines, bandages, antibacterial solution, gauze, and tweezers. Don’t forget to pack your child’s medication if they have any. If your child is old enough, teach them basic first aid before going on your trip.

Games

Children have short attention spans, which can get boring while waiting for the fish to bite. To keep your child entertained, look up some games you can play while waiting. Of course, these games should not make too much noise to avoid scaring away the fish. Great examples include ‘I Spy,’ trivia games, guessing games, etc.

It’s best to leave the electronics at home, too. Aside from helping you spend more quality time with each other, not bringing your child’s devices will protect them from potentially falling into the water.

A child will never forget the first time they catch a fish. If you want to give your kid the same experience you had (but even better), refer to this list when packing for your next fishing trip.