Hooked for Life: A Guide to Kids' Fishing

1. Keep It Safe - Of course the number one tip is always safety first! Our little cherubs mean the world to us, so we must do our best to keep them safe. Kids should always wear a life jacket when fishing from boats, rocks, or anywhere near deep water. Make sure we are right there teaching them how to handle hooks safely and also simple things like washing their hands after handling bait and fish.

2. Keep It Simple - Kids don’t need complex rigs, high-tech gear, or a fishing encyclopaedia to have a great time. Start with a basic spinning combo or even a simple handline for the little ones. A light rod with a small reel is easier for them to handle, and you can set them up with a simple Sabiki rig or Flasher rig (depending on your location)

3. Choose the Right Spot - Not all fishing spots are created equal, especially when kids are involved. Look for locations with easy access, this is vital, kids don't want to be walking 30 minutes to a spot. Plus you can store extra things in the car like clothes, food or other activies to keep them occupied (more on that soon ...) Some places could include you local wharves, calm beaches, or sheltered bays. The goal is to find a place where they have a high chance of catching something – even small baitfish like herrings, mackerel, piper or spotties can make their day. If there is a chance at catching snapper, kahawai or trevally that is just an added bonus!

4. Teach Basic Skills - Fishing is a great way to teach kids patience, coordination, and problem-solving. Show them how to cast, how to feel for bites, and how to safely handle fish. Keeping things hands-on makes it more engaging and rewarding for them.

5. Make It Exciting - Let’s be honest – kids have short attention spans. If the fish aren’t biting, keep things interesting with games, exploring rock pools, or even casting competitions. If they catch something, make a big deal out of it! Take photos, measure their fish, and celebrate their success.

6. Pack Snacks & Be Prepared - A well-fed, happy kid is a patient fisher. Bring plenty of snacks (I know in my house it’s Doritos and Snake lollies), water, and sunscreen. Extra treats also don't go amiss too, while it could be classed as a bribe, let's face it, this type of bribe is absolutely fine!

Pack a towel, spare clothes (especially warm ones!), and keep a first-aid kit handy – because let’s be honest, kids and fishing hooks don’t always mix well, even with our best intentions, always be prepared for the worst.

7. Catch & Release or Keep - Teaching kids about sustainable fishing is important, especially at a young age. Show them how to safely release undersized fish and explain why it’s good to let some go. If they want to keep their catch, make sure it’s within legal size limits and involve them in the cleaning and cooking process.

8. Don’t force it! – If they are starting to get hōhā, maybe it’s time to think about leaving. Remember, it’s not always about the adults on these trips. If you want your kids to keep coming on your trips, then forcing them to stay hours longer than they want to will not work. They’ll end up not wanting to come on the next one because they will remember getting bored, wanting to go home and someone forcing them to stay longer. By all means, keep them entertained so they want to stay longer, but once they have hit their limit, don’t force it, pack up and head home, there’s always other.

9. Make It a Tradition - The best part of kids' fishing is the memories you create together. Turn it into a regular adventure – a weekend morning ritual or part of your summer holiday tradition. The more they enjoy it, the more they’ll want to keep coming back.