Fishing with kids

[azatuchney]

This year my two girls want to go fluke fishing. They are 5 and 6. My question is, at what age did you guy start taking your kids out! Also what party boats would you suggest that are good for kids.

[Capt Sal]

Originally Posted by adam Zatuchney

This year my two girls want to go fluke fishing. They are 5 and 6. My question is, at what age did you guy start taking your kids out! Also what party boats would you suggest that are good for kids.

That is a good age to start them out.I started my kids,and nephews and nieces at that age.The only thing is if you take them on a party boat you might end up in deep water and need heavy weight and large rods.My suggestion would be a 4 hour charter.Your two girls would get all the instructions they need and the capt. will take you where they can handle the conditions.Catching not keeping is what you want.Kids are happy to catch any fish.Who cares if they get 50 throw backs it is all about fun!

[Duffman]

Started my son at 3 on private boats and his first PB trip was at 6.

Some suggestions.....start out with a 1/2 day morning trip. Mornings will tend to be less windy and calmer than the afternoon run.

All the sponsor PB's are great with kids. I would make the run out of AH earlier in the season since the boats should be fishing shallower at that time and inside the protection of the Hook. The last thing you want is your girls holding a heavy rod with 8-10oz sinkers all morning.

Bring plenty of comfort food! Trust me on this. Cookies, candy, etc.

[joerosa1]

Great advice and recommendation from Capt. Sal. You will have a blast with your kids.

Another option is a 1/2 day fluke trip (8:00-12:30 PM, 1:30-6:00PM) out of Atlantic Highlands on one of the party boats. Since the boats are not limited to going out front (ocean) they have the option of the calmer waters of Raritan Bay. Many great captains and boats one of my favorite is the Dorothy B with Capt. Kevin. Very kid friendly boat and they cater to kids and families.

[BCinerie]

Would do a river trip with a smaller charter boat , there are plenty fish in the river and it will be a stepping stone to the big water fishing!

[bulletbob]

Another really good option is renting a boat[ if you don't own your own boat] in the Navesink or Shark River.. That way, you don't have to worry about anyone or anything other than the kids, everything is self contained, and the kids can have a great time without getting in anyone else's way. except dad of course.. Much cheaper than a head boat too.. They will catch a ton of fluke , plenty of big red sea robins, and later in summer Shark River gets scads of blowfish, Kingfish, small blues etc.. Party boat is a good option, but personally a rental is better.. If one of the kids has to go to the bathroom, you are back at the Marina in 5 minutes, and back out fishing in another 5 minutes. Thats what i plan on doing with my 1 year old grandson in a few years.. One of my own small boats with his dad and grandpa, in protected water... bob

[frugalfisherman]

Seasick pills!!! Seen too many kids lying down on benches because of this missing detail.

[Take a kid fishing]

Started myself at 6 on the "Happy" out of Atlantic Highlands. For my kids it was also 5 or 6. I can tell you if it's a PB do a half day morning trip. Renting a skiff is great too just make sure it provides sheltered water and not fishing the channels where the kids could get rocked all day.

Last thing if it is a PB you may want to fish it first, get the lay of the land and then decide it that's where you want to take your kids. Either way get them out there and catch'em up.

Tight Lines.

[SaltLife1980]

Originally Posted by Capt Sal Cathy Sea Charters

That is a good age to start them out.I started my kids,and nephews and nieces at that age.The only thing is if you take them on a party boat you might end up in deep water and need heavy weight and large rods.My suggestion would be a 4 hour charter.Your two girls would get all the instructions they need and the capt. will take you where they can handle the conditions.Catching not keeping is what you want.Kids are happy to catch any fish.Who cares if they get 50 throw backs it is all about fun!

Best way to go.. Get em on the fish all trip and they will be hooked for life

[kmaty]

My first trip was a magic hr on the misty morn good way to go no early wake up for the kids flat calm back bay and hungry flat fish