Take A Kid Fishing 🎣

[Gerry Zagorski]

Let me first start by saying, not every kid will take to it but those who do will get a lifetime of enjoyment out of it if given the chance. Not sure who needs to hear this but “You” might be the one they need to fan that flame. The simple peace and comradery you get from a day of fishing yourself or with friends and family lasts a lifetime. It’s the gift that keeps on giving and might make a difference in a kid’s life.

You might be saying to yourself, I don’t have the experience to take or teach a kid fishing but I can “assure you, it’s not rocket science. You can do this and you might actually enjoy it too.

I started priming the fishing pump early with my Grandson when he was a baby, showing him the fish on my wall and telling him stories. I also remember when I was a kid, although my dad wasn’t into the outdoors, thankfully, I had an uncle who was and he took the time to tell me stories and take me fishing.
Fast forward and my Grandson, now 7, has got the fishing bug I planted and I couldn’t be more thrilled. While I’m not involved in his everyday life, fishing is the one legacy I wanted to pass along to him. I know what it did for me and it now bonds us together. It’s “our thing” and will be his for a lifetime.

So here are some tips to get a kid you care about into fishing:

With all the other distractions for kids these days it’s hard. The best way to start is just planting the seed and not taking them fishing but start talking about it to them. It’s not for everyone so it’s important to not force them or skip this part. Watch some YouTube videos, get a kids fishing book etc..

If they’re showing interest the next step is actually to take them fishing but you have to wait until they’re the right age and I would say 5 - 7 is the right age for that. This first trip does not have to be complicated, just get a basic fishing pole, some hooks, some garden worms or some hot dog scraps and a bobber and go to your nearest lake, pond or river and get them out there. Here is a great site to find places in NJ https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/fres...es-reservoirs/

If you want to fish the saltwater, Charter and party boats are great ways to get started. They’ll supply all the equipment, bait and instruction needed and there will be a mate to assist with tying rigs and sorting out tangles. Since this will be their introduction to fishing you want to be careful to pick a nice calm day and make it a half day trip, not a full day. You can see which boats are fishing for what here https://www.njfishing.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=1
Be careful to set their expectations first so they don’t get disappointed. Even the best fishermen don’t catch fish every time, but you and I are going to give it a try. Once again gauge their interest and be sure to make sure they have a continued interest. If they do, you now have a little person hooked. If not, it’s best not to force them.

If you need some additional help or advice just shoot me an email at gerryzagorski@gmail.com I know the difference this great sport has made for me and others I’ve introduced to it so if I can help I’d be glad to.

[dales529]

Great post Gerry!
My grandfather got me into it at age 5! never looked backed.

So I am 64 but still a kid when it comes to fishing. Will you take me out

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by dales529

Great post Gerry!
My grandfather got me into it at age 5! never looked backed.

So I am 64 but still a kid when it comes to fishing. Will you take me out

Yes let’s make that happen!

[Tuna Tales]

Crabbing is another good way too...not rough. 3 to 4 hours tops to start.

Easy. Lots of action. Throw out a blowfish or snapper rod for extra action.

Party boats - maybe start in the back bay / bay to "get their sea legs"...I fished on pretty much every NJ party boat there is/was. They are all good.


Joe T.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by Tuna Tales

Crabbing is another good way too...not rough. 3 to 4 hours tops to start.

Easy. Lots of action. Throw out a blowfish or snapper rod for extra action.

Party boats - maybe start in the back bay / bay to "get their sea legs"...I fished on pretty much every NJ party boat there is/was. They are all good.


Joe T.

Oh yeah and that’s how it all started with my Grandson. Nice and calm and ease them into it.

[Captain Rich]

Every chance I get !

[Capt John]

Great post Gerry. My dad took me fishing for the first time when I was 6 years old at the old Long Branch fishing pier.

We used to stand right next to the fillet table and I can still, to this day, remember the smell around that table. Amazing after all these years. Now look what I'm doing!

Anyway, something that lasted me a lifetime and I will never forget. Get those kids out on the water guys. It'll do you heart and soul good. Tight Lines Gerry.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by Capt John

Great post Gerry. My dad took me fishing for the first time when I was 6 years old at the old Long Branch fishing pier.

We used to stand right next to the fillet table and I can still, to this day, remember the smell around that table. Amazing after all these years. Now look what I'm doing!

Anyway, something that lasted me a lifetime and I will never forget. Get those kids out on the water guys. It'll do you heart and soul good. Tight Lines Gerry.

Yep it all starts with someone taking the time to take someone. For many it's their Dad and for others it's their Grandparents, Mom, an Aunt, Uncle or neighbor.

Check out this thread, one of my favorites of all time https://www.njfishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66167

[Duffman]

Great read Z!!

Been taking my son out since he was 3 and then joined by his buddy who came out with us when they were both 5. Here we are, 16 years later and they are grown men who love the water. Lifelong friends that outfish me every single time we go out.

[Wilson]

Originally Posted by Duffman

Great read Z!!

Been taking my son out since he was 3 and then joined by his buddy who came out with us when they were both 5. Here we are, 16 years later and they are grown men who love the water. Lifelong friends that outfish me every single time we go out.

It's because they had a good teacher!
My wife always out fishes me on party boats. She won two pools!