| Many fishing enthusiasts dream of the day their | | | | before, including snacks, lunches and fishing equipment. |
| children will join them on the water. If your child is finally | | | | Nothing spoils a fishing trip like being cold, so bring |
| old enough to handle a reel and you're getting ready | | | | plenty of layers and extra clothes in case you get wet. |
| for that milestone first fishing trip, here are some tips to | | | | To help keep your child occupied during down time, |
| help you make the experience a memorable one. | | | | bring a small bag of activities and keep in mind some |
| Get Excited | | | | other activities the two of you can do in case the fish |
| Once you've announced to your child that the two of | | | | aren't biting: Go on a hike, learn to skip rocks, catch |
| you are going fishing, mark the day on a calendar and | | | | frogs, go geo-caching (if you have a GPS unit), etc. |
| commence a countdown. Help engage your child in the | | | | Get Outside |
| planning by going shopping together for a fishing license | | | | The day of your big trip, wake your child up early to |
| and some new fishing gear. Choose some extra | | | | allow plenty of time to get ready and share a special |
| tackle from your own box and hand it down to your | | | | breakfast, either at home or at a diner. Kids tend to |
| child as a gift to make the occasion special. | | | | remember occasions on which they had to get up |
| Let your child help choose the location. Point out a few | | | | extra-early. |
| options on a map, explain the pros and cons of each | | | | Once you arrive at your destination, let your child help |
| spot, and decide on the best place together. Try to | | | | unpack and give him or her your full attention as you |
| avoid steep or slippery locations, and look for a spot | | | | prepare and bait your reels together. The first time |
| that is likely to yield fish. | | | | your child gets a bite, let him or her reel it in alone as |
| Before the big day, teach your child how to clean and | | | | you coach and cheer from the sidelines. If the first fish |
| oil a reel as well as assemble, disassemble and put a | | | | is lost, then help with the next one. Let your child know |
| new line on it. Allow your child to practice casting in the | | | | it's common for a fish to get away. |
| yard with a lightweight sinker; you can even set up a | | | | Back at home, make a point of bragging about what a |
| garbage can or other target to help build accuracy. | | | | great job your child did. If you've played your cards |
| Get Ready | | | | right, you'll have a fishing partner for life. |
| Let your child help you get everything ready the night | | | | |