A Guide to Making Fishing Fun for Kids

Both casual and pro anglers enjoy a good day of fishing on Minnesota’s pristine lakes. The cool breeze, sunshine, peaceful atmosphere, and excitement of a catch are beneficial for the body and mind. You want to share the experience with the kids in your family, but might have concerns about including them in fishing activities. Will the children have fun? Will it be too much work? What happens if they get bored or the weather turns bad? 

These are all legitimate questions for anyone planning a family fishing trip. We have the answers, along with helpful tips for making fishing fun for kids of any age and skill level.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Young Anglers

Children naturally get excited about new adventures and might have unrealistic expectations about what it’s like to go fishing. Since this is an activity that requires a lot of patience, a conversation about what to expect can help make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. 

Explain how fishing is about hard-earned rewards, not instant gratification, and emphasize the excitement you feel when you finally catch a fish! Have a plan in place for accommodating different skill levels when you have multiple children, and be prepared to end the day early if someone is struggling. 

Signs That Children Are Ready for Their First Fishing Experience

How will you know if they’re ready for their first fishing trip? Every child is different, but in general, here are a few indicators that they are ready: 

• Comfortable being on or near large bodies of water

• Able to hold and cast a fishing pole, either with or without assistance

• Understands and will listen to basic directions

Prep Tips for A Successful Fishing Trip

Involving kids in the trip planning builds excitement and gives them a sense of ownership over the activity. Keeping the tasks age-appropriate will help prevent frustration and boredom on both sides.

Select and Organize Your Gear

Depending on the age of the children, special gear might be required for your trip. Consider bringing lighter rods or special child-size rods, simpler reels, and comfortable seating for when they get tired of standing.

Don’t feel that you need to invest in special equipment right away, especially if you don’t know whether your child will enjoy the activity. Ask a friend or family member if they have a children's rod or tackle box that you can borrow, or consider renting one for the day. 

How to get the kids involved: Let them help you select the lures and rods. Use it as an opportunity to teach them about choosing gear based on the fish species, water conditions, and fishing technique. 

Find A Location

Researching fishing locations is a true art. You might have a few favorite spots, but bringing kids along could alter those plans. Travel distance and proximity to amenities like restrooms and convenience stores should always be top considerations in choosing a lake. 

Also consider whether the lake has bluegill, crappie, panfish, or sunfish — all of which are typically smaller and therefore easier for children to catch.

If you need a family-friendly lake, Pelican Lake in Orr, Minnesota, is a hidden gem that’s perfect for fishing. The lake has shallow bays, easy access points, a public boat launch, and is close to town if you need to make a quick trip. 

How to get the kids involved: Show them options in the area you plan to fish and explain how you select a fishing spot. Explain considerations like the species, season, and lake geography. 

Discuss Basic Safety

Water, inclement weather, and fishing gear can be dangerous. Teach children the basic rules of water safety, whether you plan to fish from the dock or a boat. Explain that activities are dependent on the weather and have a safe place to take shelter if things turn bad. 

Little ones might be tempted to play with the tackle box, so a lesson on hook dangers and safety is critical for kids of all ages. 

How to get the kids involved: Have them practice wearing their life jacket at home, so they become accustomed to the feel. When it’s time to pack, let them pick out a sun hat, sunglasses, and other weather-appropriate clothing for the adventure. 

Explain and Practice Fishing Techniques

A little preparation will go a long way in helping kids, especially younger ones, feel more comfortable at the lake. Books and videos are both helpful and engaging ways to show children the basics of fishing. 

Cover topics like bait selection, casting a reel, fish handling and unhooking techniques, and catch and release vs. keeping fish for dinner.

How to get the kids involved: Ise hands-on learning to explain bobber fishing, simple jigging, and trolling basics to prepare for the trip. 

What To Do When Things Don’t Go as Planned

All the planning in the world can’t prevent bad weather or fish refusing to bite. Always have a backup plan with activities that will keep kids entertained until you get back on the water. 

• Nature scavenger hunts and wildlife identification games

• Sharing stories about your first fishing trip

• Hands-on activities like knot-tying contests, skipping rocks, and lure painting

• Swimming and building sand castles

• Teaching them about reading water, understanding fish species and behavior, or observing weather patterns

Make Memories With the Next Generation of Anglers

Making fishing fun for kids builds confidence and helps build skills they will carry for a lifetime. As their interest in the activity grows, involve kids more in the planning and challenge them to learn new techniques. 

Connecting with other families through the local activities or youth programs is another way to keep kids interested in the sport of fishing.

While you’re out on the water, don’t forget to take photos and videos! You and the children will cherish these memories for years to come. A few tips: 

• Start a fishing journal to document where you fished and what you caught. 

• Capture a photo or video of the first catch, first nibble, and first fish.

• Make an interview-style video asking children about their favorite part of the day, and what they learned.

Making Fishing Fun for Kids at Orr’s Pelican Lake

Fishing as a family creates lasting memories while teaching children about patience and having an appreciation for the great outdoors. With over 54 miles of shoreline and diverse fish species, Orr’s Pelican Lake is a perfect spot for your next fishing trip. 

Use the public boat launch for a day on the water, fish from a public dock, or book a few days at one of the cabin resorts surrounding the lake.