Fishing With Kids: Nostalgia Meets New Adventures
This year, our family took a leap and bought a boat. For me, it wasn’t just about fishing—it was about revisiting a piece of my own childhood. I grew up spending weekends on the water with my family, waking up before the sun, piling into the boat half-asleep, and letting the gentle hum of the motor carry us into adventure.
Now, with my own kids, it feels like life has come full circle. Watching them discover fishing—the excitement of casting a line, the anticipation of a bite, and the simple magic of being on the water—reminds me of my younger years. And just like back then, we’ve learned that the most valuable part of fishing as a family isn’t what you catch—it’s the time you spend together.
What We’ve Learned About Fishing With Kids
Leave Early
Morning is when the water is calm, the air is cool, and spirits are high. Kids are naturally fresher and more excited early in the day. It also means we’re usually back to shore before the afternoon heat (and crankiness) kicks in.Pack Snacks—Lots of Them
If you’re leaving before dawn, snacks need to double as breakfast. One of our favorite tricks is making a batch of sheet pancakes the day before—easy to cut into squares, wrap, and eat with little mess while the boat is moving. For lunch, we keep it simple with make-ahead sandwiches, plus a cooler packed with fruit, cheese sticks, crackers, and granola bars. Having plenty of grab-and-go options keeps kids happy during the slower stretches of the day and saves everyone from mid-morning “hangry” meltdowns.Blankets Are Underrated
A cozy blanket has quickly become one of our most essential items on the boat. They’re perfect for early morning chill, creating a shady fort, or curling up for a nap after hours in the sun.Don’t Forget the Water—Pack More Than You Think
If there’s one thing we’ve learned quickly, it’s that you can never have too much water on the boat. The sun reflects off the water, the breeze masks how hot you’re getting, and before you know it, everyone’s more drained than they realize.
We’ve made it a rule: always pack more water than we think we’ll need. Each kid gets their own water bottle (it helps them track how much they’ve had), plus we stash a cooler with extra bottles just for refills. Cold water isn’t just about quenching thirst—it keeps moods steady, prevents fatigue, and makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
Juice boxes and sports drinks make fun additions, but plain water is what carries us through the day. When the sun takes it out of you, staying hydrated is the difference between a fun family memory and cutting the trip short.
Expect—and Embrace—Naps on the Boat
The gentle rocking of the water has a magical way of lulling kids to sleep. Instead of seeing naps as “lost time,” we’ve learned to embrace them. A little mid-day rest means the kids (and parents!) can enjoy more time out on the water without meltdowns.Sun Protection: Apply Early, Even on Cloudy Days
One of the lessons we’ve learned the hard way is that sunburn doesn’t care if it’s cloudy. Early morning hours feel cool and gentle, but the sun’s rays are still strong—especially on the water, where they reflect off the surface.
We make it a habit to apply sunblock before leaving the dock and reapply every couple of hours. Hats and lightweight long-sleeve shirts help too. Keeping everyone protected means the fun lasts all day, and no one ends up crabby or uncomfortable halfway through the trip.
Celebrate the Small Wins
For kids, the first tug on a line or even just holding the pole can be a huge victory. We cheer for every cast, every bite, and every fish, no matter the size. It’s not about the cooler full of fish—it’s about building confidence and excitement.
Building Confidence, Especially for Young Girls
One of the unexpected joys of fishing with our daughters has been watching their confidence grow with every trip. Fishing teaches patience and resilience—two qualities that are powerful for young girls to carry into every part of their lives.
Every cast is a little lesson in independence. Every fish they reel in, no matter how small, reinforces that they are capable. And even when the line comes back empty, they’re learning that trying again is part of the process. These moments matter.
On the boat, there are no “girls’ activities” and “boys’ activities”—there’s just adventure. Giving our girls the chance to handle the rod, bait a hook, or help with the cooler shows them that their place isn’t just watching from the sidelines. It’s in the action, at the center of the story.
Years from now, I hope they’ll carry that same sense of confidence into classrooms, careers, friendships, and families. Fishing may just look like a day on the water, but for young girls, it can be the foundation of believing in themselves.
Why It Matters
Fishing with our kids isn’t just about teaching them a skill; it’s about giving them space to slow down. In a world filled with screens and schedules, time on the boat strips life back to its simplest joys: sunshine, laughter, sheet pancakes eaten before dawn, naps under blankets, and the sound of water lapping against the hull.
And maybe—just maybe—years from now, they’ll remember these moments the same way I remember mine: sleepy mornings, snack breaks, and the feeling of family togetherness that no catch could ever top.
Final Thought
If you’ve been thinking about trying fishing with your kids, don’t worry about being perfect or “knowing it all.” Start small, keep it simple, and embrace the messy, magical moments that come with it. The fish are just a bonus.
