Kayak Fishing With Kids

By: Rob Choi, Pro Staff

I love the outdoors and being on the water. It is my passion, and I am always thinking about my next adventure - I can't get enough of it. My love for fishing and connecting with nature is second to none. That is, except my kids. Nowadays, with the overabundance of screen time, I think it's even more vital to get outside, unplugged from screens, and plugged into the outdoors in the real world.

There is no better fishing buddy than your kiddo. However, taking a little one kayak fishing can present challenges. As a father blessed with two children, I thought I'd share a few tips to help make things a little easier based on my own experiences. 

FIND A LIFE JACKET THAT FITS

It's essential to find a life jacket that fits properly and is comfortable. Not all junior life jackets are created equal, so it may take an outing or two to find one that fits your child. If the life jacket doesn't fit properly, it won't be safe, and your child will be uncomfortable, leading to a day full of tears and misery - for your kid, too.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS, NOT JUST YOU

First of all, it's no longer about you and your time on the water, especially in the beginning stages, when you first introduce them to kayak fishing. Pick a spot that's easy to launch, simple to paddle to, protected from wind, where fishing action is almost a guarantee. Bottom fishing for croaker or bobber fishing for sunfish generates excitement and can instill a lifelong love of fishing. 

MAKE THE KAYAK FUN

When they are small, your child may enjoy riding in the back tank well or near the bow of your sit-on-top fishing kayak or between your legs in a traditional sit-inside kayak. However, as kids get older and heavier, you're kayak will near its max capacity, and you may choose to add a tandem kayak to your quiver, such as a Twin Heron or a Malibu Two XL. 

Once old enough and experienced, your child will appreciate the freedom of operating a kayak on their own. Make it a right of passage moment. Remember that feeling when you were first able to ride your bike wherever you wanted? FREEDOM! When you first see your child paddling on their own, your smile will be as big as theirs. 

SNACKS ARE ESSENTIAL

Who doesn't appreciate a well-timed snack break more than a child? Snacks are a great way to combat boredom and hunger. Consider apples, oranges, granola bars, and other durable snacks that are easy to pack and won't go soggy. Don't forget water bottles or their favorite beverage. A well-timed snack or two will undoubtedly extend your time as a family out on the water. 

KEEP IT ENTERTAINING

There is no denying that a child's attention span is much, much shorter than ours. Be strategic about your time on the water. Find opportunities to land your boat to stretch legs and explore. Make a game out of spotting wildlife. Allow your child to play with the live bait in the bait bucket. And, as mentioned above, offer snacks and snack breaks before things go awry. If kayaking as a whole family, bring water blasters for a friendly water battle. If it's warm enough, let them jump in and enjoy a swim!

Even if your goal is to teach them to fish from a kayak, your children will beg to go again if you make it as fun and engaging as possible. 

If the outing was a success, your kids might be tuckered out on the paddle back. Pack a tow line to assist with the trip back to the boat ramp to save your child from sheer exhaustion and a tear-filled ending to a great day. 

CONSERVATION

It's never too early to plant the conservation seed in children's minds. Though their goal is to catch the big one each time they go out, remind them that they won't always catch fish and that there is always next time. Each time out on the water is a new experience, a new adventure, and that there is always next time. But when they are catching fish, take the opportunity to teach proper fish handling and talk with them about responsible and lawful harvest. 

Pack a trash bag for any waste you and your family generate out on the water and make a game out of collecting trash out on the water. Teachable moments like this can be fun and tend to have a lasting impact on children. Investing in the environmental stewards of tomorrow will ensure healthy waters and fisheries for the next generation so that they have the same opportunity to teach their kids how to kayak fish! 

For additional tips, check out our helpful guide Tips for Kayaking & Canoeing with Kids.

Have fun out there!