SAFETY TIPS FOR FISHING WITH KIDS
Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind if you are planning to go fishing and boating with kids. Safety is really important to enjoy a great day on the water. Here is a checklist to get ready for your next fishing trip!
1. USE PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
Fishing safety for kids begins with protective eyewear. Polarized sunglasses are ideal for reducing eye strain and for spotting fish, and invaluable for protection from branches when walking into a pond or from lures being tossed by other kids. If you are night fishing, add a pair of clear glasses from a hardware store.
2. USE BARBLESS HOOKS
Should a child (or an adult) be snagged, barbless hooks are far easier to remove. Barbed hooks are important when baitfishing, and a serviceable option is to slightly bend them down.
3. PUT THEM PFD’S
Another must have safety item when fishing with kids: Life Jackets. Kids in kayaks, canoes or boats are safer when wearing a Personal Floatation Device.
4. TAKE A FLOAT AND LINE
Having a float and line to toss to kids in the water is a good idea either when fishing from a boat.
5. CLEARLY DEFINED RULES
Kids want to have fun, but running around a wet boat deck shouldn’t be one of them. Teaching fishing skills (and etiquette) includes setting the rules ahead of time and having the little ones follow them throughout the trip. This is especially important when fishing with a toddler to keep him or her away from items that could cause harm.
6. BRING DRINKS AND SNAKS
Juices. Bug juice, sunscreen, and drinks are important to have to keep bugs away and to prevent either sunburn or dehydration.
7. USE KID FRIENDLY TACKLE
Some rod outfits are long and heavy, and younger kids simply can’t handle them very well. Pack light-weight kids fishing gear (even toddler fishing gear is available) that makes their fishing easier.
8. APPROPIATE CLOTHING
Fishing safety for kids also requires appropriate clothing. Rain or wind gear, fleece or wool, and sneakers or boat shoes keeps kids warm and dry.
9. TAKE A A FIRST AID KIT
Have the normal bandages, gauze pads, cleaning and disinfecting liquids and gels, and pain medication are important when fishing with kids.
10. CARRY A WHISTLE
Yeah you might look like a lifeguard or a football coach, but when kids stray upwind of you a blast or two gets them back.
With those thoughts in mind you’ll be ready to handle most situations and focus on fishing.