Thread: How old should my son be before I take him fishing?

Originally Posted by redearhoosier

My son will be 2 years old this month, and I've been itching at the possibility of taking him fishing. I can remember my dad taking me when I was probably closer to 4 or 5 and we've had tons of great memories since. I guess I could take him around a small pond at any time but a boat would probably require him to be older. Thoughts?

My biggest concern in a boat is the child, Will I be able to save the kids while trying to keep my head above water, trying to keep him or them calm! I really dont think they make C.G. approved life preservers for children less than 30 pounds do they? There will plenty of time later to take him fishing, I would stick to bank fishing right now. TMO, Good Luck

Yes they make life jackets available for them, my kids was takeing swim lessons when they was two. The sooner they get around water the better, it teaches them early of the do's and donts

I'd get him a spincast rod and reel he can start learning to throw and when he's ready I'd hit a couple boat ramps with rigs to catch some of those small bream that always hang around there. Your son will have an absolute ball cause those fish usually dont waste any time biting.

My son is 6 now, and i started taking him at 4. I have learned that if you take them in a boat there are two important things you need to have. #1 lots of extra worms and minnows for something for him to play with. #2 make sure there is a place for them to sleep after he is done wiping out the bait supply by feeding all of it to the fish. I can say that i dont take him alot but when i do i love every second. The first time i took him on the boat he caught his first crappie 15" (havent caught up yet) he also has a 12" 2lb bluegill on the wall. The memories will be awsome just dont forget the pampers and wipes, look at it this u have your own stinkbait dispencer!!!

I started my son at around 2 or 3, and my daughter is only one and has been out a couple times. The bank is probably the way to go, but my son loved the boat when he was little. If your going in the boat, just leave your rods at home, and spend a couple hours with her.

My daughter was premature, and is tiny. She's still only about 25lbs, and they make a lifejacket that will fit her.

my wife and i had our son in the boat when he was 3 months old. he is 12 now and i cant go fishing or boating w/o him. he loves the water and being in a boat fishing or just riding around. just use your head keep your child comfortable cool and in the shade ect...and you should have no problems. and watch out for your mother inlaw mine thru a major fit but she got over it

Take him with you. Just remember a couple of things: common sense and his attention span will be considerably shorter than yours. You may only be out for an hour or two but it will grow as he gets use to being out with dad.

Also when you start him out, pick the technique you are comfortable with i.e. bank fishing or boat fishing. Then grow from there. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck and have a ball.

keep in mind about the little 4yr old this past year that was found in a boat after his dad had an accident and somehow fell out of their boat and drowned! a lot has to be thought of with a child that small.with that being said, i did take my kid to the farm pond when he was 2 1/2. we were in sight of his mom the whole time!