Fishing with Little Kids.

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How to Make It Fun, Even When You’re Not Catching Anything.

There’s something timeless about fishing. The quiet of the water, the thrill of the tug on the line, the simplicity of being outdoors. It’s the kind of activity that feels like a gentle pause in the middle of busy family life—until you bring toddlers or young kids along. Fishing with kids can be just as magical.

Suddenly you’re tangled in fishing line, someone’s shoe is floating downstream, and eventually no one wants to sit still for more than two minutes.

Still, fishing with little kids can be a truly magical experience especially if you shift your expectations and embrace it for what it is: an adventure in togetherness, not a quest to fill the cooler. Whether you’re lakeside, pondside, or casting from a dock, here’s how to keep it fun, stress-free, and full of sweet memories (even if the fish aren’t biting).

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1. Shift Your Mindset: The Fish Are Optional

Let’s be honest: little kids don’t care about landing a trophy bass. For them, fishing is about:

• Splashing their toes in the water
• Holding worms (or naming them)
• Eating snacks in nature
• Asking a thousand questions
• Getting to say, “I went fishing!”

If you go into the day thinking it’s about catching fish, you’ll end up frustrated. But if you go into it thinking it’s about spending time outside and bonding, it’s nearly impossible to fail.

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2. Keep the Gear Simple

You don’t need high-end rods or fancy bait to make it a good day. In fact, simplicity is your best friend.

What to bring:

• Kid-sized fishing rod (many are colorful, tangle-resistant, and easy to use)
• Bobbers and simple hooks – these hide – a – hook bobbers are GREAT for little kids. They keep the hook hidden so no one gets snagged when casting and everyone’s fingers are safe. I highly recommend them.
• Live bait or artificial lures (worms are a hit!)
• A bucket to “keep” their catches (or just to fill with water and rocks)
• Wet wipes, bug spray, and sunscreen
• Snacks (more on this later!)
• A small first-aid kit and extra clothes/shoes for inevitable mud

Tip: If your child isn’t into actual fishing, let them “fish” with a stick or net while you cast a line nearby. It still feels magical to them.

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3. Pick the Right Spot

The best spot to go fishing with little kids isn’t necessarily where the fish are biting. It’s a place where they can explore safely and where you can relax a little. Our favorite place to take our littles is a local little state park that has a nice little pond that is stocked every year. There’s a beach and you can rent kayaks if you want to go out further. Huge bonus: it has restrooms and picnic tables.

Look for:

• Easy parking and access to water
• Calm, shallow areas without strong currents
• Shade for warm days
• A place to sit or spread out a blanket
• A dock or bank that isn’t too steep

If the spot has trails, a playground nearby, or room to run, even better—it turns into a full afternoon of fun, not just fishing.

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4. Build in Play and Exploration

Kids are built to move, so don’t expect them to sit still and stare at the water for hours. Fishing can be the anchor activity, but not the only one.

Bring along:

• A small net for “catching” bugs or minnows
• A magnifying glass or scavenger hunt card
• A sketchpad for drawing fish or nature scenes
• A few small toys for independent play

You can also turn the experience into a learning moment:

• Talk about what fish eat
• Notice bird calls and plant types
• Let them ask questions and help set up

Making space for their natural curiosity keeps everyone happier—even if the poles are just props.

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5. Make Snacks a Main Event

It’s not a real outing without snacks. And honestly, snacks can save the day when the fish aren’t cooperating.

Pack a small cooler with:

• Easy finger foods (cheese sticks, fruit, trail mix, crackers)
• A fun treat (gummies or cookies feel extra special outdoors)
• Plenty of water or juice boxes
• A thermos of hot chocolate or soup on chilly mornings

Turn snack time into a little picnic break. Let them sit on a blanket or camp chairs, and just enjoy being outside. Sometimes that becomes the part they remember most.

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6. Expect Mess. Embrace It.

Little kids + water + dirt = mess. Just assume it’s going to happen, and prepare accordingly. That way, when someone dumps bait on their shirt or takes a dip in the mud puddle, you can shrug it off instead of stressing out.

Bring:

• A change of clothes for each kid
• Extra shoes or sandals
• A towel or two
• Plastic bag for wet/messy stuff

Pro tip: Pack pajamas for the car ride home. Changing into them makes the ride cozy, and they’ll likely fall asleep on the way back.

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7. Keep It Short and Sweet

One of the best ways to keep it fun is to quit while you’re ahead. A short, happy fishing trip leaves everyone wanting more. A long, drawn-out one often ends in tears and frustration.

Watch for signs they’re getting tired or bored:

• Fidgeting or asking to go home
• Complaints about being hungry
• Trying to play with the tackle box.

When it starts to feel like it’s going off the rails, wrap up with a fun transition. Try something like “Let’s take one more look at the water, then go get ice cream!” Always leave on a high note when you can.

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8. Make a Big Deal About the Little Moments

Whether or not you catch a single fish, highlight the magic:

• “Look how still the water is!”
• “Did you see that dragonfly?”
• “This is the best snack picnic ever!”
• “You cast that line like a pro!”

Take pictures. Clap for attempts. Name the worm they caught and cheer like they won a medal. Little kids remember how they felt more than what actually happened.

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9. Tell a Story on the Way Home

The ride home is a perfect time to relive the adventure. Ask your kids:

• What was your favorite part?
• What was the funniest thing that happened?
• If you caught a fish, what would you name it?

Even if the only thing caught was a clump of seaweed, let them tell the story like they landed a whale. Those stories become family lore—and they’re often better than the real thing.

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10. Try Again Another Day

If things didn’t go smoothly, don’t be discouraged. Fishing with kids isn’t about a perfect experience—it’s about building comfort in nature and togetherness over time.

The more you go, the more natural it feels—for you and for them. Keep showing up. Bring the snacks and keep casting that line. Metaphorically and literally.

Someday, when they’re older, they’ll remember the rhythm of these slow days: the breeze, the bobbers, the giggles, the quiet. Not the catch.

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Final Thoughts

Fishing with little kids is a beautiful lesson in letting go. Letting go of expectations, of outcomes, of timelines. It invites us to be with our children in the moment—mud, snacks, stories and all.

So pack the snacks. Lower the bar. And get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime… even if you never get a single bite.