Going Places - Five tips for family fishing fun

Ready to grab the tackle box and head for the lake? To ensure that every member of the family enjoys a great weekend, take a quick peek at these five tips for family fishing:

Get the right gear
Give some thought to the abilities of those who’ll be fishing and make sure you choose the right rods and reels for every member of the family. There’s no point in handing a complicated casting rod to a young child who won’t be able to handle it and would be happier simply dropping a simple worm on a hook into the water.

Think safety first
According to Ontario law, a boat must contain a life jacket for every passenger aboard, and that those who are not strong swimmers must wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Life jackets have come a long way since the days when they got wet in June and stayed mildewy-damp until September. Made of lightweight plastic fabrics, today’s PFDs are relatively comfortable and dry quickly. Whether you rent a fishing boat, use one provided by the resort you’re visiting, or use your own, make sure it’s fully equipped.

Be sun safe and beat the bugs
The reflection of the water that surrounds you when you’re in a boat or standing on a dock intensifies the sun’s rays, making you more susceptible to a burn. Be sure to slather on the sunblock before heading out for your day of fishing, and reapply every few hours. Bring a hat as well.
Mosquito bites used to be simply an annoyance, but since the advent of West Nile virus, they can pose a larger problem. Be sure to protect yourself with bug spray, reapplied frequently, and wear light-coloured clothing.

Gauge those attention spans
Dad and Mom might be content to sit perfectly still all morning, waiting for a strike, but the kids could get a bit bored. Bring a bag of comic books, crayons and coloring books for little ones and let the older kids combine their wilderness adventures with a few tunes on their trusty iPods. Yes, it will take away a little of the back-to-nature atmosphere, but if the kids are happy, you’ll get to fish longer.

Water, water everywhere
A bag of snacks and a few bottles of water will help to extend your fishing day. Hungry kids are generally cranky kids so keeping them fed and watered is key to ensuring a happy day. Pack a picnic basket and head for shore when it’s time for lunch. A bit of running around on dry land will help your kids blow off steam and extend their attention spans for the afternoon’s fishing.