Take the Kids Fishing in Florida

There is nothing like seeing a child catch their first fish.

It is great to take my kids fishing. I have 2 daughters Hannah and Emily. We have been going fishing since they were small. They love boating and fishing. I hope this will stay with them for life. The girls have probably logged more hours in the boat than most grow men.

Some of my favorite memories are them swimming in the live well. The live well was big enough for Hannah and Emily to get in and stay cool on the scorching summer days. They would get in there and play with the bait. Whenever I needed a bait, I would ask “ I need a bait” they would say “ what kind” This was a wonderful learning experience. The different baits we would catch were Spanish Sardines, Cigar Minnows and Threadfin Herring. They could pick out the baits in no time flat. The live well kept them happy for hours on the boat.

They both have Junior World Records. Hannah has one for a 2.5 lb Mangrove Snapper and Emily has one for a 10 lb Spanish Mackerel she caught on a top water. We drive to the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, in Ft. Lauderdale, to look up their names. This was a nice moment for the kids and proud moment for Papa. I am not sure if the junior world records still stand, but it was great to hang the plaque on their bedroom wall.

Safety is the most important thing for all children that go out on the boat. They most always wear a life vest and have someone assigned to watch them at all times. Apply sunscreen at home before you jump in the boat and reapply.

At the end of the day, we would stop at their favorite island. They would explore the island. I would start a fire and we would cook hot dogs or just grab a sandwich and a cold drink form the cooler. This give them an adventure and gave me time to clean the boat.

Always take a kid fishing even if it is not your own. There is nothing like seeing a child catch their first fish. The fish tail grows from the boat to the living room and will stay with them for life.