Taking Kids Fishing in Maine: Keep It Simple, Safe, and Memorable

I have reached the point in my season where I am fishing with kids frequently. I make every effort to provide an easy, enjoyable first fishing experience. Remembering that success is not measured by the size or number of fish caught, but by creating a fun, safe, outdoor memory. I get some of my best reviews from families on these trips, so I think I am hitting the mark. The picture is from last week!

What have I learned after three decades offering these trips?

Frankly the goal is fun, confidence, and time outdoors, not a trophy fish. Trips are three hours to keep things moving and if the bucket of worms is more interesting than me, so?

Part of the reason that I work out of a 20 foot boat is that big wide boat is stable enough for all of us to stand on one side without worrying that we might tip over. That feeling of a stable platform puts everyone at ease. Kids under 13 are required to wear a life vest when we are on the water and I’ll have vests to fit them along.

Fishing licenses are provided on our trips because the funds collected are a primary source of funding for biology and law enforcement on our waters. Each member of your party over the age of 16 who will be fishing must have a Maine fishing license. Licenses are included in the price of the trip. I gather the information needed to issue the licenses before the trip and have the licenses on file.

 I’ll have all of the fishing equipment we will need but feel free to bring your own if you have it. I have settled on spin casting setups for kids because they are simple to operate and most kids are casting and reeling in with little help from adults. Bobbers and worms are impossible for a school of perch and sunfish to resist. That makes the action fast and steady. I find that kids enjoy steady bites more than waiting all day for one large fish. Still after a while a boat ride to a new place adds to the fun for all and lets us explore new places.

I always have cold water in a cooler and a first aid kit under the console to keep those items handy if needed. There is plenty of room on the boat so do not hesitate to bring extra jackets and snacks as well.

Let the kids do what they can! Kids can get the hang of casting pretty quickly although some of the finer points will take a while to develop. Yesterday I fished with a family that has been along a few times before and while the girls could cast a distance making the lure land where they wanted was at times a challenge, but everyone caught a nice bass before the end of the trip.

With luck the kids remember the whole adventure: snacks, frogs, loons, skipping stones, and time with family. If you would like help planning a trip for your family please do not hesitate to get in touch or make a reservation for your own family fishing trip at this link.