Take A Kid Fishing This Year

Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Statewide Information Officer

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Planning a fishing trip can be a fun learning experience before you ever get to the point of baiting the hook and reeling in dinner.

With some adjustments for age, consider these options for helping your child get the most out of the next fishing trip.

First, the license. You can buy your license at an FWP regional office, an outdoor sporting goods store that provides licenses—or online at the FWP web site at www.fwp.state.mt.us or at www.discoveringmontana.com under Online Services. All   can be an adventure.

If you go to the FWP web site to buy licenses encourage your child to visit some of the other kid-oriented pages on the site including the Montana State Park’s Quiz and the Adopt-A-Fish pages. Or, go to the Montana Field Guide to look at photos and descriptions of the fish species you anticipate seeing on your fishing trip.

If you go to a sporting goods store to buy your fishing licenses, take time to show your child the angling section and explain commonly used fishing equipment. This may also be a good time to pick up an emergency first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen and a map of the area you plan to fish.

Any regional FWP office not only sells licenses, but the wildlife mounts and fish displays can be fun for kids to explore. You can also pick up a State Parks brochure with information on future camping and vacation destinations, and a free copy of the Montana Angling Youth Newsletter for kid-oriented news on fishing.

Take time to study a map together before the trip. Maps help a young person to be more aware of their environment while they learn some basic map reading skills.

Whether the actual fishing trip occupies an hour or an afternoon, be sure to talk about and practice safety around the water. A life jacket is a good idea when youngsters are fishing from shore, and properly fitted life jackets are required when fishing from a boat.

Smooth or spray on that sunscreen and insect repellent, and don’t forget a camera to capture some unforgettable summer memories.

Whether the fish bite or not, bring plenty to eat and drink, and be sure to allow time to explore and play near the water.

Sometimes the best place to make a post-fishing plan is streamside, as appetites set in. Remember you don’t necessarily have to camp overnight in order to cook those fish over a campfire. Pan-fried, grilled, basted or otherwise, cooking together in the great outdoors is another fun, unforgettable learning experience.