With spring in full swing, it’s a great time to get outside and start enjoying the beauty the outdoors has to offer, and what better way to spend time in nature than by fishing!
For those bringing along young, first-time fishers, ensuring they have a fun and safe time is the main goal. So, let’s review some fishing safety tips for young fishers!
Tip 1: Gear Up
Ensuring you have the right safety gear may sound obvious, but it’s the most important part of ensuring a safe fishing trip and bears repeating.
If you’re on the water, make sure you and your young accomplices are wearing life jackets that are in good condition. It’s also worth having a hand-throwing float attached to a long line for quick assistance in case a person goes overboard.
Other important items to have on hand include an adequate supply of water and snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses and, of course, a first aid kit.
Tip 2: Don’t Rush
Whether or not you count yourself as a more experienced angler, it’s important to remember that safety comes first, and when it comes to young fishers, that means having patience and allowing them to set the pace.
Rushing them through the process can add unnecessary pressure and raise the risk for a dangerous misstep.
Tip 3: Try Barbless Hooks
One of the more dangerous pieces of equipment in fishing for young fishers are the hooks. While it’s suggested that adults bait hooks, getting younger fishers to give it a go on their own is a part of learning.
So, make it that much safer by opting for barbless hooks. In addition to having one less hooked contact point to cause injury, barbless hooks are much easier to remove should they accidentally snag and puncture the skin.
Tip 4: Bring Kid-Friendly Tackle
Adult fishing tackle is often lengthier and heavier than most young fishers can handle, and can leave your young novice feeling discouraged and uncomfortable when they have difficulty handling them.
Instead, opt to bring kid-friendly tackle that is weighted and sized for smaller bodies. This will allow your young fisher to better manoeuvre the rod outfit and avoid mishaps, making fishing easier and helping them gain confidence!
Tip 5: Set the Rules
Giving a young fisher a heads up about what to expect and how to behave when they’re just starting out can help direct their focus and keep them out of trouble.
No outdoor activity is without its risks, and your young fisher will look to you for guidance. By setting rules and etiquette around fishing, you help them understand that it’s both a pastime and a sport that’s deserving of respect and mindfulness.
Tip 6: Consider Fishing From Shore
Fishing isn’t only enjoyable from the inside of a boat! For young fishers with a lot of energy and inexperience on a boat, it may be best to try fishing from the shoreline.
For those with no or little experience on the water, being in a boat can be nerve-wracking, and you don’t want a nervous young fisher. Let them give it a go from shore until they are comfortable heading out on the water, providing you are comfortable and experienced on a boat yourself.
The Franklin Club has fun activities and fishing for fishers of all ages!
The Franklin Club has fishing fit for anglers of all experience levels. As a member of The Franklin Club, guests enjoy all-season fishing on our private 200-acre property, which includes Franklin Lake and Harris Pond, and have access to year-round activities and beautiful amenities.
Contact us today for more information about becoming a Franklin Club member!
