Lake Fishing with Kids: What to Know Before You Go

Lake fishing with kids is one of the ultimate adventures to do in the summer. You get to have a quiet peaceful lake on a summer afternoon all to yourself. However, being in and around water with kids is extremely dangerous. Don’t let that stop you and your family from having some fun in the sun on the lake together. Follow these important safety tips for lake fishing with kids and head out to the lake and catch some fish and make some fun memories!

This is a pinnable post. Tap or hover over any image in this post to pin to your Pinterest Boards.

Image illustrates a Pinterest pin for lake fishing with kids.

Lake Fishing with Kids: Boat Safety

Image illustrates an image of kids on a boat for lake fishing with kids.

When it comes to having a blast out on the water, it’s super important to think about safety too. So let’s talk boat safety, mates! First things first, always make sure you have your life jacket securely fastened before stepping foot on a boat. It may feel a little funky at first, but trust me, it’s like having your own superhero cape. Also, never forget to listen carefully to all the grown-ups in charge – they’re like the captains of this adventure! Stick close to them and follow their rules like staying seated and keeping your hands inside the boat.

Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen! The sun can be as sneaky as a mermaid; it might fool you into thinking you won’t get burnt. But slap on some good ol’ SPF and protect that skin of yours. Remember, fun times on the boat are even better when we’re safe and sound. Let’s sail away on an unforgettable journey together!

The boat ride can become very bumpy, but fun! As the boat rides the waves, the boat can rock back and forth and jump up and down over the waves of the lake causing unsteadiness for the passengers. This is why it is crucial for everyone to remain seated at all times while the boat is moving. Just sit back and enjoy the ride!

Fitting for Life Jackets

When it comes to the important task of fitting for life jackets, ensuring a proper fit is absolutely crucial. First and foremost, select a life jacket that is appropriate for your weight range and activity level. A well-fitted life jacket should feel snug, but comfortable, with ample room for you to move your arms freely. Adjust the straps or buckles to ensure a secure fit around your torso. It’s also important to check that the life jacket covers both your chest and back adequately. The flotation device should not ride up when you lift your arms above your head or lean backward in the water. Don’t forget, even babies need to be wearing life jackets! They make them for them too!

Furthermore, make sure the straps are not twisted and fastened tightly without any gaps in between. Lastly, always test your life jacket before heading out on any water adventure to ensure its functionality and effectiveness in keeping you safe. Remember, taking a few minutes to properly fit your life jacket can provide peace of mind and potentially save lives in case of an emergency.

Life jackets should fit snugly and comfortably.
The fasteners should not be forced to fit and the life jacket should have no gaps around the chest or sides.
The life jacket should not float up into the face when in the water. It should stay comfortably snug around the chest perfectly.
Life jackets are sold by a person’s body weight and it is recommended to buy the right size for everyone.

Adhere to the Boat Owner’s Boat Rules

Image illustrates an image of a kid on a boat for lake fishing with kids.

Every boat owner has their own set of rules. Teach your kids to adhere to the boat owner’s rules at all times as well as your own rules. This boat we were on belongs to my parents. Once the boat stopped for what seemed to be the perfect fishing spot, everyone was allowed to take off their life jackets to do some fishing. However, if your family requires you to keep them on, do what you think is right.

No matter how much you know a lake, I grew up on this lake and know it very well, it is still a body of dangerous water so if you feel everyone should keep their life jackets on while fishing, keep them on!

Meet the Boat Owner and Driver, My Dad

Image illustrates an image of a man on a boat for lake fishing with kids.

I grew up camping and boating on the lake with my sisters and parents. As far as I can remember, my dad has always owned a boat of some kind. I have a ton of childhood memories of being out on the lake with my family.

We would spend hours out on the lake, sometimes even camping by the lake for up to a week, that is how much we love the lake!

Even to this day, my parents are known to be out on the waters for hours to enjoy their long summer weekends. They will pack a lunch and grab their boats and kayaks and disappear for a while. They will be back with beautiful pictures and stories to tell everyone!

Kids Driving Boats: Rules and Regulations

Image illustrates an image of a kid driving a boat for lake fishing with kids.

It’s no secret that boating can be a fun and exciting activity for youngsters, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety on the water. Before letting your kid take the helm, it’s essential to ensure they have proper knowledge and experience in handling a boat. Enrolling them in a boater education course is a smart move as it covers vital topics like navigation rules, communication protocols, and responsible boating practices. It’s also important to teach them about the importance of wearing life jackets at all times and having a float plan in place before setting off. (I cannot stress this enough. The importance of life jackets will be mentioned throughout the remainder of this post).

Constant supervision is key, especially when kids are operating motorized boats. Encourage them to maintain a safe speed, avoid alcohol or drugs while operating a vessel (obviously!), and always be aware of their surroundings. By instilling a strong sense of responsibility and understanding in our children, we can ensure their boat rides are not only enjoyable, but safe too.

Kids as young as twelve years old can drive boats. If you plan to allow your kids to experience the fun of driving a boat, be sure to check with your state’s local laws and regulations.

If you have never thought about your preteens driving the boat while out on the lake, just a fair warning they WILL ask if they can have a turn to drive! Be a step ahead of the game and be prepared now to adhere to the local laws.

Think of it this way, you will have peace of mind knowing you can set them behind the wheel of the boat knowing you have prepared for this moment, so grab your video camera because it will be precious!

Check out the Boating Education Requirements website for further details of your state’s laws, regulations, and requirements.

My Pap, the Fisherman!

Image illustrates an image of a fisherman for lake fishing with kids.

His Beautiful Wife of over 40+ Years, My Momma!

Image illustrates an image of a woman on the lake for lake fishing with kids.

Fishing on a Boat with Kids

Fishing on a boat with kids can be an incredibly rewarding and fun experience for the whole family. Not only does it provide an opportunity to bond with your children, but it also allows them to learn valuable life skills, develop patience, and connect with nature. To make the experience enjoyable, remember to keep it casual – no need to put pressure on catching a big fish or competing for the most catches.

Instead, focus on creating memories by teaching them how to cast their lines, bait hooks, and reel in their catch. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks, drinks, sunblock, and hats for sun protection. Engage them in conversation about marine life while waiting for bites and encourage exploration of the surrounding environment when anchored. Most importantly, embrace their curiosity and excitement as they discover the wonders of fishing alongside you.

Once everyone got their fishing lines in the water and it was not long at all until the kids started catching some fish!

I can swear that my kids are magnets for fish because they caught a fish quickly every time they put their lines in the water all summer long!

Image illustrates an image of a kid holding a fish on a boat for lake fishing with kids.

Boat rides on the lake are super fun. To avoid a disaster or a man overboard situation, again be sure everyone remains properly seated with their life jackets secured. Most importantly, have fun and capture precious summer memories!

Tips for Going Overboard for a Swim

Image illustrates an image of a kid going overboard to swim.

What good is fishing on the lake if you do not take a break and go swimming? Once everyone was done fishing and bored out of our minds from the lack of action and roasting in the sun, we decided to go overboard for a swim.

When going overboard on a fishing boat, it is important to ensure there is a safe way to get in the water and get back on the boat. A boat ladder is ideal. My mom and dad’s fishing boat has an awesome built-in boat ladder just for this purpose!

Everyone who wanted in the water was able to safely leave the boat and enter the water and easily climb back up into the boat without any issues. Again, life jackets must be worn when going overboard for swimming.

My dad did allow some jumping off the edge of the boat into the water for the ones that are little daredevils. My oldest son did not even enter the lake by going overboard. He was too scared, something about the depth scares him. My youngest son was having a blast swimming in the lake around the boat and jumping off of the boat with me, his grandma, and his cousin. My dad and oldest son stayed on the boat in case anyone had issues trying to get back into the boat. It’s important to always have a designated adult supervisor who’s keeping an eye on the water activities.

Next up, being aware of propeller areas around boats is essential; make sure kids understand that they should never swim near those areas. By following these tips, we can ensure our little ones have a blast while staying safe and sound during their boat-side swimming adventures!

Wear life jackets at all times.
Use a boat ladder for easy access to climb back in.
Ensure someone is on board to help at all times.
Stay clear of the boat propellers!

Image illustrates an image of a kid swimming in a lake.

Lake Fishing with Kids: Kayak Safety

Image illustrates an image of a kids posing with kayaks. — I thought it would be cute to snap this photo of my kids at the kayak house rental one day. They are in their school uniforms so this was a separate day of our fishing trip. Their hair is neatly trimmed here rather than the wild child summer boy long hair they have in the summer. This photo was taken at the beginning of the school year.

Lake kayak fishing with kids is such a calm, relaxing, and fun summer activity. If you have a kayak, I highly recommend taking your kids to do some lake fishing together. You can either buy a kayak, don’t worry they’ll fit on top of your car! Or see if the lake has a kayak house to rent a few.

Before you head to the lake with a kayak and your kids, here are some kayak safety tips to keep in mind to have a better experience.

First, rule number one: Enjoy the peace the lake has to offer! (I bolded this one!)

Image illustrates an image of a kayak by a lake.

Rule number two: When it comes to kayak safety for kids, there are a few important factors to consider. It is crucial to ensure that your child wears a properly fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times while on the water. This will provide them with added buoyancy and keep them safe in case of an accident. Additionally, teaching your child basic paddling skills and how to maneuver their kayak safely can greatly reduce the risk of capsizing or getting stuck in dangerous currents. It is also important to educate your child about potential hazards they may encounter on the water, such as rocks or submerged objects, and how to avoid them.

Lastly, always supervise your child closely during their kayaking adventures and never let them venture too far from shore or into unfamiliar territory. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your children have an enjoyable and safe kayaking experience.

Kayak Fishing Tips with Kids

Image illustrates an image of a kid fishing in a kayak. — No life jacket is necessary in this photo as my son was only sitting in a kayak at the shore fishing. He caught a fish while sitting here. Watch the catch in the video in this post!

Kayaks can fit a fishing pole and a tackle box for a fun trip in the middle of the lake to catch the big ones. Do not forget the paddles! You won’t get far without them anyway. Also, again life jackets should be worn when kayaking.

Always keep safety in mind when taking your kids out on the lake with a kayak. Remember, it is more about the experience rather than catching a fish with kids. Bring along snacks and drinks in the kayak for a more comfortable experience and fewer trips to the shore. Trust me on this one! I rowed back and forth to the shoreline because someone forgot something!

Image illustrates an image of a woman and a kid in a kayak. — Look at me preaching about wearing life jackets at all times and here I am in a kayak with one of my sons and I have NO life jacket. Shakes my head!

Provide a paddle for every kayaker for the ultimate experience and for kids helping to row the boat! They will love paddling their oars or paddles in the water! Allow them to steer the boat and head to areas of the lake they want to explore so long as it is safe.

When my sisters and I were young, I got to sit on the shoreline listening to them together trying to work as a team rowing a canoe on the lake, arguing over who is trying to steer and who is trying to follow! Therefore, keep that in mind when letting siblings take the oars together in the same boat!

Lakeside Fishing with Kids

Fishing on the lakeside with kids can be so much fun. So far this summer, we have fished on a fishing boat, a kayak, and now here we are on the lakeside to catch some more fish! Again, my sons both caught some catfish and I provided a short clip of the catch! They had so much fun and kept my parents busy as they kept catching fish!

Grab your camping chairs, some coolers, and of course, your fishing poles and bait, and relax on the lakeshore. We love to bring along some chips and soda and bet on whose line the fish will take first.

Be a good sportsman role model. Not everyone will catch a fish. Some kids may catch one and get all of the attention while others will not even get the slightest wiggle on their line. Teach your kids that this is okay and it is part of fishing. It does not make one kid a better fisherman than the other.

On this particular summer, both of my boys caught fish all summer long so there were no sore feelings. Only happy excited adventurous memories of having fun together and catching some fish!

Kids Catching a Catfish Videos

Catching fish with your kids is a fun summertime memory. They will be telling their friends the types and sizes of fish they caught to their friends once they return back to school. Of course, they may exaggerate the tales a bit for more excitement, but what fishing story have you ever heard that has never been fabricated just a tiny bit?

They were so proud to catch fish all summer. This is a catfish and my dad is holding it as catfish are mean to hold and their stings can hurt pretty badly so keep that in mind! It seems that catfish were the game this summer!

Check out the catch on these short video clips! The kids sure kept their grandparents busy!

My Oldest Son’s Catfish Video Clip!

My oldest son posing with his catfish. My dad is holding it to avoid my son getting stung. I lost count of how many fish he caught on this day!

Image illustrates an image of a kid with a catfish.

My Youngest Son’s Catfish Video Clip!

My youngest son posing with his catfish. My dad is holding it to avoid my son getting stung. I also lost count of how many fish he caught on this day too!