How to Successfully Take Your Kids Fishing (Even If You’re Not an Expert)
Whether you love fishing or not, most parents find themselves trying to figure out how to take their kids fishing successfully. It can feel like a daunting task—finding a good spot, choosing the right gear, and knowing enough to actually catch fish on your first outing.
But don’t worry—you can do this! The key is to keep it simple, small, and effective. Especially if your kids are new to fishing or haven’t caught many fish before, your best bet is to start with panfish, also known as bream or bluegill.
Why Bluegill Are Perfect for Kids
Bluegill are a great choice because they’re usually easy to catch, especially during the summer months. They fight hard for their size, which makes them a fun challenge for kids without being too frustrating. If you go straight for bigger sport fish like bass, there’s a risk your kids won’t catch anything—and that can turn them off from fishing altogether.
Basic Gear That Works
You don’t need expensive or complicated gear to start. In fact, one of the best fishing setups for kids is a push-button reel, like the classic Zebco 33. These are affordable (around $30 at Walmart or even Amazon) and easy for kids to learn with. While the line that comes pre-loaded on these reels isn’t the highest quality, it’s good enough to catch plenty of bluegill.
When I say “think small,” I mean everything:
- Small hooks (trout-size work great)
- Small split-shot weight placed about 6–8 inches above the hook
- Small bobber
- Small bait, like red worms
Years ago, I fell in love with fly fishing for trout in mountain streams. One thing it taught me was the importance of presenting bait in a natural, simple way. When I started taking my own kids fishing, I used that same mindset and chose small trout hooks—specifically with a pink San Juan worm as bait. I’d add a tiny piece of real worm for scent, a light weight, and a bobber. The setup was simple, but incredibly effective.
Why This Setup Works So Well
This ultra-light rig gave my kids tons of chances to get bites and hook fish. They could easily see the bobber go under, learn to focus, and practice setting the hook. They didn’t care that most of the fish were small—they were catching something!
And because bluegill vary in size, they eventually started hooking into medium and even large ones—all using the same setup. That consistent success is what helped them fall in love with fishing.
Best Fishing Spots for Kids
If possible, start with a small pond, where bluegill are often abundant and easy to access. If that’s not available, find a bank area on a local lake, or check for public fishing docks or piers. These locations typically have bream hanging out nearby and offer plenty of space for casting practice.
One-Stop Shopping for Fishing Gear
You don’t need to visit a specialty store to get started. Almost everything can be picked up at your local Walmart, Amazon, or similar retailer:
- Rod and reel combo (Zebco 33 or similar)
- Small panfish hooks or trout hooks
- Split-shot weights
- Small bobbers
- Red worms (usually sold in the bait fridge)
If you want to get San Juan worms, I’ve had good luck ordering them online from discountflies.com. And don’t forget a pair of needle-nose pliers or forceps to help remove hooks from all the bluegill your kids will be catching.
Final Thoughts
Taking your kids fishing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you focus on small fish, simple gear, and a stress-free setup, you’ll give your kids the best chance to succeed—and actually enjoy the experience. The goal isn’t to catch a trophy fish, it’s to create awesome memories and spark a love for fishing that will last a lifetime.