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A Parent's Guide to Taking Your Kids Fishing

A tradition that has been passed down to kids by their parents for generations, fishing is one of America's favorite outdoor activities and is a great way to encourage quality family time.

There is never a bad time to get your kids introduced to fishing, so getting them started young is the perfect way to create a fun and exciting foundation for them.

If you are looking to introduce your children to this fantastic activity, here are a few helpful tips for their first few outings.

Slow and Steady

If you are taking your toddler out on the water for the first time, you likely aren't going to be reeling in any fish right off the bat.

This is the time to teach them the ropes and the very basics of fishing, as well as simple rules of safety and catching.

Just getting them out on the boat or walking along the shore will help to spark their interest and get them more excited about the prospect of catching fish.

Safety First

If you have a younger child you are introducing to fishing, keeping them safe should be your number one priority.

For those going out on the water in a small boat or even a kayak, having your child's life vest on before you get in the boat is vitally important.

If you find yourself simply fishing along the shoreline, be sure to keep an eye on them and consider a life vest for the smaller kids in case they happen to fall into the water.

Keep Your Kids Occupied

While fishing for hours on end may be relaxing and enjoyable to you, your kids may get bored with it far sooner than you will.

Be sure to have some other activities for your kids to do either on the shoreline or to keep them busy when you are out on the boat.

If your child can only stand to be on the water for 30 minutes at a time, bring the boat in for a little bit and do something on the shoreline that they enjoy before going back out for another little outing.

Stay Fueled

If you take your kids out on a hot day, they are going to get tired and dehydrated sooner than later. Be sure to keep an adequate stock of water and food with you to keep them going so they continue to enjoy the day with you.

From sandwiches to fruit to sports drinks, having all of this on hand will help you out and lead to them having a more enjoyable day.

Catching the First Fish

When your child does catch their first fish, be sure to celebrate and commemorate the moment with a family photo as it is one they won't ever forget.

Follow these tips and tricks and you are sure to hook your kids on fishing in no time.

What To Do When Fishing in Muddy Water

While you can dream of perfect conditions for each one of your fishing outings, unfortunately it simply isn't meant to be and you are bound to hit spots that have muddy water which can make fishing much more difficult.

Fishing in muddy water doesn't mean you have to go home empty handed if you follow the right steps and strategies.

From the type of bait and lure you use, how shallow the water is, and even your casting angle and speed, there are a wide range of elements that factor into successful fishing in muddy water.

Types of Lures

When fishing in muddy water, arguably the most important factor in this process is the type of lure you use.

Since there is less visibility under the water for the fish, you have to utilize a lure that can really stand out or plays to their other senses in the water.

Harnessing sound in different baits is one of the best ways you can attract fish when their sight is hindered by the water.

By using a rattle on a jig lure, you can give the lure a little flick with your wrist as you slowly pull it through the water to make a clicking sound that the fish can track by ear.

A classic spinnerbait is another outstanding option to use in murky water as the blade creates a vibration when it hits the water and moves through it that fish, specifically bass, can track and listen to.

If none of these baits are up to your liking, using colored crankbaits or a dark jig can provide a lure that is much easier to see in the murky waters so you can still attract the fish by eyesight.

Where to Fish on the Water

As important as it is to use the correct lures, finding the fish is even more important. If you are casting in areas where it is unlikely to find fish, you will never reel in anything.

Depth of water is an important element to focus on as bass and other fish will attract to certain depths when the water isn't crystal clear.

A flat is a great spot to attack with your lures, roughly six feet deep and even going out to 10 or 12. While it is very difficult or impossible to see the fish in the murky waters, going after the shallower areas heightens your percentage of hooking something as there is less area that you need to cover and grasp for.

By staying closer to the shoreline where there is some cover in tall grasses on the edge will typically provide you with a good hot spot to reel in a good amount of fish even on a day where you can't even see your own hand in the water.

Follow some of these simple tips and tricks and you can reel in the fish no matter what the water conditions are.

How to Catch Pike

If you find yourself fishing in the northern part of the United States or very southern regions of Canada, one of the more popular fish you may be going after is northern pike.

The best time of the year to go after these fish is typically in May in these regions as they have recovered from spawning and are typically found in abundance in the shallower windows.

These potentially aggressive fish can be a task to handle so it is best to come fully prepared with all the correct gear and knowing what to expect.

What Gear to Bring

No matter what kind of game fish you are going after, using the right gear is essential to reeling in as many as you possibly can.

When going after the northern pike, the first thing to consider is the type of rod you are going to be using. These fish are strong and can really put up a fight, so investing in a longer rod with medium to heavy action is ideal for handling the strength and speed of the pike but can still give you the feel and control that you need.

As far as the line you should be using, a monofilament or braided fishing line that can handle anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds is going to be the ideal investment for this type of fishing.

Bait and Lures

Just like any other fish, the pike tends to go after certain bait over others. When going after this game fish, the best option to have in your arsenal is live bait. These predators tend to be more attracted to smaller fish such as minnows, making these the ideal bait to use on the end of your line. You can however, still use dead bait and find a great deal of success.

While the pike enjoys feeding on the smaller fish, these scavenger fish will essentially bite at anything you put into the water, which is why both live and dead bait will typically be very successful.

As far as colors are concerned on your lures, pike usually go after yellow, white, and a lighter red as they can resemble the smaller fish they usually hunt.

Different types of lures you can use to hunt pike include, but are not limited to:

• In-Line Spinner: These lighter lures can be cast out a long ways so you can hit spots that are further out of reach where the pike might be lurking. This tool also contains more blades on it which can really reflect off of the water and sunlight, making them a very attractive piece for the game fish to go after.
• Spinnerbait: This classic lure is perfect in a white form that features a twist tail as it possesses a lot of action that the pike is easily attracted to.
• Surface Plug: If you are utilizing topwater lures, you can't go wrong with a surface plug. With styles that resemble small minnows, these lures are a great attraction for the pike to go after.

Follow these simple tips and you should be reeling in the northern pike in no time.

Health Benefits of Fishing

For many, fishing is a personal escape that provides great benefits for your mind and soul in the calming atmosphere.

Did you know that fishing is also an excellent physical activity as well?

Yes, if you are looking to keep your physical and mental body in shape and prolong your overall health, fishing is one of the best activities you can be regularly involved in.

Physical Benefits

If you are genuinely proactive and conscious about your fishing habits, this can be a great way to keep your physical body in great shape.

If you are lounging back in a lawn chair on the side of the pond with your line just sitting there however, you are not going to find too many physical health benefits from doing this for several hours.

If you are able to, consider going to a more remote location for your fishing where you have to hike back to a pond or river a couple of miles in.

Once you reach a spot like this, be sure you are standing up the entire time you are fishing and try and move around to different areas on the water. By constantly moving your body and finding different locations, you will not only increase your chances of catching a fish, but better your physical body.

These strategies can do wonders for your heart health, but you can also do great work for the rest of your body such as getting quality muscle workouts, exposing yourself to clean, fresh are, and getting natural vitamin D in your body from a little sun exposure.

Did you know that fishing can also have a tremendous effect on the overall health of your brain as well?

A study done in Japan showed that those who were exposed to the woods on a regular basis has significantly lower blood pressure and pulse rates.

Mental Benefits

One of the most obvious benefits for those who are fishing on a regular basis is the relaxed state of mind it puts you in. The calmness and serenity of being out on the water or in the woods alone can relieve a lot of stress you may be aware or unaware of.

Fishing can also help you boost your critical thinking and problem solving skills, while improving your overall mental fortitude.

If you haven't caught a fish in a while or keep hooking the same one and can't reel them in, this is naturally going to test your patience and overall mental strength.

Scenarios like this can help you figure out different ways to attack the fish from different angles and come up with alternative strategies in order to put yourself in the best possible position to catch the fish.

Once you do reel that big game in, your confidence can be boosted tremendously, which can lead to better performance in other areas of your life.

As the old saying goes, a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work.

What is a Trash Fish?

If you have been fishing for game fish for a while, there is probably a good chance you have reeled in a few trash fish here and there.

When trying to reel in big bass, many of these trash fish tend to go after the same bait and lures you are trying to catch your game fish with, making it easy to hook a few.

What Is a Trash Fish?

A trash fish is a species that is generally considered as inedible or having no food value.

Many fishermen though, simply consider any fish they are not purposely trying to catch as a trash fish.

Ironically, these species actually play a large and very vital role in keeping the underwater ecosystem balanced and thriving.

What Species Are Considered Trash Fish?

There are many different kinds of fish that are considered to be trash fish, but there are a few that seem to be a little more common and prevalent than others.

If you are fishing in freshwater, one of the common ones you may come by is a bowfin.

The bowfin is usually caught when you are going after other groups such as bass, but they will typically go after anything from minnows, lures, and plastic worms.

Other popular types you may come by are gar.

This fish that looks like its straight out of Jurassic Park will put up quite a fight if you actually hook one as they long, sharp teeth with easily cut through your line.

If you do happen to come across one of these guys though, you may have a pretty cool photo opportunity on your hands.

If you are really up for a fight at the end of your line, then hope that you come across a freshwater drum.

A fish that will put up just as a strong of a fight as any bass you will ever hook, these are very large fish that have an incredible amount of endurance to really give you a test of your patience and strength.

What To Do With Trash Fish

While it is not the traditional practice to consume these kinds of fish, you can in fact eat them if you like.

The term "trash fish" has been coined by many commercial fisherman that find them in their nets of swordfish and shrimp and spread to the everyday fisherman focused on going after their bass and trout.

If you do catch some of these species though, many people have reported them to be very tasty.

If you are feeling a little too uneasy about eating something that is nicknamed "trash," you should have no problem simply releasing it back into the water and going about your business.

So the next time you are out on the water, keep an eye out for these unique species. You may be surprised at what you reel in next.

Ultimate Guide to Kayak Fishing

Fishermen are always scouting for the next strategy or trick that is going to help them take their fishing success to the next level.

One of the newer ways people are getting out on the water and catching more fish is through kayak fishing.

This type of fishing offers a wide array of benefits that will have you reeling in more fish in no time.

One of the biggest benefits you can receive from this style of fishing is the access you are opened up to when out on the water.

360 Degree Access

When you are fishing on the shore, you are limited to what is directly in front of you when going after fish.

When you are out on the water though, a kayak opens up 360 degrees of access to the water, allowing you to get to more and more spots where the fish are and reel them in.

You can also cover a lot more area in a kayak as it will travel long distances with minimal effort.

Cost Effective

If are trying to get out in the open water in a regular boat, your costs can quickly become very expensive depending on how often you are using it.

From filling up on gas, to the constant upkeep needed on them, boats can be a real money pit if not cared for correctly.

A kayak though, does not require gasoline and is specifically built to withstand many of the difficult conditions you will encounter when out on the water.

At fishingonline.com, we offer a wide range of different products that are perfect for setting you up to start kayak fishing.

From kayaks to rod holders to dry pouches, here are just a few of the many outstanding products we offer to help you get your kayak fishing adventures going.

Kayaks

For those just getting started in this style of fishing, getting the proper vessel is key to success.

One of the best available options on the market today is the Jackson Kayak Kraken.

This top of the line model provides you with everything needed to start this activity as it is ideal for those going out into open water.

Available in six different colors to choose from, this model provides you with plenty of ways to put your own personal touch on your boat.

With plenty of storage space and an ergonomic design that is ideal for multi day trips, this is the perfect model for anyone.

Rod Holder

Staying comfortable and relaxed is key to successful fishing, but you can't accomplish this by holding your rod the entire time.

For the kayak fisherman out on the water for prolonged periods of time, the Yak Attack Zooka Tube is the perfect addition to your setup.

This top of the line accessory mounts directly onto the deck of your kayak and can fit a wide variety of different spinning and casting rods.

Paddle

If you are kayak fishing, getting around the water effectively and efficiently is key to both your fishing success and your overall safety.

Investing in a quality paddle is a great addition to your setup and the Shoreline Marine Kayak Paddle is an outstanding all around model suited for anyone.

With the corrosion resistant aluminum shaft, high impact handle, and molded blades, this top of the line product is guaranteed to last you for many seasons to come.

Rod and Reel

Having quality fishing equipment is vital to your success on the water, and the Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Combo is ideal for any kayak fisherman.

For the most dedicated fishermen on the water, this is the perfect rod and reel combo that can stand up to the most intense conditions.

A double anodized aluminum spool, high end Power Disk drag system, and 24 ton graphite all come together to create one of the most lightweight and durable products available on the market today.

Anchor Kit

If you are going to be parking your kayak out on the water for awhile, having a quality anchor is key to getting the most out of your experience.

The Shoreline Marine Kayak Fishing Anchor Trolley Kit is ideal for any fisherman needing to stay in one spot and get the most access around them as possible.

A 1.5 pound anchor attached to 50 feet of anchor line provides you with everything you need to stay in one spot and rotate an entire 360 degrees so you won't miss a single spot out on the water.

Dry Pouch

When fishing in a vessel as small and as close to the water as a kayak, you are much more exposed to the water than in other scenarios.

Keeping your valuables dry and protected is a high priority, making the Shoreline Marine E-Reader Dry Pouch the perfect accessory for any kayak fisherman.

This dry pouch allows you to still use your phone through the case while still keeping it and everything else dry in its 100 percent weather and water resistant cover.

Fishing Life Jacket

No matter where you are fishing, safety is always the number one priority. If you are going to be out on the water, the Stohlquist Piseas PFD Fishing Life Jacket is a must have.

An ideal combination of function and comfort, this vest comes with dual side adjustments, open sides for ventilation, adjustable webbed shoulder straps, and much more.

This model even comes with plenty of storage space on the front so you can store anything you need in the convenient pockets.