When family fun is on the itinerary, you have many options. Fishing can be an inexpensive activity that appeals to people of all ages. To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and safe time with the rods and bait, follow standard guidelines and practices.

Set the Right Tone

While serious anglers are all about quiet and concentration to land a big fish, kids just want to have fun. Therefore, when you set out for family fun with rods, bait, and a tackle box, set a tone of adventure and exploration. Youngsters will not be likely to want to sit on a pier for hours on end in silence while waiting for a nibble. Instead, they will probably want to splash in the water, hunt for rocks, skim stones, throw sticks in the water, watch butterflies, catch frogs, pick flowers, and play hide and seek. Save the serious fishing for an adults-only trip and focus this excursion on enjoyable adventure.

Prepare in Advance

Elaborate gear and tackle are not necessary, but make sure you have the items you need before you hit the water. Pack enough hooks, bait, line, and lures in the event that you lose some items. Have a cooler and ice on hand if you will take your catch home with you. Bring gloves, an extra change of clothes for everyone, hats, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. Don't forget snacks and drinks for everyone in your party, too!

Choosing Equipment

Tangled lines and complicated rods can be frustrating for young anglers.

- You can avoid many of these issues by choosing rods carefully. A spincast mechanism is the most basic design, which makes it ideal for beginners. To cast, simply press the button on the reel while propelling the line forward into the water.

- Barbless hooks will be the safest choice for youngsters. If you do choose to use barbed hooks, squeeze the barbs with pliers to eliminate them on the hooks. The absence of barbs will make it easier to disengage the hooks if they accidentally snag something or someone.

- Worms, bread, and insects make the best bait for kids. Use a basic bobber and sinker to finish setting up the rod. Although artificial lures may be tempting, it's more difficult to fish with them because anglers must repeatedly cast to ensure that they capture the attention of the fish.

Safety Guidelines

Take steps to ensure that everyone stays safe on a family fun outing.

Regardless of swimming skills, everyone in the party should wear a personal flotation device when around deep water. This includes time spent on a boat and near fast-moving or deep water. United States Coast Guard regulations require every passenger in a boat to have a personal flotation device. Even if your excursion just involves wading, take safety precautions. Know the depth of the water and the strength of any current.

Follow safety guidelines when angling, too. Teach children proper casting techniques to prevent accidents. Everyone should always take a good look behind them before casting to avoid lodging the hook into someone or something.
Never leave tackle lying open and scattered on the ground.

Follow suggestions and safety guidelines to ensure that family fun on the water is a positive experience.

To learn more about options for family fun, visit http://www.sttammanyfishingpier.com/index.php/about.