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Fishing With Kids in Ontario
Seeing the ‘bob’ bob and the line tug for the first time brings both surprise and joy to a first time fishing experience for kids and novice adults.  However, it is the expression of the child that exudes wonder and excitement at the possibility of catching that first fish. Toddlers can start catching in their late twos or early threes.  Eating the fish is often another story.

Fishing Location
Parents should scout out a location where there is known fish...there is nothing worse than drawing blanks on your first time out.

Starting with kids on the dock is often a good area to launch the fishing experience.  With proper supervision, there is less commotion and more room to lay out the fishing gear than in a boat.  Look for shallow, sunny, rock lined shorelines with overhanging trees if you want to cast.  Or, just drop a line over the dock and wait for the action from sunfish and small bass.  If you can see the fish, in all likelihood a strike will be imminent, and then the fun begins.  For the very young child a fast turnaround of fish is going to keep the interest up and focused.  Patience, although a virtue for adults is often boring for kids.  I strongly suggest forgetting about the size of the fish and opt for numbers in a continuous haul. 

Eating the Fish
Young and first timers may be put off with the notion of eating, and i suggest wait awhile before demonstrating your cleaning and gutting skills and force fish feeding your kids.  It is more important to get them into the notion of catch-and-release as part of the overall conservation efforts, with a taste of dad’s fish. ...more of a gradual introduction to the eating.

Equipment and Bait
The most basic 3 foot stick, line, sinker and bobber might set you back $ 2.00, but don’t (as you can see in the photo) expect your toddlers to sit back and not want to use dad or mom’s rod.  A reasonably priced kids fishing kit might be good place to start after the basics of the stick and line have worn off.  Make it a special occasion and let your toddler pick his own kit or rod at the store.  We encourage parents to use life jackets.  Often the excitement of going fishing starts the night before with the catching of the worms.  I remember many a night waiting for the worms to come out, only to realize the batteries of the flashlight were failing fast, or had not been replaced.  Worms, bits of wiener, bacon, and meat will all be suitable bait for the waiting underwater hunters.

Casting
If dad starts casting out, expect the kids in short order to follow suit.  A bit of patience from mom or dad is imperative to this stage.  Everyone in and around the novice caster will need to be wary of possible dangers of inadvertently being hooked.  Try to avoid using lures, simple small hooks will suffice.

Photo’s:  Taken by the publisher with his family, three grandsons on the shores of Lake Kashagawigamog in July of 2009.     

Ontario has many thousand lakes, rivers and streams for fishing experiences. See Ontario fishing getaways and packages