Tips and tricks
Tips for a successful fishing experience with kids
Before setting sail with children, you should first consider the best type of fishing experience for the children’s age group and interests. This way, you will surely make the most out of this great outdoors activity and create unforgettable memories – for the right reasons, mind you!
For a successful fishing experience, choosing the right location is key. What are the options? Here are a few of them:
Fishing at a private fish farm
- Ideal for very young children
- Allows for a very short trip
- Space for running around the pond
- Catching fish is guaranteed
- Equipment and accessories are provided on location (fishing rods, baits, landing nets)
- Maximum comfort: facilities to take shelter or to warm up (gazebos, tents, pavilions)
- Possibility to choose the fish species to catch
- Fish cleaning on location (might require a small additional fee)
Fishing on a dock
- Ideal for younger children
- Allows for a short trip
- Lots of space to run around
- Catching fish is not guaranteed: it has a lot to do with technique and luck
- Equipment and accessories have to be brought along (fishing rods, baits, bucket)
- Still quite comfortable (if it starts raining, well… the car is not that far anyway!)
- Surprising variety of fish species to catch
- Certain encounters with other anglers
Fishing on a boat
- Ideal for older and more patient children
- Usually a full-day trip
- Space limited to the boat
- Catching fish is not guaranteed: once again, it has a lot to do with technique and luck
- Equipment and accessories have to be brought along (except in some outfitters, where they provide equipment)
- Nature dictates the level of comfort (wind, rain, scorching sun, waves, etc.)
- Ideal to contemplate nature
Fishing on ice
- Ideal for all ages
- Long or medium-long trip
- Plenty of space to run on frozen water
- Catching fish is not guaranteed: once more, it has a lot to do with technique and luck
- Equipment and accessories are provided (fishing rods, baits, tip-ups)
- Maximum comfort in warm cabins
- Interesting variety of fish species to catch
- Unique family-friendly experience: ice fishing is fun!
Even more tips
No matter the type of fishing, one thing is for sure: careful planning makes the experience even better. Here are a few more tips:
- Make sure that you have all the required equipment for the type of fishing you chose (kids love using spincasts and floats)
- Choose a spot where there is plenty of fish, even if the fish are smaller
- Stock up on warm clothes – dress up in layers and bring gloves, hats, scarves… Yes, things get chilly on a lake even during the summer!
- Bring gear that will keep you dry, such as boots, raincoats and plastic bags
- Bring sunscreen and apply some often. A whole day on a lake will surely give you a nice tan!
- Prepare a meal (or more) that will be easy and enjoyable to eat
- Bring a few sweet treats (hot chocolate, marshmallows and candy)
- Show your children how to handle earthworms!
Safety first
- Always wear a life jacket on a boat
- Be careful around hooks… they tend to prick!
Find your ice fishing location on the map of Québec’s ice fishing centres
Learn more about family-friendly introduction to fishing
Tips for a successful family fishing experience with kids
More tips for a successful fishing experience (SÉPAQ):