by James Kramer
Take plenty of refreshments. Water or Gatorade type drinks are good for hydration - avoid the sodas and bring snacks like crackers, Pringles, combo pretzels or chex mix. If the fish take a break, the kids are going to get bored and want to have a snack. That’s fine, let them. They will get interested again if the fish start biting. If they wan to quit fishing and go for a swim after a snack, time to make the transition and go swimming (just not in the same spot you were fishing!).
Try and go to a spot were there will be plenty of fish. Remember, they’re not trying to catch a prize snook or their first 10 pound redfish. You just want to go where there will be plenty of action to keep the kids involved and active. Target near shore reefs like the Coquina reef just off Coquina Beach in Bradenton where a variety of fish reside or try the edges of grass flats for Pinfish. Kids are happy just to have something pulling on the line. And use squid for bait. It stays on the hook much better than shrimp so you are not constantly re-baiting the hooks. All of the common fish like pinfish and grunts on the reefs will eat the squid. Use smaller pieces for the smaller fish and try a big piece for the bigger fish down there.
We usually fish for about 20 minutes. The kids want a snack and after the snack, we fish for about 10 more minutes then it’s off to the sand bar for swimming. Just remember that you are taking the kids fishing. If you want to fish, you may want to venture out on a different day without the kids. I usually do not fish at all when the kids are fishing and just focus on them. If I want to go and do some serious fishing, I go alone or with a fishing buddy.
by James Kramer
Take plenty of refreshments. Water or Gatorade type drinks are good for hydration - avoid the sodas and bring snacks like crackers, Pringles, combo pretzels or chex mix. If the fish take a break, the kids are going to get bored and want to have a snack. That’s fine, let them. They will get interested again if the fish start biting. If they wan to quit fishing and go for a swim after a snack, time to make the transition and go swimming (just not in the same spot you were fishing!).
Try and go to a spot were there will be plenty of fish. Remember, they’re not trying to catch a prize snook or their first 10 pound redfish. You just want to go where there will be plenty of action to keep the kids involved and active. Target near shore reefs like the Coquina reef just off Coquina Beach in Bradenton where a variety of fish reside or try the edges of grass flats for Pinfish. Kids are happy just to have something pulling on the line. And use squid for bait. It stays on the hook much better than shrimp so you are not constantly re-baiting the hooks. All of the common fish like pinfish and grunts on the reefs will eat the squid. Use smaller pieces for the smaller fish and try a big piece for the bigger fish down there.
We usually fish for about 20 minutes. The kids want a snack and after the snack, we fish for about 10 more minutes then it’s off to the sand bar for swimming. Just remember that you are taking the kids fishing. If you want to fish, you may want to venture out on a different day without the kids. I usually do not fish at all when the kids are fishing and just focus on them. If I want to go and do some serious fishing, I go alone or with a fishing buddy.
