If you love fishing, you are probably hoping your children will, too! To ensure they’re remembering these moments for the fun and not the emergency trips to the hospital, implement these simple tips!

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Let’s Go Fishing: Safety Tips For Fishing with Children

A family day on the water is what summer memories are made of.  Read on for a few kid-friendly fishing tips that will keep your youngsters safe and sound!

There’s nothing like the joy of watching your child catch their first fish or discover a new species.  However, moments like this can be quickly overshadowed by injury.  To keep it fun and something your family will want to do together for years to come, follow these easy safety tips for fishing with children.

USE PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR

Fishing safety for kids begins with protective eyewear.  Polarized sunglasses or ideal for reducing eye strain and for spotting fish.  Sunglasses also provide invaluable protection from branches when walking around the lake or pond, or from lures being tossed about by others close by.  If you are night fishing, add a pair of clear glasses from a hardware store!

USE BARBLESS HOOKS

Should you or your child be snagged, barbless hooks are far easier to remove.  If you are using barbed hooks for your fishing trip, a serviceable option is to slightly bend them down.

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING AND LIFE VESTS

Whether you’re standing on the shore, rowing a boat or canoe, every child should be wearing a PFD (Personal Floatation Device)!  It’s also important that your child be wearing protective foot gear and clothing for the season!

CLEARLY DEFINED RULES

Rules don’t sound like fun, but running around a wet boat deck or jumping around in your boat is not as fun as it sounds, especially after they take a spill.  Teaching fishing skills (and etiquette) includes setting the rules ahead of time and having your little ones follow them throughout the trip.

BRING SUPPLIES

We don’t mean just your fishing pole and tackle box!  Bug spray, sunscreen, water and snacks will allow for longer periods of fun on the water.  Have the normal bandages, gauze pads, cleaning and disinfecting liquids and gels on hand, too!

USE KID FRIENDLY TACKLE

Some rod outfits are long and heavy, and younger kids simply can’t handle them very well.  Pack light-weight kids fishing gear that makes their fishing easier.  Their poles shouldn’t be longer than your child is tall to ensure they keep their balance and have better control.

CARRY A WHISTLE

You might feel like you’re refereeing a football team, but when kids stray from you (especially if they are in their own kayak, canoe or finding their own sweet fishing spot along the shore) a blast or two gets them back.

If you love fishing, you are probably hoping your children will, too!  To ensure they’re remembering these moments for the fun and not the emergency trips to the hospital, implement these simple tips!

With coverage that allows you to be present in the moment, a chance to shoot the breeze and connects you to the things that matter most, Preferred Mutual helps you take to the open waters with confidence.  Enjoy smooth sailing with superior coverage!  Talk to an independent agent today to add boat insurance to your existing auto, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy!

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.