How to Teach a Child to Cast a Fishing Rod

What a great time to take your kids fishing! Our friends at TakeMeFishing.org explain in easy steps how to teach a child to cast a fishing rod. ~MC

The excitement that young girls and boys exhibit when they catch a fish for the first time is fun to see. Then they want to catch another. And another. And pretty soon they’re asking, “can I hold the rod/cast the bait out/put the worm on the hook/reel the line in?”

So the first fishing 101 question is when to start taking kids fishing. The answer is as soon as you want, but probably between the ages of 2 to 4, when they have good control of their bodies and movements, and can communicate fairly well. That’s probably closer to 4 than to 2, and it’s when they have a little more attention, stamina, interest, and patience. Ask yourself if the child is capable of holding the rod if he/she catches a moderate-size fish.

And that leads to the question about when you can start teaching a child to cast. It depends. Maybe age 4, probably 5, certainly 6. Most 5-year-olds can throw a ball, swing a baseball bat, and do other things requiring motor skills. But abilities and attitudes differ among youths of the same age. Some are bigger, stronger, more coordinated, or simply more determined. Whatever their age, if they want to do it, get into your extreme patience mode and show them.

Here’s advice for anyone who wants to learn how to teach a child to cast a fishing rod:

• Start with an appropriate size rod. It should be small and light. What’s small? Thirty-six to 48 inches, maybe 5 feet if the youngster is older. Use a kid’s fishing rod rather than an adult’s fishing rod, or at least use something that would be light and small for adults.

• Start only with spinning or spincasting gear, the latter being a hands-down favorite for kids because of its simplicity of use. Basic spincasting gear will not hold up to much saltwater use, however.

Continue reading, How to Teach a Child to Cast a Fishing Rod from TakeMeFishing.org here.

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  The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON →