The long summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to introduce children to fishing. Whether they're picking up a rod for the very first time or already love spending time by the water, fishing offers fresh air, wildlife, new skills and plenty of unforgettable moments together.
Fishing is also a great educational activity - a chance to learn about the environment we live in and the amazing creatures, big and small, we share the great British countryside with. As we all know, fishing also takes you to amazing places you probably would never see if you weren’t carrying a fishing rod.
The good news for parents is it needn’t be an expensive hobby either. We have a range of fly and lure fishing starter kits at great prices, perfect for children and beginners. They come rigged up and ready to go - you just need to add a few bits and pieces and you will be set to go. The staff in any of our stores will be pleased to help and advise you on the best tackle for the exact location you are planning to visit - find your nearest store, give us a call and get your kids fishing!
Taking Kids Fishing This Summer at a Glance
✓ Keep trips short
✓ Let children catch small fish first
✓ Pack drinks and snacks
✓ Wear hats and sun protection
✓ Celebrate every fish
✓ Let them help with simple tasks
Watch: Sandy King's Advice for Young Fly Fishers
Young angler Sandy King shares how he got started in fly fishing, what keeps him coming back to the water and why introducing children to fishing is one of the best gifts you can give them. Whether you're a parent, grandparent or complete beginner, his story is packed with inspiration for families looking to make the most of the summer holidays. You can find out more about getting kids into fly fishing over on our dedicated fly fishing for beginners area.
Simple Tips for Taking Kids Fishing
Keep the first trip short, simple and focused on fun. Choose somewhere safe and easy to reach, use straightforward tackle and target species that offer plenty of action.
Pack drinks, snacks, sun protection and an extra layer, and let children take breaks whenever they need them.
Most importantly, celebrate every small success - from making a cast to spotting wildlife or catching their first fish.
Where to Take Kids Fishing This Summer
At the seaside
Piers and harbour walls offer a range of easy fishing options for youngsters, generally there is no need to cast any distance as fish will be drawn to the structure you are fishing from. Small fish will find shelter from currents and food in the weed and rocks at the base of harbour walls. This, in turn will attract larger predatory fish.
The perfect tackle for this is our saltwater ready to go kit or something from the Savage or Abu range. Match this with a Fiiish Black Minnow Off Shore Combo Pack, a few spinners, some small weights and float fishing tackle and you will have all the tackle needed to fish for small pollock, bass, mackerel, garfish, mullet, wrasse, pouting plus a range of other mini species as well.
On the canal
Canals offer great, easily accessible fishing for a range of coarse fish possibly right on your doorstep. Perch are the perfect canal species for youngsters to target, they will take anything from worms and maggots to small lures and spinners. They are voracious feeders and once you have found a shoal you can expect the action to be fast and furious. Light lure fishing tackle is ideal and very easy for youngsters to quickly gain confidence with.
Stillwaters & lakes
Many anglers start their fishing careers on stillwaters catching stocked trout, usually rainbow and blue trout. Many of these ‘put and take’ waters such as the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre offer adult and child tickets or shorter two-three hour fishing session tickets which offer the opportunity to give kids the chance to give it a try and catch a fish.
On a small river
Small rivers are home to trout, grayling, chub and dace. All of these species are great to catch on a fly and the perfect introduction to this is with the recently introduced Japanese Tenkara fishing method. Although this is a delicate and authentic fly fishing technique, there is no reel or flyline so the casting is very easy to learn. The tackle requirements are basic too, so it is also inexpensive to get started with, yet still an effective fish catching system.
Let's Get More Juniors Into Fishing: Kids Fishing Inspiration
We spent the day with Jay Bartlett and his kids, Alex and Zack, fly fishing at Manningford Trout Fishery. All super keen anglers and regulars at the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre, the family talk about their love of fishing, their favourite memories and why Jay never says no to a request to them going fishing. Jay also reflects on his own angling career and why he feels it’s so important to introduce more kids to the sport.
Watch our family fishing video below for inspiration and practical advice before planning your own summer holiday fishing adventure.
What Should You Pack for a Family Fishing Trip?
Here's our simple quick checklist:
- sun cream
- hats
- drinks
- snacks
- waterproofs
- spare clothing
- sunglasses
- insect repellent
Fishing doesn't need to be about catching the biggest fish. Some of the most memorable days are simply spent outdoors together, learning new skills, spotting wildlife and creating lasting family memories. A successful first fishing trip can inspire a lifelong passion for angling.
So regardless of whether you are taking a vacation or a staycation this year, use it to get your kids fishing this summer!
Kids & Beginners Fishing Kits
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Cortland Guide Series Ready to Fish Fly Fishing OutfitPrice from £221.00 -
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