Fishing for Kids
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Fishing is a great activity to introduce to young people. It is a life long sport that anyone can participate and excel in no matter what their size, age or athletic ability. It’s also a great way to spend time with family members. The BWCAW offers four main species of fish including Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Lake Trout.
General Fishing Tips
Since you will not have a net along, you will need to take care when removing your fish from the line. Using a barbless hook is a good idea for catch and release. They are also much safer with kids just in case someone gets hooked. When removing Walleye and Northern, grab them carefully by squeezing their gills closed. For a Smallmouth, put your thumb inside and grab its lower lip. Never put your hands inside the fish’s gills or grab it by the eyeballs. Wet your hands before handling a fish and return it to the water as fast as possible.
An unattended lure is an accident waiting to happen. Always remove lures from the rod when not fishing and especially when portaging. To make transporting your rod and reel easier on a portage, take the reel off and pack it into one of your bags. Then, using Velcro straps attach your rod to the canoe, one strip on the tip and one at the butt of the rod.
A medium action rod 5 ½ to 6 feet is a good choice for wilderness fishing. Buy a middle-of-the-road quality rod and reel for your kids. $30-40 for a combo is about right. A closed-face reel is easier for kids. Avoid buying a snoopy pole because it won’t last and will usually give out on the first fish caught.
Practice casting and reeling in a pail at home in the yard.
- Keep it simple – A spin-cast rod and reel, live bait, bobber, split shot and hook make the perfect kid’s fishing rig.
- Look for action – Walleye or Lake Trout may be your preferred catch, but to a kid, any fish is a trophy. Smallmouth or Northern Pike are often the most cooperative and can usually be found near shore.
- Safety – Wear lifejackets. Also, be sure to pack band-aids, pliers, a handkerchief, sunscreen and raingear.
- Have fun – At its heart, fishing is about memories. So encourage them take the time to stop and turn over rocks, feed the ducks or just wander around looking for frogs.
License Requirements
All anglers, 16 and older, need a Minnesota fishing license. Resident youth, 15 and under do not need a license and get their own possession limit. Non-resident youth 15 and under do not need a license if accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian and their possession limit is combined with the adults.
