9 Essential Tips for Surf Fishing with Kids

I have been on the beach since I was in diapers so I have logged a lot of miles and hours surf fishing both as a kid and as an elder. I have been very fortunate to have been raised by parents and grand parents that loved to fish and the outdoors, and took me along on their adventures from the very beginning. As I grew up and became a parent myself, I continued that tradition with my kids and grandkids.

They can begin at almost any age, but they usually learn best, and have enough attention span, by the time they get to be around four years old. But, take them whenever they show an interest, regardless of the age. If you wait, you’ll wake up and they’ve lost interest or discovered video games, and then it may be too late.

Tips for Surf Fishing with Kids:

1. Remember this day is all about them – I know if you are like me, you love to fish, but your focus will need to be on the kids. You will spend most of your time baiting hooks, casting, untangling lines, dusting sand off of reels, getting snacks and drinks, and on and on. But that’s OK, it will be worth it, trust me. 😉 Don’t lose your cool, and roll with it.
2. Target smaller, more plentiful and cooperative fish – It doesn’t matter if they are good to eat, it’s about action and keeping the kids excited and interested. Every beach has some kind of fish roaming close in that are plentiful and not shy about biting.
3. Let Them catch the fish – Don’t give in to the temptation to land the fish for them. Let them fight the fish, help them hold the rod if needed, but encourage them to catch it on their own. When they catch a fish, celebrate with them and make it a big deal, because it is!!
4. Bring life jackets for the kids – SAFETY FIRST, ALWAYS! Especially when fishing the surf, currents and waves can sweep a kid off their feet and out to sea in a flash. Don’t risk it, and when the fishing is done, they can use the life jacket to play and float in the water.
5. Use good, simple fishing gear for the kids – You don’t need to spend a ton of money, but it needs to be easy to use and reliable. Remember their short attention spans ( and sometimes tempers) A good closed faced spinning combo will be perfect for first timers. Older kids may be able to handle the open-faced spinning reels, but leave the bait casters at home. You don’t need to be dealing with all the backlashes.
6. Use natural baits that will catch the most fish – Even if they are “trash” fish, it doesn’t matter, all you want is action and preferably lots of it.
7. Bring lots of Snacks and Drinks – They will get hungry and, if things are slow, some snacks will keep their attention that much longer until hopefully the fish start biting.
8. Bring plenty of towels and dry clothes – They will get wet and sandy so just be prepared for it.
9. Have a back up plan – If the fish don’t cooperate or the kids get bored, you need a plan B to keep them busy and entertained. If they get tired, call it a day. Remember it’s about them having fun. When they’re done, they’re done.

Now your older, more experienced kids, may be able to handle a bit larger gear and the open-faced spinning reels. There are good spinning rod and reel combos at very reasonable prices, that are great option for older kids.

I would still steer clear of the bait casters until they are able avoid backlashes or at least able to clear them themselves. You will be busy enough baiting hooks, casting, untangling lines, rescuing reels from the water and sand, you don’t need to add backlashes to the mix. Hopefully, you will have some fish to take off the hook as well.

Your older and more experience kids can try for the larger species, but the younger and first timers should concentrate on the smaller and easy to catch fish. On the west coast of the US that would include surf perch and croaker.

It really doesn’t matter, as long as they are plentiful and hungry and every beach on the planet has some. The more action the longer you will keep the kids interest. If the bite is slow, you will need to break out the snacks to keep them interested. If that doesn’t work, see plan B above. 🙂

Surf Fishing with Kids Gear List:

1. Life jacket – Make sure you bring along a youth life jacket or PFD that properly fits each of your kids. Even though you are fishing from the beach, guess what?, they will get in the water you can count on it.
2. Kids fishing rod and reel combo – closed faced spinning or open-faced spinning combos work best for young kids.
3. Fishing tackle – hooks, weights, leaders and an assortment of small spoons and jigs that can be tipped with bait.
4. Bait – live bait is always a good choice, but fresh dead bait works well too, synthetic baits, like “fishbites” are great as you can catch several fish without having to re bait each time. Whatever the bait stealers like, and then gear down to target them. Remember its about catching fish, any fish, to keep them excited and interested.
5. Fishing license – Depends on your local laws. Some areas kids can fish without a license up to a certain age. Check with your local game and fish office.
6. Portable shade – Fishing at the beach you will be exposed to wind, waves and the sun. A good portable shade will make the difference between comfort and misery during the heat of the day.
7. Ice Chest – A good ice chest and plenty of ice to keep your drinks and snacks cold.
8. Drinks – Bring plenty of their favorite drinks, you will need to keep them hydrated. The wind and sun will take their toll.
9. Snacks – Whatever they enjoy. Remember this day is about them. And, snacks will keep them occupied when the fishing is slow.
10. Swimsuit – You’re at the beach, they will find a way to get into the water. So, be prepared with their swim suits and let them enjoy the waves and water. Just keep the life jacket on them.
11. Sunscreen – It’s all fun in the sun until they get sunburned, then it’s misery. Remember to reapply after they go swimming.
12. Sunglasses – Help ease the strain on their eyes, but don’t spend a lot of money here. They may end up at the bottom of the sea.
13. Hat – Like sunscreen and sunglasses, a good hat will shade their eyes and face and help prevent sunburn.
14. Beach Toys – Remember Plan B? Bring some toys for building sand castles and playing in the sand in case fishing slow or they are tired of it.
15. Boogie Board – Kick board, float, something they can play in the water and waves with.
16. Water Toys – Water guns, floating toys, anything to keep them interested and having fun in the water.
17. Swim Goggles – Swim googles are a good idea when swimming in salt water. The salt will irate their eyes and make it uncomfortable.
18. Towels – They will get wet, sandy and dirty. You need plenty of towels to dry them off and clean them up at the end of the day, if not more often.
19. Extra dry clothes – At the end of the trip, after a day of surf fishing with kids, they will be much more comfortable and make less of a mess in your vehicle, if you change them into some fresh dry clothes for the trip home.
20. Camera – Bring a good camera or, if you have a smartphone, use it as a camera and take plenty of pictures. You’re making memories that will last a lifetime. Be sure to document your trip and make copies so, many years from now, you can look back with them and remember together.