Its always a great feeling to get out with the family for a day of fun and relaxation.  For many of us, we might be the only one in the family that is a die hard, heavily addicted fisherman.  With that said, we should consider taking our spouses or significant others out, and even more fun…..taking the kids out with us too!

Scouting trips are not the sort of trips we should take new comers to the sport on.  The ideal scenario has the kids seeing instant gratification of catching all kinds of fish….fast.  Go to where the fish are when you take new fishermen out for the day.  Kids, and others new to the sport as well will have no problems with a day out on the water catching plenty of panfish, even if they are small.

Pick easy access when heading out on these types of trips.  You don’t want to take youngsters or other possibly less interested family members out to your favourite trout stream where you are required to walk a mile or more to reach better water.

Make sure everyone embarking on these trips is dressed for the occasion.  Always prepare for the chance of rain, or possibly snow or cold, and even really hot days.  Bring rain gear, warm clothes, cool clothes, sunscreen, bug repellent and plenty of water!

Sometimes the fishing is slow, and kids will get bored very quickly.  If you are out on the ice, a slow day can also mean a cold day when boredom begins to set in.  Take some time out to play, leaving the rods alone for awhile.  This can mean anything from looking for bugs in the water to making snowmen or having a snowball fight in the winter.  It can go a long way in making the fishing experience exciting for the kids, and the whole family should enjoy the time together as well.

Food is always a good thing on day trips like this.  Where you are allowed, a fire can be a great place for the family to sit down together and have a central location to chat.  A small fire will allow you to roast some hot dogs or marshmallows as well as having the ability to heat up some hot chocolate or coffee.

Although you might have your favourite lures and jigs that simply work wonders on the fish, a set up of live bait is probably your best option for newcomers and kids.  Fish are far more likely to take live bait such as worms or minnows that don’t have to be jigged and worked below the surface.

And the most important tip for family fishing……..Have Fun!!