Outdoor Fishing Activities and Equipment for Preschoolers

Gone Fishing

Parents of toddlers who enjoy fishing can bring their preschooler along. With the right equipment and preparation, there is no need to worry about hooks and other fishing dangers. Preschoolers do not want to be left out of the family fun, especially when older siblings get to go fishing.

Fishing Preparation for Preschoolers

Give preschoolers swimming lesson if they do not already know how to swim. Teach them how to blow bubbles in the water in the bathtub which is a precursor to them being ready to swim and blow water out, not in, their mouths.

Water Safety

Brush up on CPR training or take a Red Cross certified CPR course. Knowing you are prepared for an emergency will help you enjoy the day of fishing with the preschooler. Knowing basic first aid, including how to remove a hook from a finger, how to disinfect a small cut and how to avoid poison ivy and oak will also come in handy on a fishing outing with a preschooler.

Life Vests

If fishing from a boat you need to invest in a life vest which is made to fit a preschooler. Toy floating devices are not appropriate and not safe for wearing on a boat. A life vest should also be worn when fishing from a dock or a pier.

When fishing from the shore of a walk out lake, a preschooler who is not apt to enter the water may be okay without the life vest.

Spray, Screen and More

Put sunscreen on the preschooler before venturing into the great outdoors for fishing fun. Spray their hat and clothing with bug spray. Bring along a pair of water shoes or an extra pair of socks and shoes.

Gone Fishing

Young preschoolers are too young for sharp hooks. For preschoolers who are three and four, offer them a fun alternative. A play fishing pole will allow them to enjoy the fishing activity. Buy a child's play reel which can be cast and reeled in. There is real fishing line and often a rubber fish attached to the end of the wire.

Make your own pretend fishing pole with a long stick, a short piece of fishing line and an old bobber. Young children can catch pretend fish with their pretend pole. Preschooelrs are adept at pretending and won't mind catching these pretend fish.