Whether it's their first cast or their fiftieth, sharing time on the water with a youngster is one of the most rewarding ways to slow things down and connect. And this July, Bimini Bay Outfitters wants to help you make it happen. To celebrate families getting outside together, we’re giving away a free Kids Combo ($30 value) with every order over $100 on our website, all month long. This is our way of helping you gear up and get a new generation hooked on the outdoors.
Not sure where to start? We’ve pulled together some of our favorite tips for planning a fun, low-stress, high-reward fishing trip with kids—because that wide-eyed grin when they get to reel one in? That’s what it’s all about.
5 Tips for Taking Your Kid Fishing and Having An Awesome Time
1. Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun
There’s nothing like the look on a kid’s face the first time they reel in a fish—wide-eyed wonder, a little fear, and a ton of pride. But to get to that moment, the setup needs to be easy and stress-free. That means leaving the complicated rigs and ultra-light finesse gear at home.
Bring short rods, push-button reels, and something like a simple bobber rig that they can cast on their own. (Pro Tip: Don't miss out on Bimini Bay's Free Kid's combo promotion! Right now, when you spend over $100, we'll send you the perfect kid's fishing combo, for free!) When you’re introducing a kid to fishing, frozen or live bait is your best friend— worms for freshwater, and frozen squid or shrimp for salt are the easiest picks. If you’re up for it, you could even make catching bait part of the adventure. Whether you’re dropping sabikis offshore or helping them throw the cast net inshore, gathering bait can be a ton of fun for the kiddos. Dump everything into a bucket or live well and watch the fun unfold. You will be amazed how long a kid can stare into a bucket full of minnows, shrimp, or sand fleas.
2. Pick the Right Spot
When you’re taking a kid fishing, it's super important to pick the right spot. Choose a place that’s packed with action, even if it’s not loaded with size - AKA, choose quantity over quality. Look for spots where you’ll find abundance—species like whiting, croaker, mangrove snapper, or grunts in saltwater, and bluegill, crappie, or bass in freshwater. Quantity keeps the excitement high and the boredom low. In picking the right spot, remember this: access is key. Piers, neighborhood docks, bridges, parks, or calm beach edges are ideal. If they can walk right up and cast, you’re in business. Add in a nearby bathroom and a shady area to cool off, and you've got the makings of a perfect kid-friendly fishing zone. And if the fish go quiet? That’s where nature steps in. Try combing the beach for shells, scanning the shallows for minnows, or just sitting back to watch the birds - let their curiosity fill the space between bites.
3. Pack for Comfort (and Chaos)
Fishing with kids means embracing the beautiful mess of it all. Muddy shoes, sandy snacks, wet clothes—it’s all part of the fun. But with a little planning, you can make sure those moments don’t derail the day. Be sure to bring a cooler stocked with plenty of snacks—crackers, fruit, gummies, juice boxes. Every snack break is a potential mood reset. Certainly, you’ll need lots of water, sunscreen, bug spray, extra clothes, towels, some wipes for fishy hands, and a bag for trash. For a pro tip, stash a surprise treat in the cooler: popsicles, some sweets, or a small fishing-themed toy. These little “wow” moments go a long way when attention starts to drift. And if you really want to make them feel part of the crew, give them their own tackle box—even if it’s just a few hooks and bobbers. That sense of ownership makes a difference. Remember, you’re not just packing for the trip—you’re packing for comfort, curiosity, and flexibility.
4. Know When to Pack It Up
When it comes to fishing with kids, the best rule is this: quit while you're ahead. When you’re starting out, plan for just 1–2 hours on the water and treat anything beyond that as bonus time. Trying to push through a meltdown or drag out a slow bite often backfires. You’ll know when their energy shifts—when the rod gets heavy in their hand, or the questions turn to “When are we leaving?” That’s your cue. Pack it up with a smile, not a sigh. Ending early while they’re still engaged means they’ll likely want to do it again. And if the bite slows or the wind picks up? Shift gears: let them flip over rocks, explore the shoreline, hunt for “treasures,” or just do their own thing. Take the pressure off fishing and focus on the bigger picture: a day outside, off screens, in the moment.
5. Celebrate the Little Wins
At the end of the day, a fishing trip with a little one is not about what you caught—it’s about what they’ll remember. Every kid loves to feel like a fishing legend, so play it up! Snap photos of their fish, even if it’s the size of your pinky finger. Hand out silly awards: “Most Ferocious Minnow,” “Best Net Throw,” or “Loudest Reel Scream.” Let them tell their version of the day when you get home. Ask what they caught, how big it was, and how it almost got away. You’ll get wildly exaggerated tales, guaranteed grins, and a sense of pride that sticks around long after the rods are packed.
Life Lessons Learned on the Water
A day spent fishing isn’t just about the fish that were (or weren’t) caught—it’s full of quiet lessons that take root over time. On the water, kids learn patience as they wait for a bite, they begin to understand conservation and sustainability by releasing undersized fish, and most of all, they build a deeper connection to the natural world. Taking a kid fishing plants the seed for something bigger: a relationship with the outdoors, an appreciation for the environment, and memories that last far beyond a single cast. Whether they become lifelong anglers or just grow up with a respect for the water, you’ll have given them a gift few other outings can compete with.
This July, Bimini Bay Outfitters wants you to take a kiddo in your life fishing. That’s why we’re giving away a FREE Kids Combo ($30 value) with every order from our website over $100. So gear up, head out, and give a young angler the first combo of their very own. Make some memories, start a tradition, and take your kid fishing!