Written by: Sarah Hinds Friedl, a lifelong local who learned to love fishing as a kid
There is still so much time left in the fishing season here in Mammoth Lakes, which means that there are still plenty of opportunities to convince your kids that fishing is not totally boring. If you’ve struggled to get your kids to appreciate your beloved hobby, this article is for you!
What you’ll find in this article
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Tips for making fishing fun for kids
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Frequently asked questions about fishing with kids in Mammoth Lakes
Tips for making fishing fun for kids
Tip #1: Consider why you want to bring your kids fishing
Maybe you have special memories of when your parent or older sibling took you fishing as a kid. And you want to recreate that connection with your son or daughter. This will motivate you to think about how you can make the experience special for them. You realize that it may not be the most enjoyable or stress-free fishing experience for you, but it will be worth it to teach your kids how to fish. If you’re in this boat (pun intended), the following tips are for you!
Or, maybe you see fishing as a personal hobby that is all about relaxation and solitude (no judgement, parents deserve some “me time,” too!) As such, you want your kids to come along, but you can see yourself getting frustrated if they don’t like it. This would ruin the experience for everybody. In this case, it might be a better idea to call a babysitter (Mammoth Babysitting Co is a highly rated child care service in our area!) Or, you might work out an arrangement with your partner so that you can take a couple of hours to go fishing while they do something equally fun, like horseback riding or a pool day. Of course, if you go with the second option, we would recommend also planning something with the kids so that your partner gets their alone time to enjoy as well.
Tip #2: Plan ahead
As a parent, you already know that proper planning is key. And, you can boost your chances of a successful day of fishing by packing the right gear:
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Proper clothing. Even on sunny days here in Mammoth Lakes, a light breeze can be chilly, so you’ll want to make sure that you bring layers and maybe even a blanket
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Sunscreen, sunglasses, and mosquito repellant
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Toilet paper, trash bags, and alcohol spray/gel
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Comfy seating, like a camping chair
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Snacks and something to drink. This is essential!
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Beach toys. When you’re waiting for the fish to bite, it can be helpful to have toys on hand, like a bucket and shovel.
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Other activities. Maybe you have a kid who loves to read or draw or play Uno. Make sure to bring a few additional activities (even if you end up leaving them in the car.)
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And, of course, your fishing gear. It’s best to start younger kids with simple fishing rods
Tip #3: Choose your fishing location wisely
Not surprisingly, fishing is more fun when you actually catch fish. So, it’s a good idea to check in with our local fishing experts, like our friends at Rick’s Sports Center or Troutfitter for the most up-to-date recommendations on where the fish are biting.
Additionally, the Department of Fish and Wildlife updates their stocking schedule every fishing season so you can know exactly when each lake is going to be full of trout. For example, at the time of this publication, Twin Lakes and Rock Creek should be getting a restock of trout within the next few days.
Tip #4: Involve your kids in the process as much as possible
This is a tip that will be more successful in younger kids (up to age 12), as they tend to be more engaged when they have a job to do. Because even though it would be easier to set up their fishing rod and cast for them, you would be missing out on many learning moments and opportunities for engagement.
Instead, give them clear instructions and allow them to be as involved in the process as possible. This might look like asking them to bring you specific things from your tackle box. Or it might look like teaching them how to cast and reel in a fish, even if it means handing over your line to them.
Keep in mind that this is about making the process fun. It shouldn’t feel like another day at school!
Tip #5: Celebrate all victories
Your energy will set the tone, so try to be as positive and celebratory as possible. No matter if you’re cheering for a successful cast or reeling in their first (or second or fifth) fish, small wins are what make fishing fun.
Tip #6: Allow for side adventures
Sometimes the best way to convince kids to love fishing is to allow them to, well, not fish. Maybe they would rather splash around in the water or build a small stick fortress. Maybe they would rather draw in a sketchbook or play a card game or go paddle boarding.
These so-called “side quests” can make them love being in nature and spending time with you, which is what it’s all about. And, when they’re allowed to explore these other interests, you might just find them picking up the fishing rod again when they’re ready.
Tip #7: Sign up for local fishing competitions
Here in Mammoth Lakes, there are fishing competitions and derbies throughout the fishing season. And they’re an amazing way to keep kids excited about fishing (after all, who doesn’t love the chance to compete for prizes?)
Mono County Tourism has a full list of fishing events so that you can sign up for your next trip.
Tip #8: End the day with a win
Even if you didn’t catch anything, you still want to end the day on a positive note. This might look like treating the family to ice cream or taking them to the movies.
Or, if you did catch something, make sure to cook the trout and show them how much you appreciate their hard work. Even if they don’t want to try it themselves, they can still feel proud that they put food on the table!
Frequently asked questions about fishing with kids in Mammoth Lakes
Do my kids need a fishing license?
In California, fishing licenses are required for all individuals 16 years and older.
What are common mistakes beginners make when fishing?
Common mistakes for fishing with kids would be giving them overly complicated gear and spending too long at your fishing site. In general, you should start with short sessions of a half hour to an hour until your kids show an interest in fishing.
At what age should you start fishing with kids?
There is no age limit for fishing, and many anglers will say it’s best to start as early as possible. Kiddos as young as 2- to 4-years-old can benefit from being outside and working on their motor skills. Kids between 5- and 8-years old can start taking on additional responsibilities like casting their own line and reeling in fish. And as your child matures, they can learn more skills (like fly fishing) and using increasingly complex fishing equipment.
Where should you stay in Mammoth Lakes for your fishing trip?
Our final tip for planning the perfect fishing vacation with your kids is to book a place where you’ll feel comfortable at the end of a long day at the lake. Here at Mammoth Mountain Reservations, we have condos within a 10 to 15 minute drive to your favorite fishing spots in the Lake Basin, such as this option at Discovery 4 Condos:
Discovery 4 Unit 133
1 BR | 1 BA | 4 Guests
Head over to our Mammoth Mountain Reservation booking page to learn more about the condos we have available for your next fishing trip with kids in Mammoth Lakes!