Getting out for some family fun on a family fishing trip away from shore can be a rewarding experience. The open waters can bring a fresh perspective and it can be the perfect moment to leave the stress of daily life behind and spend valuable time bonding together through a shared experience. As with any adventure, time away may become unpredictable. With a bit of planning and foresight, however, everyone can have a great time!

Here are our top 5 tips for surviving the family fishing trip and making the most of your time together on the water.

Pace Yourself And Take Breaks

It may be tempting to blast away from the dock and head out streaming across the water with no end in sight. Why stop or slow down? Freedom at last! When fishing with young kids, however, it can be important to remember to take breaks. Plan a trip with a beach stop, a playground along the way, or a place at the beginning or end of your journey. You can save your sanity and theirs with well-timed rest stops and snacks that keep everyone comfortable and happy.  Plan your day and break it down into a workable schedule that suits the whole gang.

Bring The Right Gear

Having the proper boat and equipment on hand for a family fishing trip can make a world of difference. Of course, life jackets are a must for all on board, including experienced swimmers.

Next up is a kid-friendly tackle that young ones can handle safely themselves making the day fun for all ages.

First aid kits, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen can also help keep you safe.

And who can forget the fishing gear? Lures, flies, extra fishing lines, bobbers, sinkers, pliers, barbless hooks, leaders, and live bait are important items that you want on your list.

Additionally, it can also be a good idea to have spare tools available to use in a pinch. Spanners, screwdrivers and an extra drain plug, as well as duct tape, are all valuable to have at hand.

Arguably most important is a bit of extra fuel stored in a container. Having extra fuel is a necessity for unexpected emergencies.

Take Advantage Of Teachable Moments

School isn’t the world’s only classroom. Family fishing trips can be a great place to learn about water and boating safety, so seize the moment! It can be useful to go over the basics before boarding. Such items such as the importance of always wearing a life jacket and fishing etiquette. Take time to establish clear rules for your trip, (such as young children not touching the steering wheel and gears), and why this is important.

Here is a sample of fishing etiquette:

Follow Local Fishing Regulations:

  • Always check and adhere to size and bag limits for each species.
  • Ensure you have the correct fishing permits or licenses for the area.
  • Respect seasonal closures and protected areas.

Know Your Zones:

  • Familiarize yourself with marine park zones.
  • Use resources like the Queensland Globe or relevant apps to identify fishing zones.

Respect Other Anglers:

  • Give plenty of space to other fishers on the water or at fishing spots.
  • Avoid casting over another angler’s line or entering their fishing area.

Be Mindful of the Environment:

  • Dispose of fishing lines, hooks, and other waste responsibly to protect wildlife.
  • Use lead-free tackle to minimize environmental harm.
  • Avoid damaging coral reefs, mangroves, or sensitive habitats.

Handle Fish Responsibly:

  • Use barbless hooks or circle hooks where possible to minimize injury to fish.
  • Wet your hands before handling fish to protect their slime coat.
  • If releasing, return fish to the water as quickly and gently as possible.

Respect Wildlife:

  • Do not feed or harass marine life, such as dolphins or seabirds.
  • Avoid leaving bait or scraps behind that could attract unwanted predators.

Keep Noise Levels Down:

  • Maintain a quiet atmosphere, especially in areas shared with recreational users or nature reserves.
  • Be respectful of nearby homes or campgrounds.

Be Courteous at Ramps and Jetties:

  • Don’t hog access points like boat ramps or jetties; use them efficiently and clear out promptly.
  • Allow others to launch or dock their boats without interference.

Check Your Gear:

  • Clean and inspect your gear for invasive species like aquatic weeds before moving to a new location.
  • Ensure all hooks and lures are secure to prevent injury to others.

Abide by Catch and Release Practices:

  • Only keep what you intend to consume within legal limits.
  • Follow ethical catch-and-release techniques to ensure fish survival.

Practice General Courtesy:

  • Share tips, advice, or bait if someone nearby is struggling.
  • Greet other anglers with respect and engage in friendly communication.

Last but not least, make sure to choose a designated water watcher.

Relax And Enjoy The Chaos

Leisure time with family can be relaxing and it can also be hectic. Kids get excited, hungry, bored, and fidgety, all within a few moments. Appropriate snacks and breaks can help you roll with the chaos. Have fun and don’t worry about the mess if it happens. You’re making memories to last a lifetime remember!

At Mike’s Marine, we are your local boating and fishing experts loaded with equipment and tips to make the family fishing trip enjoyable, affordable, and rewarding. Visit us in our Capalaba shop or online today!