Planning the Perfect Father's Outing for Beginners

National Go Fishing Day also happens to be this week, which works out perfectly.  Fishing can be an excellent way for families to bond, and June presents some of the most comfortable weather in many areas of the United States; the cool spring breezes are still in the air, but nights do not get unbearably cold. If your head is spinning trying to plan a trip to celebrate your dad that the whole family can enjoy, go fishing! Check out some of our best tips for family fishing trips.

How Much Do You Want to Spend?

When beginning the planning process, the first thing you want to decide on is the budget. This is a key factor that will help guide the entire trip. Once you have determined a budget, you will then be able to choose which place to go to and what kind of fishing to do.

Where Are You Going?

It may sound obvious, but this is the most critical part of the entire planning process. You want to choose your destination carefully. While you might enjoy spending eight hours out on a boat, your kids might feel differently. It‘s important to pick somewhere that appeals to the whole family, especially if your family isn’t entirely into fishing to begin with. Here are some helpful tips to begin the process.

Just because you’re planning a family fishing trip, fishing doesn’t need to be the main focus. You can plan a trip around fishing and find plenty of other things to do on your trip while you’re there. Check out a few local nature trails or bring your swimsuits and jump in the water to play around if you get tired of or need a break from waiting for a bite. You can also go to some local dining options or a restaurant.

Do You Have the Right Fishing Gear?
Let’s talk about gear. We don’t know where you’re planning on heading, but you want to ensure you have the right gear when you get there. A family fishing trip will call for a couple of good reels and the right rods for the fish you want to pursue! If you’re bringing small children, consider starting them out with a child’s rod so they’re working with something they can easily manage and feel good about. Here are some essentials we recommend for the trip:

• Fishing rods and reels
• Fishing line
• Hooks
• Bait
• A variety tackle box with:
  • Lures of a wide variety of colors (if the water is dark, use a light lure and if the water is clear, use a dark lure)
  • Bobbers
  • Weights
• Gloves
• Net
• Cooler with an aerator (for live bait, not to mention all the fish you’re going to catch!)

What About the Boat?

You may just want to enjoy fishing without a boat, but if you do want to rent one, we have some tips. While there’s no one “best fishing boat,” some features can be more appealing than others. It all depends on the type of fishing you plan to do. You should ask yourself some important questions before beginning to shop for your rental:

• Will you be fishing in freshwater or saltwater? Saltwater boats can benefit from closed cooling systems and flushing systems to better clear the engine. You also may want a boat hull made of fiberglass if fishing in saltwater.
• Will you be inshore, nearshore, or offshore fishing? (Inshore fishing requires boats that work well in shallow water; offshore fishing requires a strong motor and amenities for more time onboard.)
• How many people do you plan to take fishing at once? (Consider the seating space.)
• How long do you plan to stay out in one trip? (If you plan to be out a long time, you may want a fishing boat with some shelter, and maybe even a galley or other amenities.)
• Do you want built-in fishing features? (Some boats come with features like built-in cold storage, tackle storage, or comfortable seats made specifically for fishing.)

What Should You Pack?

Clothing
Clothing is important to consider when packing for any outdoor fishing trip. Being properly outfitted will keep you comfortable and safe so you can enjoy your adventure. Make sure you bring a jacket and waders.  Also, consider bringing a bathing suit and waterproof footwear to help keep you dry if you’re treading through water. You may get wet during a hike to your fishing spot or a long boat ride, so definitely consider bringing extra clothes too. A rain jacket would not be a bad idea too. The right items will allow you to fish comfortably all day, even during a storm.

Snacks
You’ll want to pack a cooler with some kid-friendly snacks and beverages—with plenty of fresh water for sunny afternoons.

First-Aid Kit
Come prepared with sunscreen and a first-aid kit. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it, but it’s always a good idea to be on the safe side.

Camera
Making memories is what this fishing trip is all about. Make sure you take your camera and have your cell phone charged so you can record this special getaway. Documenting the trip on camera will also act as evidence when Dad stars to embellish about the size of the big fish he caught. 

Make fun and laughter the top priority for your Father’s Day trip! Catching fish is great but look at it as a bonus that will just add to the pleasure of spending time together as a family. A family fishing trip should be about enjoying the water and the outdoors together and appreciating the opportunity to do so.