Taking the family fishing is a great way to bond with your children and learn about nature.
Wait! Don't stop reading: I know what you're thinking. The thought of taking your kids to a body of water and letting them throw a hook around? Well, sure, it could be stressful. But if you temper your expectations and plan ahead, you can make it a fun outing they'll remember ... and want to do again and again!
Here's some advice, followed by many, great, local fishing spots to enjoy.
10 tips to Catch Some Fun, Fishing with Your Kids: |
1. Don't worry about casting perfection
It’s very likely — pretty much guaranteed — that a child new to fishing will snag the weeds, a bush, or even a tree... or maybe not even get their fishing lure in the water. The point is that you’re having quality family time together, so don’t take it too seriously — but do make sure to let them know to be careful with hooks!
2. Plan for water safety
Have each child wear a life jacket, even if they are good swimmers and you're on shore. You will likely be distracted helping with rods and bait and might turn your attention away from a child curious about the water.
 JudiLen via Canva |
3. Research first
Do a little research before you choose your fishing hole so you know what’s biting. A good place to ask? Your local bait shop! Also, make sure you find out what type of requirements the area has for fishing licenses.
4. Go early in the day ... or in the early evening
Typically, fish bite more first thing in the morning or when the weather has cooled in the evening.
5. Dress appropriately
Be sure to check the weather! And don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray!
6. Pack snacks and drinks
This is pretty much a given for any trip with kids. Pro mama tip: Always pack more than you think you'll need.
7. Plan a short trip
The first few times you go, plan to stay only a short amount of time — especially if your kids are younger. The kids will remember that they had fun with you — catching a fish is just a bonus!
8. Use a pole made for a child
While you might think that you’ll be the one baiting and casting, you will also be handing the rod over to your child. Find a simple rod that isn't too big and isn't complicated so they feel like they have full control.
9. Use simple bait
A basic night crawler and bobber should do the trick! Use a big enough bobber that it's easy for the kids to keep an eye on it so they know when they have a pull on their line!
10. Take your camera
If they catch a fish, you’re sure to want to catch that grin!
You don't need to go far to fish. Here are a few fun fishing holes nearby. Remember, if someone is 16 years old and above, you must have a fishing permit which you can get from Dicks Sporting Goods in the Woodbridge Mall for $22.50 this year.
WHERE TO FISH NEAR WOODBRIDGE NJ: |
From North to South (nearby)
Watchung Reservation: Historic Trail, Mountainside, NJ 07092
Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie
Black Brook Park: N Michigan Ave, Kenilworth, NJ 07033
Catfish
McConnell Park: 122 Eastman Street Cranford, NJ 07016
Catfish, Black Bass and Perch
Warinanco Park: Roadway Roselle, NJ 07203
Channel Catfish
Bloodgood Pond: Union County Parkway Dr, Clark, NJ 07066
Large Mouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill
Jackson’s Pond: Parkway Drive, Clark, NJ 07066
Large Mouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill
Mcgillivray Pond: 1106 Orchard Terrace, Linden, NJ 07036
Fishing pond for kids 14 and under, stocked with Sunnies and Bass
Milton Lake Park: 677 Madison Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Rainbow Trout
Carteret Pond: Carteret Avenue and Cypress Street, Carteret NJ 07008
Sunfish, Bass, and Catfish
Carteret Waterfront: 200 Middlesex Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
Striped Bass, Stripers, Fluke, Dogfish
Roosevelt Park Lake - 151 Parsonage Road, Edison NJ 08837
Trout - Stocked, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Carp, Yellow Perch, Bluegill
Cedar Brook Park: Park Drive Plainfield, NJ 07060
Largemouth Bass, Black Bullhead, and Channel Catfish
Green Brook Park: 90 Clinton Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07063
Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Black Crappie
Spring Lake Park: Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, NJ 07080
Catfish, Large Mouth Bass
Johnson Park Pond: River Road, Piscataway NJ 08854
Striped Bass, Bluefish, Carp, Catfish, Eel, Perch, Large Mouth Bass, Eel, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Crappie
Donaldson Park: 526 South 2nd Avenue, Highland Park NJ 08904
Striped Bass, Bluefish, Carp, Catfish, Eel, Perch
Old Bridge Waterfront: 1729 NJ-35, Laurence Harbor, NJ 08879
Summer Flounder, Stripped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish, Sea Robin
Davidson's Mill Pond Park: Riva Avenue, North Brunswick NJ 08902
Large Mouth Bass, Pickerel, Sunfish, Catfish, Bluegill
Harborside Marina Fishing Pier: 260 Front St, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Large Mouth Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill
Raritan Bay Waterfront Park: 201 John T O'Leary Blvd., South Amboy, NJ 08879
Summer Flounder, Stripped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish, Sea Robin
Echo Lake Park: Echo Lake Pavilion, 1205 Maxim Southard Rd, Howell Township, NJ 07731
Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Rainbow Trout
HAPPY FISHING!!!
Be sure to tell local businesses and events you found them
on Macaroni Kid Greater Woodbridge
and make sure to tell all your friends!
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