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March 28, 2024

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Fishing Fun with Kids in Middle Tennessee

Relax, chill and go angling for a nice catch with your kids this summer.

 

FIRST-TIME TIPS FOR PARENTS

Help your little ones enjoy their fishing experience by considering these great tips for first-timers and get licenses at: gooutdoorstennessee.com or in store at sporting goods and outdoors stores, including Academy Sports and Outdoors, Dicks Sporting Goods, Walmart and Bass Pro Shop.

Keep it simple the first time
First time out, don’t focus too much time and energy on etiquette and technique. Also, fish for something easy to catch, like bluegill in a pond.

Get the right equipment
A no-tangle fishing rod is easier for little hands to handle, and it’s more affordable. It’s smaller in size, has a plastic hook and available in several kid-friendly designs.

Use live bait
Worms always work best.

Keep it short
Don’t start off with an all-day adventure. Keep young attention spans in mind. Try one-and-a-half to two-hour increments from the outset.

Plan Ahead
Get a fishing report before you go, choose your location carefully and use the right bait.

Remember kid essentials
Take along appropriate snacks, and you’re going to be on the water, so sunscreen is a must!

Be patient
Patience is key with anything involving children, especially fishing. Work to keep them interested without losing your cool when they have trouble sitting still and being quiet while waiting for fish to bite.

Source: Kid Casters and Field & Stream

ANGLING SPOTS IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE

There are lots of great places to fish in and around the mid-state. Popular spots include Buck Snort Trout Ranch (license-free angling), Caney Fork River, Center Hill Lake, Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has an extensive list of family fishing lakes, state park lakes and other fishing holes.

Likewise, you can find locations, fish species, fishing reports, apps and more at takemefishing.org/tennessee.
What equipment should you purchase? Find reviews and guides at fishinggadgetshub.com.

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