View Full Version : Ice Fishing with Kids.
FS232
11-29-2006, 12:55 PM
Hi.
Plan on taking my grandkids ice fishing with me over the christmas break. Any suggestions on what / how to keep them entertained when the fish arent biting?? There mother is a little concerned about the whole thing...I'd like to do a good job, so they will be able to come again.
Thanks
Take a change of clothes. (Don't tell their mom) I've had kids put a leg in an open hole way up to the crotch.
Lots of food.
Figure out potty breaks especially if you have girls.
Go during what you think will be the "hot" time of the day as far as the bite is concerned and also on a day when the windchill is not bad.
Don't be concerned about catching fish, with them, a 6" perch is the same as a 30" walleye.
If you can keep them entertained without catching fish you have it all covered!
Bring an undewater camera and a regular camera to take pictures of the kids. If there is clear ice bring skates.
ChadM
went522
11-29-2006, 04:27 PM
Yep, underwater camera! Shoot it keeps this kid entertained!
BIRDDOG
JJ Mac
11-29-2006, 06:33 PM
"The most important thing about fishing with children is to make sure they are securely fastened to the hook." ala: Gallagher
Seriously though...
Depending on where you are located, I'd think the most important thing to be concerned with is ice conditions around Christmas break. If conditions are marginal, that's not the time to go out with kids. If you could do some scouting on your own beforehand, both for ice and fishing conditions, that would be a good idea.
Have fun!
dewyg
11-29-2006, 09:15 PM
Lots of food. I had my son in the boat since he was literally 1 mnth old. I will put either of my kids up against anyone icefishing. Lots of food and keep them warm, always bring along at least three sets of mitts as well.
dirty underpants
11-30-2006, 11:05 AM
YUP. Extra clothes... boots, hats, gloves. I hit a hole myself.
Watch them at home. What ever keeps them happy at home, try to do on the ice. Understand that YOU will not be spending much time fishing.
Catching panfish is quick and easy. For my kids, thats a short fix. They want to jig up a pig. They pick the rods and lure. It don't matter what they use, they pick it. My youngest was 2 when she wanted to use a floating rouge in clown pattern. Here ya go!! Good times!!!
Potty time is HUGE. We use the padded seat from a training toilet, and put that on a 5 gallon bucket. The wife uses it also.
Bath toys are great, as they can get wet.
Food and drink. I also hate to admit it, but the portable DVD player has gotten me through to the sunset bite more than once!! A full battery and couple of favorite videos, and the kids are quiet and happy for a while!!!
I have always viewed myself as a teacher/entertainer with my kids on the water. I leave with the understanding that I am not going to fish. If I do, well thats better, but I don't count on it. I am there to expose them to fishing. I want them to have fun and catch fish. When they are ready to come back, we come back. There have been several times when I literally spent more time packing than fishing. So be it. When they start feeling forced to stay, they don't have fun, and won't want to come back. Just my observations.
WinnebagoViking
12-04-2006, 08:30 PM
Lot's of good advice already so I'll just add one more idea. I usually bring along some beach toys and a few Tonka trucks so my 4 & 6 year-old boys can plow snow and build castles as if they were in the sandbox.
Private Eyes
12-04-2006, 11:18 PM
I second the safty issue really with kids, not to be a party pooper but my co- workers truck went through the ice with his two kids and their freind and him they were around 7-8 years old and he was 31 it happened on a Minnisota lake about 8 years ago they all died, I hate even bringing it up but whenever kids are involved I go really safe. I bring life jackets for each one and ice spikes to! Windows down if in the vehical.
Brian D
12-12-2006, 01:55 PM
Since it's x-mas soon one of my fav was to place little candy canes in the trees along the shore when my daughter wasn't looking.If your children are small enough they will never figure out the tracks you've left.
One year I even placed a few presents under some trees.
After the x-mass season is over. I go to easter eggs under the trees and stumps and such.
It was was one funny day when she caught me going around with the candy canes, but it's still expected out of me.
If you have lots of snow, off to the side I would make a big pile, and carve it out.
A sled was a must.
And of course lots of dry clothes and hot choc
God luck