A beach vacation offers endless possibilities for relaxation and adventure, and one of the most enjoyable activities you can indulge in with your family is fishing. Whether you’re lounging on the sunny beaches of Florida or exploring the scenic coasts of the Canary Islands, exotic Thailand or refined Cote d’Azure in France, incorporating a day or two of fishing can add an exciting dimension to your holiday. Here’s how to make the most out of a family fishing experience during your beach vacation.
Exploring Your Options
Pier Fishing: Many coastal areas have piers designed for fishing. It’s a simple, safe, and accessible way to fish, especially for beginners or families with young children. The most popular areas will probably have fishing stores where you can rent gear, buy bait, and obtain your fishing license, if one is necessary.
Shore Fishing: If you’re staying near a beach, shore fishing can be a convenient option. Just don’t be that guy who casts the line among the swimmers, unless you aim for the title of the most hated person in the area! On most beach locations, nighttime is the fishing time. When the vacationers leave is when the fish comes closer to feed. The most common technique is baitcasting, with fluorescent rod tips and sound bait indicators.
Kayak Fishing: For families with older children or teenagers, kayak fishing offers an adventurous twist. It combines the tranquility of kayaking with the excitement of fishing. Kayak rentals and guided tours are usually available in popular beach destinations.
Charter Boats: For a more guided and immersive experience, consider booking a fishing charter. These trips are led by experienced captains who know the best fishing spots and will provide all the necessary equipment. It’s a great way to learn and enjoy fishing, especially in unfamiliar waters. Many charters cater to families, offering not just fishing but also sightseeing and wildlife watching, making the trip enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their interest in fishing.
Actually, and we’d be saying this even if we weren’t the online marketplace for fishing trips, a fishing charter is the way to go in new-to-you waters. The kids are all but guaranteed to catch something, which is essential for them to have fun, and you’ll learn more about the local fish species, best places, most efficient techniques, etc. etc. etc. both by doing and by talking to the captain, than you could learn in a week of exploring the area on your own.
Fish and fishing techniques
No matter how serious you are about fishing, a long outing after serious big-game fish such as sailfish or marlin is probably not the optimal family trip. Consider the ages and experience levels of your family members. Pier and shore fishing are great for younger kids and beginners, while charter boats and kayak fishing may be more suitable for older children and adults. The goal should be to have a good time, not necessarily to catch the biggest fish. Opt for simple, user-friendly fishing gear and smaller, but less pretentious fishes that bite all the time.
For families, especially those with young children, shorter trips (half-day) might be more suitable than full-day excursions. A trip to a reef or a wreck could work out well, and if the charter offers landing on a small islet or beach for lunch and/or a bit of swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling, so much the better.
Most captains, when dealing with a crowd of beginners or people with uncertain fishing skill would opt for anchoring or drifting, and then using vertical jigging or headlining with dead bait to catch the fish. Much as I prefer spinning, I’d agree that triple hooks whizzing about in unsure hands would make anyone uncomfortable, and removing one out of a limb is the opposite of fun.
Similar considerations work against fly-fishing: long rods and light lines are better aligned with silent solitude than with a happy, loud crowd. On the other hand, trolling for mackerel or the smaller tuna species can also be an option, especially if your family are already advanced students of the fishing lore.
How to choose a fishing chapter for a family outing
First thing first: look for a boat that is big, wide and stable, to minimize chances of seasickness. As you probably don’t need to travel very far, it can also be slow. For a family trip, the boat must have a toilet, a shaded area for sitting, and ideally also a cabin where a tired child or adult can take a nap.
Look for a charter with a crew that is patient and friendly, especially towards children and beginners. Reviews can help a lot; look for phrases like “Ignacio was super with the kids and told them a lot about sea creatures”. Photos of happy families on the charter’s page or social networks are also a good sign. It’s best when the charter is willing to tailor the trip to your family’s needs, such as adjusting the duration or focusing on activities that interest your family.
Ensure the charter’s pricing is clear and inclusive of all necessary items such as gear, bait, and any permits. Extras like snacks, drinks, or even photography services can enhance the experience. Don’t be shy about asking any questions you may have. Inquire about additional costs, such as food, drinks, or tips. Good communication before the trip is a positive sign of the charter’s reliability and customer service.
Tips for a perfect family fishing trip
Health and safety first!
Thousands of tourists read about the importance of sun protection, and still experience sunburns. Being on the water increases the risk, as the cool breeze brings about a false sense of security. And sunburns mean more than just a day or two of suffering in the shade, but carry a risk of developing some life-threatening conditions. The sunscreen is a must, and you may prefer to opt for long-sleeved UV-protective clothing.
Stay hydrated. Most charter boats offer free drinks to their customers, but it may be wise to ask what exactly is included in the price. If it’s one can of soda per person, and $3 a drink after that, you may want to bring your own water or look for another provider. And of course don’t ignore appropriate life vests. The charter should have life vests for all passengers, including child-sized ones, and other necessary safety gear. When shore fishing, be mindful of tides and water currents.
Catch-and-release or keep the catch?
Practicing catch-and-release is a great way to enjoy fishing while respecting the marine ecosystem, as well as teaching your family the importance of conservation. Besides, unless you’re staying in an AirBnB, you probably don’t have many options for cooking. However, some operators offer grilling the fish as part of the lunch, or have arrangements with local restaurants to have your catch prepared by a pro. Be sure to use these options, as they are a great finishing touch to any fishing trip – especially if your kids aren’t really that keen on fish. Fish is the healthiest source of animal protein, and even the most capricious little eaters will not turn their noses from the fish they have caught and landed with their own hands.
Think beyond fishing
While fishing can be exciting, it might not engage all family members for long periods. Plan other activities like beach games, swimming, or exploring nearby attractions to keep everyone entertained. Use this opportunity to teach your children about different fish species, marine biology, and the importance of conservation. It can be a fun and informative experience for the whole family.
Relax and have fun!
The primary goal of your fishing excursion should be to relax and have fun. Enjoy the experience of being together and creating shared memories. Don’t forget to take pictures or videos. Fishing trips can create lasting memories, and capturing these moments is a great way to remember your vacation.
Adding a fishing adventure to your beach vacation can provide a unique and memorable experience for the entire family. Whether it’s the tranquility of casting a line from the shore or the excitement of a deep-sea fishing trip, the key is to enjoy the time spent together, surrounded by the beauty of nature. With a little preparation and the right attitude, your family fishing trip can be the highlight of your beach vacation.
Check out BaitYourHook.com, the online marketplace for fishing tris, that makes it easy to find, compare prices, and book your fishing trip. Enter your dates and the location where you plan to hit the beach this year, and find the ideal charter that will provide a safe, enjoyable, and comfortable fishing adventure that caters to the interests and needs of all family members.
