Howdy - Wannabe Yak Fisherman - Any Family Yak Fishermen with advice?

I was introduced to the forum by member "Lawngjohn", before meeting him I had never heard of fishing from a kayak.  Now I'm watching videos on YouTube and have even been to a presentation on the subject.  Now I'm looking forward to buying a Hobie Kayak someday and joining new friends on the frigid waters of Alaska to catch some amazing fish! 

I'll of course be looking forward to learning more about this style of fishing, but am particularly interested in hearing how you involve youth or kids in the sport.  These kayaks are not inexpensive, but I'd like someday to see that I have a few kayaks and that my family members will join me on the water as well.  I know I've seen a couple father/son teams; is anyone else bringing their family along?  If so, what advice do you have?  TIA TimberRec

Some of it depends on the age of the kid and the water you'll be in, but for me the trick was just getting them on the water, not fishing.  I picked up a cheapo kid yak and we went out to the local lake and just paddled around on a hot day.  That's an adventure in itself and there's no pressure to get into any fish.  We added an easy river float to the agenda with Mom shuttling the car and playing a game on her phone for an hour while we drifted/paddled to meet up.  I brought along two rods that time and the river did the travel work while we got to play at fishing (and actually caught a couple, bonus!).  Hooked at that point.  Moving into colder waters and bigger adventures starts requiring more gear and more cost but if its something everyone enjoys then you're investing in adventures with family and for me that's perfect.

My son started fishing in a kayak when he was about 9 years old.  Prior to that, I did two things.  One, I spent a lot of pool time with him so he was used to being around water and not scared of it.  Two I took him fishing off the shore , ice and powerboats and began showing him how to tie gear, untangle his own lines, etc.  It's amazing how quickly kids pick it up.  It should really come as no surprise when you watch them master an Xbox or playstation controller.  Those things are ultra complex...but given enough time, its second nature to them. 

Once I got him on the kayak, I first used outriggers...one time.  They just got in the way and the kids after a few spins around a lake have MUCH better balance than we adults I think.  I thought about using a tandem kayak, but I think its a a lot easier to help them out when they are in a second kayak. 

This is another place where the pedal kayaks shine.  You can just pull them along side, and if they ever get tired, its relatively easy to just hold on to their kayak and pedal and make progress.

Other things I did that were positive. 

barbless hooks.  Not only when they caught themselves (which my kid has yet to do) but more when he hooks the seat, net, drysuit, whatever.  Makes for easy hook removal. 

Kid friendly fish.  My kid catches big halibut and kings now at age 12.  But truth be told, he would still have as much fun catching pollock or bait size land locked slamon if it meant more action. 

Kids dramamine: Nothing will turn your kid off from fishing faster than being seasick.

Super light drag setting.  Once he started fishing big fish, I just set up the rod the way I used it.  Well he came close to losing the rod several times and also tipping the kayak over when a big halibut took off. 

get a drysuit.  Obviously its great for protection from the cold water, but my kid enjoys just playing in the surf or exploring a lake while wading/swimming around.  Here in Alaska, most kids don't get the beach and water experience.  My kid does thanks to his drysuit and he loves it.   

There is probably a lot more, I will add to this if I can think of anything but its a decent start I think. 

It's been so rewarding watching my kid take this sport on and not just participate, but really excel at it.  He first started catching "real" fish at the age of 10.  Now at 12,  he is already on several national fishing teams (Hobie, Kokatat, and Team Daiwa) as well as locally sponsored by Alaska Raft and Kayak and B&J Sporting Goods.  I am super proud of him.

I encourage all parents to try and get there kids involved. Even my non-fishing daughter joins us every now and then!

I appreciate the advice:
  Start on a lake
  Then try a river float
  Fish/fishing are a bonus in the early stages
 
I think this is great to keep in mind.  I know I have one son that will be more excited about being on the water initially; and another son who's already caught the fishing "bug".  Despite their differences, making the learning process a positive and progressive experience is a great thing to remember.  Thanks!


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Lots of great suggestions as always from you Rudy.  It gives me a lot to think about.  My boys enjoyed meeting your son at your presentation last fall in Homer.  I'm glad you reminded me that your non-fishing daughter also joins in from time to time and still enjoys herself.

The dry suits being used in general water play is another added bonus I hadn't consciously brought to mind.

Barbless hooks - good call there.

Tandem kayak -  this tempts me because I think, "Don't we want this to be more 'together' time?" (Plus it's two people per each boat)


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I also picked up some less expensive Emotion Guster kayaks for my wife and two girls (ages 9 and 6).  We go to lakes all the time, I always bring rods along just in case they want to fish, which at some point they always do, especially when I'm catching a lot.  I don't know that they'll ever surf launch and ocean fish with me, but they love the sport, and it's something fun for all of us to do.  Both my kids handle their kayaks well, I wouldn't buy a "kid" kayak, the 9 and 10 ft sit ins are light, stable, and kids handle them surprisingly well.  It's also something they can grow with.  I did put a flush mount rod holder on them for when they do want to fish with dad.