Fishing with kids can be a lot of hard work, but the rewards can be cherished memories.

Teaching the kids to fish can be a great family experience, and a chance to create lifelong memories. It's also an opportunity to teach them new skills that can last a lifetime. You can let your kids invite a friend or relative along to share in the fun! 

Kids enjoy feeling included, and what better way to instil some responsibility in your children. Depending on their age, give the kids small responsibilities, such as ensuring that everyone is wearing their life jacket.  You could also teach them how to coil a line.

Being on the water is a great opportunity to teach kids about their environment, as well  as boating, fishing and safety skills. Try to teach by including fun activities and gradually introduce your kids to new things as they are ready. Boating and fishing provide unlimited learning that lasts a lifetime.

Plan and Prepare

Take the kids to a place that offers the best prospects for catching small or medium-sized fish, such as a jetty. Talk about other fun things that can be done on the water just in case the fish aren't biting. Great memories are just as important as catching fish.

Pack Snacks and Beverages

There's no faster way to ruin a fishing trip than realizing you forgot the snacks and drinks. Bring healthy, portable snacks, and maybe throw in an extra treat to make the trip special.

Start Early

It's easier to have fun in the brisk morning air than it is in the sweltering, afternoon sun. Set a time limit – don't plan an all-day fishing trip.

Pack the Right Gear

Bring along kid-sized gear for a better experience. Maybe you still have the gear you used when you were a child.

Teach and Entertain

If you want to teach a child to cast a line, demonstrate the actions and offer simple, step-by-step instructions. Then, demonstrate the action again. Use this method with every fishing skill you teach.

Practise Patience

More often than not, your young anglers will struggle with basic fishing skills. Exercise patience and calmly help each child improve. Remember, children will pick up quickly on any signs of frustration.

Stay Safe

Bring basic first aid supplies as well as safety equipment such as life jackets, flares and life preservers.  Also remember to bring the sunscreen, insect repellent, treatment for insect bites, ponchos and any necessary medication.

Teach children about safety concerns that come along with fishing. For example, they should announce whenever they walk behind someone - you don't want any unfortunate casting accidents.

Remind them to always wear life jackets and to not rock the boat. Teach your kids to drink water to avoid dehydration and to always announce when they intend to cast.

Make sure the kids wear proper gear - sandals and swim suits may not be the right attire when children are learning to cast.

Watch the Weather

Check the weather report before you leave. Rain can ruin a fishing trip with small children. Continue to watch the weather while on the water, and head back to shore if you see any signs of foul weather.

 

Catching fish

One of the easiest fish to catch off the jetties on Yorke Peninsula is the Tommy Ruff, or Australian Herring, also known as 'tommies'.  They look a lot like young Australian salmon, but tommies have a black tip on their tails and their scales are rough when you run your finger along them from the tail to the head ... I guess that's why they were called tommy ruff! Click here for information about bag limits and identification information. 

Tommies can be caught all year round but you'll tend to catch bigger ones during winter. They like to 'school', so once you catch one, you're likely to catch more, especially during early morning, dusk, or change of tide. Use light gear and a rod with a very flexible tip. Soft bait is best, especially gents, or try cockles or worms. You'll often catch garfish the same way. Find out how to fillet your Tommy catch here 

Cooking your Catch

Ingredients

2 cups of packaged breadcrumbs

2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon rind

2 eggs, lightly beaten

500 grams of tommy fillets

olive oil spray, for cooking

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Place the breadcrumbs and lemon rind in a bowl and mix until combined. Place the eggs in separate bowl and beat until combined. Cut the fillets in halves, length ways. Dip each strip into the eggs, then the breadcrumbs, pressing to coat well.

2. Place the fish fingers on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Spray lightly with oil spray. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

3. Serve with salad and a squeeze of lemon juice.