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Family Fishing tips

5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Family Fishing Trip in Grayling

You’ve been fishing for years, and now you’re ready to pass down your love of the sport to your children. A family fishing trip in Grayling is an excellent way to bond with your kids and spouse, all while enjoying a fun and edifying activity. There’s a lot that can go wrong when you take the family out fishing, though. Follow the tips below to make the most of your family’s lake excursion.

Know and Follow the Rules!

In Michigan, different lakes have different rules when it comes to fishing. For example, at Wakeley Lake, you’re only allowed to use artificial bait. If you or a family member are luckily enough to catch a fish at Wakeley, you can’t take it with you. All fish need to be released back into the water.

At most lakes, you’ll need a fishing license. Bright and Glory Lakes also require a Trout Stamp and a Recreation Passport.

Choose the Right Lake

Some lakes in Grayling are better suited for a first family fishing trip than others. For example, Bright Lake and Hardgrove Lake are both both recommended for kids. Bright Lake is stocked with varieties like Rainbow Trout, Sunfish, Perch, and Bluegill. Hardgrove also has Walleye. Choosing a lake that’s recommended for children will help your kids learn to love fishing, rather than feel intimidated by it.

Go Easy on the Kids

If this is your family’s first fishing trip, try to manage your expectations and go easy on your children. You might have years of experience handling bait and not feel squeamish at all about touching worms or pushing wiggling worms onto hooks. With your kids, it might be another story.

Don’t expect them to do everything themselves. Offer help when your kids need it. And, if your kid really doesn’t want to touch the bait, don’t force it.

Limit Your Fishing Time

While you might be thrilled to be out fishing all day, your kids and spouse might have other ideas. Start small and go fishing for an hour or two, tops. Remember that an hour feels much longer to your kids than it does to you. If your kids really love it, they’ll be begging you to spend more time on the water.

Bring the Right Gear

Fishing can be miserable if you don’t have the right equipment. Along with making sure everyone has their own rod and tackle box, make sure everyone has gear that will help them stay comfortable. That includes sunscreen to minimize burns, a windbreaker or raincoat in case it rains, and warm clothing in case it’s colder than expected.

With a bit of planning, your entire family can enjoy a fishing trip. If the first trip is a success, it’s likely that fishing in Grayling will turn into a family tradition.

Written by Sally Perkins at http://www.10hunt.com/