Take Your Child Fishing in Parksville Qualicum Beach

From the Lighthouse Country beaches to Cathedral Grove to our local farmer's markets, there are plenty of activities to enjoy and places to visit. But many people forget about one of the best ways to spend a few hours during your Vancouver Island vacation: enjoying a bit of fishing with your child. But while Parksville Qualicum Beach certainly offers excellent fishing opportunities, you'll need to follow a few recommendations to ensure the best possible experience for you and your child:

1. Provide your child with the right type of equipment. Don't set your child up for failure by handing him or her a rod and reel that requires skill to use. Instead, set them up with a 5- to 6-foot-long rod and a spinning reel or baitcaster, which will be easy for them to use. This will alleviate most of the technical difficulties that are sure to occur if you provide your kids with complicated or oversized equipment. It's also wise to use real baits, such as leeches, worms or doughballs, instead of fancy artificial lures, which are generally too difficult for young children to use.

2. Consider joining one of our local fishing charters. There are a number of fishing guides in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area, any of which can help you enjoy a very successful day of fishing. Professional guides can not only take you directly to some of the best fishing locations around, they'll also be able to recommend the proper baits and presentations for your target species. Additionally, some fishing guides provide all of the rods, reels and tackle you'll need. Just make sure that the guide you select knows that you plan to bring your children, as some guides do not allow children on their charter tours.

3. Dress your child for the weather. Uncomfortable kids are cranky kids, and cranky kids rarely catch fish or have a good time on the water. As always, layers are your friend, as they'll allow your child to adjust their clothing to cope with changing temperatures and weather conditions. Remember that you'll often be subjected to strong breezes if you head to the beach or board a charter boat, so always bring a lightweight windbreaker for them - even in the summer.

4. Don't forget about the local freshwater fishing holes. Although many Parksville Qualicum Beach visitors want to grab their rods and head directly to the beach, there are a number of local freshwater lakes, rivers and ponds that may provide a better fishing experience for your child. Cameron Lake, for example, is full of trout and has plenty of nearby amenities. Englishman River is also a good option, and it will give you the chance to enjoy beautiful scenery while trying to catch a few.

5. Make sure to obtain a fishing license before hitting the water. It's important to set a good example for your child, and you don't want to have an unpleasant encounter with a law enforcement professional, so it is important to purchase a fishing license before you go down to the water. They are very affordable and available at a number of local retailers. The fees collected for fishing licenses are used to help keep lakes stocked and fund law enforcement officers. Just remember to keep a positive attitude and you're sure to have a great time with your kids. In the meantime, be sure to check out Outdoor Empire's comprehensive guide to fishing with your child. There, you'll learn even more tips and tricks that'll help make sure your child's first fishing trip is a great one.