How to Take Kids Fishing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Angling for fish in Philadelphia can be a rewarding experience for children and adults alike. Fisheries in the Pennsylvania city are available for children with disabilities as well as families. Options allow adults to fish, not fish or restrict participation to assisting children with general fishing techniques. You and your kids can fish local streams and lakes in Philadelphia for trout, musky, walleye and panfish throughout the year.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing license
Child-friendly hooks, lightweight sinkers and slip bobbers
GPS device, fishing map or county guide

Step 1

Obtain valid licensing. Online, in-person and mail applications are accepted, and charges will apply. According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, "An adult who assists a child by casting or retrieving a fishing line or fishing rod is not required to possess a valid fishing license." Keep your child within arms' reach to comply with this rule.

Step 2

Obtain a fishing license for adults who are actively fishing as well as for children 16 years and older who will be fishing without the assistance of an adult. This includes baiting hooks, cutting fish from the line or rigging the fishing rod for use.

Step 3

Pack fishing equipment for the whole family. Purchase fishing tackle specifically designed for kids, which is smaller and easier to handle than standard recreational fishing equipment designed for adult anglers.

Purchase child-friendly hooks, lightweight sinkers and slip bobbers, which work exceptionally well for kids. Pack adult and kid fishing poles and reels with the appropriate test for each.

Step 4

Pack the family tackle box with a variety of baits. Common baits include lures, worms, minnows, fish chunks and chub. Temper the fears of a weary kid with artificial lures that are easier to handle, less intimidating and less slimy. Kids who are inexperienced in handling live bait may show resistance in threading a live worm through a hook point.

Step 5

Find your fishing spot using a GPS device, fishing map or county guide. Choose a local Philadelphia park where fishing is permitted if you have smaller children who will not be fishing.

Step 6

Visit a Philadelphia water source that is specifically available for children 12 years of age or younger with a physical or mental impairment. See the Resources for a county list of waters. Check the year-round calendar to plan your child's next fishing trip.

Tips & Warnings

Purchase fishing tackle and bait from local bait shops in Philadelphia.

All adult anglers who will be actively fishing in Philadelphia must obtain a fishing license.

Resources

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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