Take Your Child Fishing in Parksville Qualicum Beach
From the Lighthouse Country beaches to Cathedral Grove to our local farmers' 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.
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.
Get The Right Gear
Don't set your child up for failure by handing them 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 complex for young children to use.
Join a Local Fishing Charter
There are several 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, but they'll also be able to recommend the proper baits and presentations for your target species. Additionally, some fishing guides provide all the necessary rods, reels, and tackle. 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.
Don't Forget About Freshwater Fishing Holes
Although many Parksville Qualicum Beach visitors want to grab their rods and head directly to the beach, there are many 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.
Make Sure You Have Your Fishing License
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 essential to purchase a fishing license before you go down to the water. They are very affordable and can be found at several local retailers. The fees collected for fishing licenses are used to help maintain lake stocks 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.