KIDS OFFSHORE -

[knot for shore]

Everyone loves to take kids and wives/girlfriends fishing. But what special precautions do you take if any. Do you take the time to go over safety and or emergency items? Do you pack special food or clothes? I ask this because maybe an idea or action you take may be the one that makes a fishing trip as enjoyable as it can be to those that don't get on the water or ride on a boat as often as you do. And who knows, that youngster may HAVE to know what to do or how to do something in a pinch. Safety first, right?

[cravertosu]

Good post!

I love taking the girls fishing! Of course it's only when the weather is going to be great and there is a really good shot of catching a bunch. Kids get bored fast. So far it's been mostly just spanish and kings. My oldest loves when we hook up with the sharks, she thinks it's the coolest thing!

Definitely keep it safe, easy going, and FUN!! If the weather will work out for next weekend, I think I'm going to take them out of the Wilmington area.

Tim

[gman]

Everyone loves to take kids and wives/girlfriends fishing. But what special precautions do you take if any. Do you take the time to go over safety and or emergency items? Do you pack special food or clothes? I ask this because maybe an idea or action you take may be the one that makes a fishing trip as enjoyable as it can be to those that don't get on the water or ride on a boat as often as you do. And who knows, that youngster may HAVE to know what to do or how to do something in a pinch. Safety first, right?

Ive taken my son Anthony offshore with me since he has been 7 years old. He is now 14 and a tournament winning offshore addict. Its important how you start them, you are right.

First tip: get them involved in the game plan early especially if you have a big boat. Kids love the bridge/controls. Showing them the map or letting them steer goes a long way in keeping them occupied.

Backup Plan: When they are young its always a good idea to make them feel as close to home with kids creature comforts as possible especially if you are unsure if they will enjoy the day on the water. Coloring books, dvd player etc just incase they get bored or hate what your doing it also stops them from ruining anyone elses day.

I always took his favorite snacks and a change of clothing god forbid he got totally drenched somehow. Luckily I never needed any of it because he was totally into it. He would rather cut chunks than color at 8 LOL

Safety: We always spoke about life vests, what NOT to do while at sea and normal protocol. Just remember they have a short memory so only give them what they need to know.

[Ace1st]

As a young kid wanting to go offshore fishing I would beg the older guys to take me along with them. One finally did, he was a tobacco buyer and knew my Dad pretty well. I was so excited to be on one of these new go fast CC's. It was a Stratus 33 fter with fancy twin engines. Knowing I was going with them I would beg my Dad to drop me by the boat just to look around so I would know where everything was at. When the day finally came we headed out before day and I got to watch the sun come up on the ocean. One thing I noticed was the owner started drinking beer as soon as we left. I didnt think much of it but I did pay attention to everything. Back then it was Lorans, but I mostly watched the compass. My dad had always said if you go out in one direction you come in on the opposite direction and youll get close to home. Little did I know that advice would come in handy. After a day of catching king macs and watching these two guys drink beer after beer, the sun started getting low in the sky and these two were passed out in the v-berth. Eventually the owner mumbled take us home from spot on the floor. So I did. Luckily the seas were flat and I run the opposite heading till I saw land. Then the one Landmark I noticed on the beach was the Holiday Inn. It was one of the few Highrises in North Myrtle Beach at that time. I knew it was south of the inlet, so I turned and followed the beach to the inlet. By this time the two owners were beginning to sober up and they took it from there. But needless to say Dad was not a happy camper when I told him this, which also cut out my offshore trips with these two for a number of years.

Now my point is everyone aboard should know how to get home if something were to happen. Whether the captain has partaken in the alcoholic spirits or some medical emergency has come up. Somebodies should know how to everyone home.

Aboard my trips. all new people know where life jackets are and I make it a point to show them how to use the compass, VHF radio and the GPS. You just never know what might happen ofshore.

[scattered_grass]

Dramamine! I remember going out as a kid and puking all day. Started chewing a tablet before every trip and have never been sick since. I think if a kid gets sick his first time out, they may be hesitant to go out again.