How young is to young to go ocean fishing

[woodrat]

Re: How young is to young to go ocean fishing

I say you should go for it. I wish my dad had been into ocean fishing when I was young; I had to learn it all by myself as an adult. I started taking my girls fishing when they were about 6 and 9. The oldest one still likes going and I took her across the Columbia River bar for her first salmon when she turned 13. The younger one has never really had the patience for it, though.

It sounds to me like you have common sense and safety in mind, and the requisite gear. I don't think you're any more likely to be in trouble out there than in the bay. Couple of guys died right by the Astoria bridge a couple of summers ago anchoring in fast current and the rode caught on a stern cleat.

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: How young is to young to go ocean fishing

I know if I ever have kids they will be out on the boat fishing with me as soon as they are coordinated enough to use a rod and reel.

I grew up in Florida fishing in the ocean for as far back as I can remember. I think you should start your kids out young, teaching them about boating and safety. There are a lot of grown men out on the water that dont have a clue, dont let your kid grow up to be one of those jackasses.

I was offshore fishing with no adults on the boat when i was 13 years old. But me and the friends I went with were fully capable of dealing with any situation that could arise. Another silly anecdote... my first times behind the wheel of a car was backing the boat down the ramp in my friends back yard

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: How young is to young to go ocean fishing

You gotta be kidding me. You take your kid out in a 21' boat 5 miles from shore and consider that risky? You ever heard of the EAA's "young eagle" program? That's a program where kids are flown on free flights in people's tiny little personal planes (some planes are home-built) at hundreds of miles an hour thousands of feet in the air.

You're more at risk than he is. A 6 year old and a hook is a dangerous combination.