If you are looking for a destination where you can keep the kids actively engaged and even be able to teach them some new skills, such as how to fish, Black Hills in South Dakota is a top place to consider.

You have the West West Town of Deadwood to fire their imagination and the Custer State Park, where bison and bighorn’s roam free. On top of that you have the must-see attraction of Mount Rushmore too.

If that wasn’t enough to keep your family entertained, this is an area with an impressive selection of lakes and trout-filled streams, where the kids can take your guidance and learn all about the joys of fishing.

It’s fun watching little kids fish. They’re amused by the simplest things. But, fishing isn’t just fun. It can be a family tradition that brings you closer to your kids. It can be something that gets passed down from generation to generation. Here’s how to teach your kids the ropes, hooks, and lures.

Fishing Rods Suitable For Kids

It’s amusing and adorable to watch toddlers try to juggle a big fishing pole. They just don’t seem to understand that it’s too big for them. The inevitable result of a serious attempt with an adult-sized pole, however, is that they’ll get frustrated because it’s too big. So, you need something a tad bit smaller.

Not only are smaller poles easier to use, they’re safer and will help your child actually catch something. Along with the smaller rod, you’ll want to select fishing accessories like tackle and lures that are child-sized and durable.

Kids tend to be rough on their fishing equipment, and lures and tackles can be expensive. Use a light pole with an 8-10 lb test line. That’s probably all they can handle. Which means you will be limited to smaller fish, but again that’s OK since they probably can’t handle a bigger fishing pole.

When you look online for fishing supplies for your child, you might become overwhelmed with the information and options available to you. Narrow your choices down by looking for things like usability and safety and size as well as durability.

Make sure you’re buying equipment specifically made for children.

Usability

Was the equipment made with your child in mind? Some are, and some aren’t. If it’s just a smaller pole, it might be OK, but you want to make sure it’s actually a child’s pole and that it fits comfortably in his or her hand. Your child might be overwhelmed by the complexity of some of the higher-end poles, so don’t be afraid to get something very simple for them.

Safety

How safe is it? Is your child old enough to be trusted with hooks? Hooks are really sharp and can poke and cut your child’s little fingers. An alternative is to use a plastic hook until they’re old enough to manage a real one. Is the pole too long? Will you child hit someone else with it while waving it around, trying to cast?

Size

Comfort is also important. Will your child be able to hold the rod without fumbling around with it? If it’s too heavy or awkward to hold, then your child might become frustrated and won’t want to fish. It should be fairly short and lightweight to start out with. Once your child gets the hang of things, upgrade to a larger, heavier pole.

Durability

Kids love to roughhouse with toys, and you have to realize that, despite what you tell them, they see the fishing pole as a toy. And, fishing is a game to them. So, get something that will hold up for years.

Where To Buy

If you’re looking for places to buy intro poles and equipment for your child, you can’t go wrong with stores like:

• Kids Casters
• Wal-Mart
• Bass Pro Shops
•  Cabela’s
• Academy Sports & Outdoors
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Kmart
•  Toys-R-Us
• Sportsman’s Warehouse

Once you have got all your kit sorted. Plan your trip for an action-packed family vacation. Black Hills certainly meets all the demands you might have for keeping your kids entertained and even offers you the chance to teach them a new skill while you are there.

Jay French is a travel consultant, keen fisherman and father of three. He enjoys exploring new places around the world and trying his fishing techniques wherever he can. He also enjoys combining his love for travel and fishing with blogging.