Guide To Taking Kids Fishing In Texas

Ideas and locations to take kids fishing in TX.

By Rick Seaman

The purpose of this page is to share the basics about taking kids fishing and tips to make it fun by keeping it simple. Fishing and the great outdoors offers kids an alternative to many influences they encounter in their busy lives today. A single fishing trip could be the turning point in a young life, and we encourage you to invest the time in Texas kids. The rewards are endless and it takes so little effort.

Texas provides numerous opportunities for kids to engage in the joy of fishing, with a variety of fish species and dedicated urban fishing locations. One of the most accessible and popular fish species for young anglers is the sunfish, which includes bluegill and redear sunfish. Sunfish are abundant in many Texas lakes, ponds, and urban fishing spots, making them a perfect target for kids due to their willingness to bite and their manageable size.

Kids Fishing Video

Another common fish species that kids can target is the catfish. Channel catfish are often stocked in urban ponds and lakes, providing an exciting opportunity for children to reel in these hard-fighting fish. Channel catfish have a voracious appetite, making them relatively easy to catch, and their large size can provide a memorable experience for young anglers.

Texas also offers urban fishing locations specifically designed for kids and families. These urban ponds and lakes are often stocked with catfish and rainbow trout, providing an excellent opportunity for children to experience the thrill of fishing in a controlled and accessible environment. Some popular urban fishing locations in Texas include Towne Lake in McKinney, Mary Jo Peckham Park in Katy, and South Lakes Park Pond in Denton.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Neighborhood Fishin' program further enhances the kid-friendly fishing experience by stocking selected ponds with fish and providing educational resources and events for families. These programs aim to introduce kids to the joys of fishing while fostering an appreciation for nature and conservation.

Overall, Texas offers a range of fish species and urban fishing locations that cater specifically to kids. Whether it's targeting sunfish, catfish, or even stocked trout in urban ponds and lakes, young anglers can create lasting memories and develop a lifelong passion for fishing in the great state of Texas.

Places in Texas to take kids fishing

Consider these small lakes, ponds, creeks and urban fishing locations as places to take a kid fishing in the Lone Star State.

Joshua Peterson shows off the 45 pound, 3 oz catfish he caught on Lake Ray Hubbard.

Top 3 tips for taking kids fishing in TX

1. Make sure that the goal is to have fun. Catching fish is a bonus.

2. Keep it simple. Simple tackle, techniques and locations.

3. Keep the focus on the kids. Be a hero by helping them enjoy the day.

Youngsters with their prized catch

This could be your child, grandchild or any kid you took fishing. Take a picture and send it to us. We will happily post it here for them.

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Richard James shows off an 18-pound catfish he landed from a private pond.

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Richard James, age 8, shows off his big carp.

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Click here for additional tips to create a successful day of fishing for kids.

Kids, fishing and smiles naturally go together. Take a kid fishing and you just might change the course of their life. Then take pictures and send us one of them holding their prized catch. We will happily post it here.

See additional tips, ideas and instructions for taking kids fishing.

Kids fishing locations and information, by state.

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