Making Memories on the Water: Teaching Kids to Fish

Making Memories on the Water: Teaching Kids to Fish with Don Peck

I’ve spent a lifetime on the water, guiding people through some of the best fishing experiences they’ll ever have. But there’s nothing quite like introducing a kid to fishing for the first time. It’s something I believe in deeply—not just as a guide, but as a grandpa. Too many kids these days are glued to screens, missing out on the kind of hands-on experiences that teach patience, persistence, and a love for the outdoors. That’s why I make it a priority to get as many kids on the water as possible.

The Best Place to Start: Kokanee Fishing at Merwin & Yale Reservoirs

When it comes to getting kids started, you can’t beat kokanee fishing. It’s action-packed, keeps them engaged, and lets them feel the thrill of a fish on the line—something that hooked me for life when I was a kid. The best spots around here are Merwin Reservoir and Yale Reservoir, both offering great opportunities to reel in some fish while surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Kokanee are the perfect species for young anglers. They’re small enough that even a three- or four-year-old can handle reeling one in. The gear is light, the bites are frequent, and with some good coaching, kids can develop the skills and confidence they need to fish on their own. I’ve seen it time and again—their faces light up when they realize, “I caught this fish all by myself!” That kind of pride is priceless.

Lessons Beyond the Catch

Fishing isn’t just about reeling in fish; it’s about life lessons. Out on the water, kids learn patience and persistence—two things that might seem like opposites but actually go hand in hand. Some days, the fish come easy, and other days, you’ve got to wait it out. Learning to keep trying, even when the bites slow down, is a valuable lesson that extends far beyond fishing.

Safety is another big one. On my boat, kids wear life jackets and start learning from the moment they step on board. Why do we wear life jackets? Why do we watch the weather? These are things many of us take for granted, but for a kid, it’s a whole new world of understanding.

Keeping Kids Engaged

Not every kid is naturally drawn to fishing, and that’s okay. I’ve had grandkids who would rather be on a phone than holding a rod. But you find ways to get them involved. My boat is equipped with a fish finder that lets kids see the fish moving around in real-time—kind of like a video game, but in the real world. Letting them “drive” the boat or net the fish keeps them involved, and when the fish start biting, their focus shifts fast.

For kids with lots of energy, like my grandson with ADHD, I make sure there are always things to do—whether it’s helping with gear, watching the fish finder, or just learning how to tie a knot. It’s all about keeping their hands busy and their minds engaged.

Building a Tradition

I was introduced to fishing by my sister’s boyfriend when I was just 11 or 12. It changed my life, and now, decades later, I’m passing that tradition on. Some of my clients have been bringing their kids fishing with me for years, and watching those kids grow up on the water has been one of the best parts of my job. I’ve got families who come back every season, and by now, I feel like I’ve got an extended set of grandkids.

At the end of the day, the best thing we can give our kids isn’t another gadget—it’s memories, skills, and an appreciation for the outdoors. If you’ve got a kid in your life who’s never been fishing, now’s the perfect time to change that. Grab a rod, head to Merwin or Yale Reservoir, and make some memories. And if you need a guide, well, you know where to find me.

Take the Kids Fishing: 

Buy an Adult Seat, Get a Kid’s Seat FREE!

For every paying adult, bring a kid along at no extra cost! Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or mentor, this is the perfect chance to introduce kids to fishing without extra expense. With only 6 seats available per trip, this deal lets families maximize their time on the water while keeping costs down.

Example:

• 1 Adult = 1 Free Kid
• 2 Adults = 2 Free Kids
• 3 Adults = 3 Free Kids (Filling the Boat!)

Kokanee season is the perfect time to get kids hooked on fishing, and spots are filling fast. Call today to lock in your trip.