Kids are the future of the sportfishing. Starting kids off fishing at a young age is important to foster their love of the sport as well as the future of fishing. More importantly, it will create memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime.
- Kids pricing is available only for our saltwater salmon trips departing out of Shilshole Bay Marina.
- Kids pricing is not available for our bass fishing trips.
- Kids pricing is not available for flounder trips. The rates for these trips are already heavily discounted for the entire group.
How Kids Pricing Works
We require 2 paying adults for all child discounts.
Rates for children are as follows:
- 1st – 6th grade $162.00 each (50% savings)
- 7th – 12th grade $243.75 each (25% savings)
Our rates for children who will NOT be fishing are as follows:
Up to 2 children, 1st – 12th grade who are NOT fishing are $75 each.
Any child Kindergarten age or younger is free. While they are welcome to be on the boat, we ask that they not actively fish. Please note, you will not be allowed to keep a limit of fish for any child not fishing just because they are on the boat.
That said, just because your child doesn’t want to fish doesn’t mean they should stay home.
Tips for Fishing with Kids
- Warm Weather Fishery:
We recommend warmer times of the year for kids. Weather in Western Washington can be up and down in spring and fall. Between June and Mid-September, the weather is typically our warmest weather in the Seattle area.
Make sure your child has the right clothing for the weather. Layering clothing is important. It often is cooler in the morning and warms up later in the morning.
Getting a good night rest before the trip is very helpful.
- Get Ready
Preparing your gear in advance minimizes stress for you and the child. Check as you pack: snacks, drinks, water, sunscreen, rain jackets, hats, sunglasses or anything you plan on bringing for your trip.
Also feel free to pack a few toys from home to allow them some side entertainment when they tire of the new activity. Fishing may or may not keep them engaged the entire trip and that is okay.
- Fish Safely
Lifejackets/PFD
Safety must come first. We have USCG approved lifejackets for children and adults. That said, “Our” lifejackets are not comfortable to wear all day long. They are very bulky and it is hard to move around in them.
The rule on lifejackets are as follows: Children 12 years old and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when underway in a vessel less than 19 feet in length, unless in a fully enclosed area.
Our boat, “Go Fish”, is a 30’ Grady White and is very safe to fish from. Children under 12 years old are not “Required” to wear lifejackets all day. However, as the parent or guardian, if you want your child to wear a lifejacket/pfd during the trip, we will support that decision. You should bring a lifejacket that fits them properly and they will be comfortable in all day long.
We recommend a type 3 pfd or an inflatable.
Sharp Things On-Board
We have sharp things on our boat. While we do our best to keep them put away, watching your child is important. Hooks are sharp and should only be handled by an adult or with adult supervision depending on the age of your child/children.
We ask that no guest handle any of our fillet knives. Our knives are extremely sharp.
- Have Fun
Fishing is fun! If you make it about the entire experience, and not about how many fish are caught, you are more likely to have a child who wants to fish again and again! Keep this objective in mind and you may have a fishing partner for life!
Read more about What to Bring.
Kids age 15 and older are required to have a fishing license. All anglers regardless of age are required to have a catch record card when fishing for salmon and steelhead. Catch record cards are free.
We have one day fishing license available for $10.00 each.
Need a fishing license? Visit WDFW and purchase your license online.
