2 Family Fishing Games to Play on Your Summer Vacation

Summer is in full swing, which means it's the perfect time to gather the kids for a family fishing trip. If you do a bit of research beforehand on the best places to boat and fish in the area of your vacation or staycation, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a suitable spot to wet a line. Although, from time to time, warm weather conditions or a slow bite can cause kids to get a bit restless or to start losing interest. Here are two outdoor games to play if you need to keep a few active minds occupied until the fish start nibbling:

Fish-N-Boat Bingo

1. Before you leave for your trip, make a list of the fish species, plant life, birds and types of bait that might be found in the specific area where you plan to fish or boat.

2. Cut some cardboard into 5 x 5 inch pieces and write down the names of each object in bingo grid format on the cardboard.

3. Bring along a few sheets of fish stickers or smiley face stickers in a plastic zip lock bag.

4. Each time a fish is properly identified (an adult will need to verify proper identification); the player earns a sticker on the fish bingo card.

5. The first player to accurately identify five objects (in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal line) must shout out "BINGO" to win.
    

Fishing Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of items for kids to find while out on the water. The first person to find all of the items on the scavenger hunt list wins. To keep the kids interested in the game, bring a small prize for the winner (such as a new fishing lure or book on fishing). You can use the below list sample list of items or make up your own:
 

• Bait

• Bobber

• Dead bug

• Leaf

• Lost hat

• Lure that was stuck in a tree

• Piece of floating wood

• Old fishing line

• Seaweed

• Shell

• Split shot weight

• Sunglasses

• Tin can

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Debbie Hanson

Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.