Are you scouting out the best fun family fishing spots in Metro Detroit? We are too. Here are some of our favorites, plus a couple of tips that will help your next fishing adventure with the kids a day to remember.
Tips for Fishing with Your Kids
1 – Focus on the kids.
When fishing with children, especially young kids and those new to the
sport, it’s especially important to keep in mind that this experience is for
them. If either parent is an avid angler, then it may be best to leave your own equipment at home so that you can focus on teaching your child the rules of safety and how to operate their poles. They’ll need help tying lures and putting bait on hooks, not to mention casting, and landing a fish!
2 – Be legal.
In Michigan, children do not need licenses to fish, but any adult who is actively helping must have a fishing license. You can purchase your online here http://www.mdnr-elicense.com/Welcome/Default.aspx
3 – Be prepared.
This includes proper attire for the weather, first aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, working equipment (rod & reel), rag to wipe hands off, bait and/or lures, bobbers, weights, snacks, water, etc. See more fishing guides here.
4 – Talk.
Fishing is a great time to connect with your child! Talk to them about where fish like to hide, what they eat, as well as why they may not be biting right now. Get excited when your child catches a fish!
Fun Family Fishing Spots in Metro Detroit
Family Fishing in Wayne County
Belle Isle, Detroit – The inland lakes on the island are great spots to catch small and large mouth bass and there are several docks along the river frontage that are for fishing also.
Milliken State Park, Detroit – The marina and the RiverWalk
offer several great fishing spots.
Spring Valley Trout Farm, Dexter – Has a stocked pond for children under 10. If you’re looking for a high likelihood of a catch, this is a great fishing spot for youngsters.
Heritage Park, Taylor – The small fishing pond is a great for first timers!
9 Mile Pier, St. Clair Shores – It’s a bit of a hike to the end of the pier, but the fishing is usually spectacular. Lots of sunfish, perch, and also bass to be caught here.
Family Fishing in Oakland County
Firefighters Park, Troy – A variety of fun to catch fish await in the pond here!
Kensington Metropark, Milford – Many places to try fishing
from the shore as well as boat rentals to go further out onto the lake.
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Waterford – Shore fishing as well as boat rentals for fishing deeper in the lake. There are opportunities here for younger and also older children to fish many species.
Lower Baldwin Park on Quarton Lake in Birmingham
Lower Baldwin Park on Quarton Lake is a 29-acre park in Birmingham. The park surrounds Quarton Lake, with a gravel trail, fishing piers, and greenspace.
Family Fishing in Macomb County
Lake St. Clair Metropark, Harrison Township – There are many fishing spots in the park, near the pier and also on the peninsula that juts
north. Not the best spot for the youngest of kids.
Stony Creek Metropark, Shelby Township – Many places to try fishing from the shore as well as boat rentals to go further out onto the lake.
Mae Stecker Park, Shelby Township – A lovely stocked pond has small panfish as well as some good-sized bass. This is a great place for shore fishing with younger kids as they will have a good shot at landing a fish. The mosquitos can be pretty heavy in summer, so be prepared with bug spray.
Summer Adventures at Brandenburg Park Splash Pad
Brandenburg Park in New Baltimore. Splash Pad, playground, trails, sports fields, and a 500-foot pier extending into Lake St. Clair.
The DNR also has a nice list of Family Friendly fishing waters listed, and you can search by county here http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364-299046–,00.html
Author: Erica Bretz
