Fishing with kids in the ocean is an unforgettable experience. The excitement of catching fish while surrounded by the beauty of the sea can be a fantastic bonding activity for families. When it comes to choosing the right fishing lures for children, handmade topwater lures are a great option. They are easy to use, create exciting surface action, and are highly effective for catching a wide variety of ocean fish.
In this guide, we will explore why handmade topwater fishing lures are ideal for kids fishing in the ocean, provide a review of some of the best options, and offer tips and techniques to maximize your chances of success. Whether your child is a beginner or has some fishing experience, topwater lures can make fishing more enjoyable and accessible.
Why Choose Handmade Topwater Fishing Lures for Kids?
Topwater fishing lures are unique in that they work on the surface of the water, creating splashes and noises that attract fish. They are often the go-to choice for catching a variety of ocean species such as bass, mackerel, or even tuna. Here’s why handmade topwater fishing lures are especially suitable for kids:
1. Exciting Action on the Water
One of the biggest thrills of topwater fishing is the dramatic strikes that occur when fish hit the lure on the surface. The splash and action are highly visible, which can captivate children and keep them engaged. Handmade lures, with their unique designs and high-quality craftsmanship, often feature lifelike movement and realistic splashes that are great for attracting fish.
2. User-Friendly Design
For kids, ease of use is crucial. Handmade topwater lures tend to have simple designs that make them easier to cast and retrieve compared to other types of lures. With a simple steady retrieve or jerky action, kids can get the hang of it quickly, making the experience more enjoyable and less frustrating.
3. Durability
Handmade topwater lures are often built with durability in mind, which is essential when fishing with children. These lures are less likely to break or wear down after multiple uses, and they are designed to withstand the rigors of ocean fishing. Durable lures ensure that children can keep fishing without needing to replace lures after just a few uses.
4. Educational Value
Fishing with topwater lures teaches kids about fishing techniques and the importance of patience. Watching the lure move across the water and seeing the fish strike the lure is an exciting and educational experience. Handmade lures also offer the opportunity to explain the craftsmanship behind them, fostering an appreciation for both the sport and the art of fishing.
5. Versatility
Handmade topwater lures are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and actions. Whether you are targeting smaller fish like bluegill or larger species like striped bass, there is a handmade topwater lure for almost every scenario. The versatility makes them an excellent choice for a day of family fishing in the ocean, as they can be used in different locations and conditions.
Types of Handmade Topwater Lures for Kids
When choosing a handmade topwater fishing lure for kids, it’s important to consider the type of fish you are targeting, the conditions, and the ease of use. Here are some of the most popular types of topwater lures that are great for kids fishing in the ocean:
1. Poppers
Poppers are one of the most exciting and user-friendly topwater lures. They create a popping sound and splash when retrieved, making them highly effective at attracting fish. Poppers are ideal for beginner anglers, as they are easy to use and create immediate action on the water’s surface.
- Best For: Small to medium-sized fish, such as bass, bluefish, or mackerel.
- How They Work: Poppers are retrieved with a jerking motion that causes them to splash and pop, mimicking struggling prey.
- Why They’re Great for Kids: The splashes and sounds generated by poppers provide instant feedback, keeping kids engaged and excited.
2. Walk-the-Dog Lures
Walk-the-dog lures are another excellent choice for topwater fishing with kids. These lures have a slender, elongated shape and are designed to mimic the movement of fish swimming across the surface. They create a side-to-side motion that resembles the erratic movements of an injured fish.
- Best For: Larger species like bass, pike, or tuna.
- How They Work: These lures are retrieved with a rhythmic motion, making them dart back and forth across the surface in a natural, erratic pattern.
- Why They’re Great for Kids: While the technique may take some practice, kids can quickly learn how to create the walking motion with these lures, making it an enjoyable challenge.
3. Frogs and Insect Imitations
Frog lures and other insect imitations are fantastic topwater lures for fishing in weedy or marshy areas, which are often home to bass and other predator fish. These lures are designed to imitate frogs, insects, or small amphibians that fish naturally prey upon.
- Best For: Bass, perch, and other fish that prey on frogs and insects.
- How They Work: Frog lures are often retrieved in a hopping or jerking motion, which mimics a frog jumping on the water’s surface.
- Why They’re Great for Kids: These lures are fun to use, especially for kids who enjoy seeing the “frog” jump across the water.
4. Buzzbaits
Buzzbaits are another type of topwater lure that creates a buzzing noise on the surface, attracting fish from a distance. These lures are particularly effective when fishing in shallow waters where bass are more likely to be feeding near the surface.
- Best For: Bass, especially in shallow, weedy waters.
- How They Work: Buzzbaits are retrieved quickly, creating a buzzing sound and vibration on the water’s surface.
- Why They’re Great for Kids: Buzzbaits are easy to use and offer a lot of action, making them ideal for keeping kids engaged.
Best Techniques for Using Handmade Topwater Lures with Kids
Using handmade topwater lures with kids requires some basic techniques, but these lures are typically easy to master. Here are some tips to make fishing with topwater lures more enjoyable and productive for kids:
1. Simple Steady Retrieve
The steady retrieve is the most basic and effective technique for beginners. It involves reeling the lure at a constant speed, causing it to glide across the water’s surface. This works well with poppers and walk-the-dog lures. Encourage kids to reel in the lure smoothly and steadily to keep it at the right depth and action.
2. Twitch and Pause
For poppers, the twitch-and-pause technique works great. Kids can reel in the lure while making quick jerking motions with the rod tip. After each twitch, they can pause for a second, allowing the lure to settle before making another pop. This mimics the movement of a fish struggling to escape and is very effective in attracting fish.
3. Casting and Retrieval
Teaching kids how to cast is a fundamental skill in fishing, and topwater lures are great for learning this technique. Start by showing them how to cast the lure toward likely fish-holding areas such as submerged rocks, weed beds, or the mouths of inlets. Once the lure is in the water, they can retrieve it using the techniques mentioned above.
4. Patience and Observation
Fishing with kids requires a great deal of patience. Encourage children to be patient and pay attention to the action on the water. Sometimes, fish take a few moments to strike, so fostering an attitude of patience can make the experience more enjoyable.
5. Safety First
Always ensure that children are wearing proper safety gear when fishing, such as life jackets. Teach them to handle fishing rods carefully and avoid casting directly at people or objects. Supervision is crucial for safety and making the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Kid’s Fishing Experience with LureBolt Handmade Topwater Lures
Fishing with handmade topwater lures in the ocean is an incredible way to introduce kids to the joys of fishing. The action, excitement, and satisfaction of catching a fish using a topwater lure make it an experience they’ll remember for years. Handmade lures offer superior craftsmanship, realistic action, and durability, ensuring that kids can enjoy their time on the water without worrying about their gear.
For high-quality, handmade topwater fishing lures, visit LureBolt.com. Our lures are designed with kids and beginner anglers in mind, offering easy-to-use, durable, and exciting options for ocean fishing.
This review has provided you with all the essential information about using handmade topwater fishing lures for kids in the ocean. With the right lure, techniques, and safety precautions, you can make fishing a fun, engaging, and memorable activity for your child.