Welcome back to The Hookset Weekly!
If you’ve got kids, you already know how fast time moves.
One minute you’re tying knots by yourself in the garage…
The next you’ve got a little voice asking if they can help, hold the rod, or come with you “just for a little bit.”
Fishing changes when family enters the picture.
It’s not about limits, patterns, or dialing things in perfectly anymore.
It’s about moments. Patience. And learning how to slow down when everything else in life keeps speeding up.
This time of year has a way of bringing that into focus.
Less daylight. More time inside. More reminders of why we started fishing in the first place — not just to catch fish, but to disconnect, reset, and share something simple with the people who matter most.
That’s the mindset behind this issue.
Dad joke of the day: Why do dads love early morning fishing trips?
Alright… let’s get into it.
From the Show Floor to the Water
Last week at the Philly Fishing Show was a good reminder of how big — and how tight-knit — this kayak fishing world really is.
New rigs. New tech. A lot of conversations that started with gear… and ended with stories. That’s always the best part of those shows. You see what’s coming, but you also get reminded why you started fishing in the first place.
One thing I’m genuinely excited to share:
I was selected to join Eco Fishing Shop as part of their Field Staff.
If you’re not familiar, Eco Fishing Shop is the largest online kayak retailer, and what stood out to me wasn’t just the boats or the gear — it was how much they care about the community side of the sport.
This isn’t about pushing products or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about staying involved, staying honest, and helping anglers make smarter decisions with their setups and their time on the water.
I’m looking forward to working with them, sharing real-world feedback, and continuing to help grow this community the right way.
More to come on that soon.
🏕️ Community Update
Since we’re talking about fishing with family this week, this post couldn’t be more on point. A dad asked about kayak safety for kids, and the responses turned into a reminder of how much experience (and care) lives inside this group.
Main Post:
Brandon M
What would you kayak dads suggest a kid should learn on the kayak safety wise. Trying to get my son into kayaking, never done it my self (I have to learn to swim first) . Local lakes offer training for kids in the summer.
How has your experience been as far as spending father and son moments on sunsets and sunrises . Worth it?
Top Responses:
Jeff H
First thing he should learn is to aways wear his life jacket, second thing is to re enter the kayak, the list of safety just grows from there.
Brad J
You should both take a boater/water safety course and basic first aid/CPR. Classes everyone should take. Getting up first thing in the morning, little fog on the water, watching the world wake up, there are few things better.
Omar G
First and foremost PFD! All safety measures should be adhered to (ie whistle, PFD, radio) make sure he can swim. Keep him within your eyesight. Make sure you can swim to assist if necessary. When starting, kayak buddy. Float plan with loved ones. Location enabled on phone. Phone dry box. Dry bag. Weather check before going out.
🎣 Featured: Fishing with Family — Getting Your Kids Into Fishing (Without Ruining It)
A lot of us say we want our kids to love fishing.
Then we take them out… and accidentally turn it into work.
Cold hands.
Too many rules.
Too much “do it this way.”
Not enough fun.
Getting kids into fishing isn’t about technique.
It’s about the experience.
Here’s what actually matters.
1. Short trips beat “full days”
Kids don’t need eight hours on the water. They need 30–60 minutes of something that feels successful. End the trip before they’re miserable.
2. Let them control something
Their rod. The net. The cooler. The snacks.
Ownership keeps them engaged way longer than instruction.
3. Catching anything counts
Bluegill. Perch. Dinks.
It doesn’t matter. A bent rod is a win, and momentum matters more than size.
4. Comfort > fishing
Cold, hungry, bored kids won’t care how good the bite is. Warm clothes, snacks, and breaks are part of the plan — not afterthoughts.
5. Don’t correct everything
They’ll reel wrong. Cast wrong. Hold the rod weird.
Let it go. If they’re smiling, you’re doing it right.
The goal isn’t to raise a tournament angler.
It’s to create memories they’ll want to repeat.
Sometimes that means you fish less — and enjoy it more.
Whats the biggest lesson you’ve learned while introducing your kids to fishing? (Let me know, I respond to every email.)
🐟 Brag Board - Weekly Catch
Andrew Blair
Absolute frog bite HAMMER 🐸💥
Big shoutout to Andrew for sticking this tank. When a bass commits like that, you don’t need the details, you just respect it.
Got a cold-water catch or a clip from a trip? Send it.
Pics, screenshots, blurry phone vids are all fair game.
📺 Latest from Bearded Dad Fishing
Been busy and missed a few videos? Here’s what I’ve dropped lately ⬇️
STOP! Don’t Buy a Kayak Motor Until You Watch This
Thinking about adding a motor to your kayak? I break down the real differences between bow, stern, and e-drive setups so you don’t waste money on the wrong one for how you actually fish.
▶️ Watch Here
Freshwater Guy Tries Saltwater in a Kayak (Fish Were STACKED)
I finally took the kayak into saltwater, and the bite did not disappoint. White perch were stacked, the action was nonstop, and this trip was a reminder that mixing it up can pay off big.
▶️ Watch Here
Know a fishing buddy who needs these tips? Forward this to them so they stop asking you the same questions on the water.
🔗 Connect With the Community
YouTube: Weekly videos with reviews, tips, and occasional chaos.
Facebook Group: 46,500+ kayak anglers arguing about gear and helping each other out daily.
Thanks for reading The Hookset Weekly by Bearded Dad Fishing! Got questions or suggestions for future issues? Hit reply - I read every email.
That’s it for this week. Stay warm, fish slow, and enjoy the grind.
Peace and God bless!
- Jay