How to try fishing near Bournemouth with 4 year old?

[rpwhite]

Hello All, I’m visiting friends in 3 weeks time (school ½ term) and I have promised that I’d take my little lad fishing. Obviously, he’s going to lose interest stood on a beach in no time at all, so I was thinking would it be possible to go out on a boat, which would be much more of an adventure for him? There would only be 3 of us, and I don’t want to take him out all day with a boat full of experienced fishermen. Is there locally anywhere that may do a short 3 hour trip for example, and if mentioned on this forum do you think there would be any other like minded people that wanted to go on the trip, who are in a similar situation with young children. I don’t mean any offence to the experienced fishermen here on this forum, but it wouldn’t be fair expecting them to watch their language etc!!! If this is a daft idea, where’s best to go and give fishing a try? Lastly, can someone also point me in the direction of a good tackle shop who stocks starter set-up’s suitable for myself and for my lad. I don’t want to spend too much, as it will only get used when we visit these friends every few months, but also don’t want to buy what’s offered in the local Argos! Thank you for taking the time to read this thread, and for any replies I may receive. Paul

[dave fish]

to be honest stick to the beach take him some toys a bucket and spade to build sandcastles with a boat can be very dangerous for a small child if you get a fish on and every bodys watching you whos watching him?

[Spahill]

I'd agree with dave - fish in the evening just before dark & into the night till he gets bored. The beaches are nice and sandy & as long as there isn't too much swell they should be safe enough. Plenty of layers of warm clothes for both of you. Any tackle shop down there should be able to sort you out for £30. light rod & fixed spool reel. Wouldn't bother with 1 each. If he's is mad for it you can always get another for session 2.

[Paully]

You could try the piers at Bournemouth or Swanage if fishing is allowed or the quayside in Poole harbour.There's a tackle shop in Wimbourne Rd,Poole.

[rob@home]

Try mudeford in Christchurch mate theres a mackerel trip boat goes out on a monday I think it is for a few hours for more info search for 'the fish stall' mudeford they organise the trips,hope this helps?

[scottish_and_mental]

Having fished on boats around here for around 20 years i would be quite surprised ( but not shocked ) if any skipper would let you fish with a 4 year old on the boat !
One thing i did find amusing was your reference to us foul mouthed sea dogs making it unsuitable for a young uns ears..I have 4 ( baby william was born 6 days ago !! ) kids and i have had at least one of them fishing with me on a club match.
Anyhoo, with regards to fishing try Bournemouth or Boscombe pier for a couple of hours of easy fishing/crab lining/eating too many ice creams or Southbourne beaches which are fine for kids and pretty good for fishing might i add.
I hope this is of some help to you and good luck on your travels

[rpwhite]

Thanks all for your messages. Maybe the boat idea will have to wait a few years!