small child in boat ?

[florida strain]

at what age, do you consider is safe to take  your child in boat fishing?

[Grey Wolf]

When they can swim.

[blnk1228]

As long as you are able to teach them the basic safety rules when riding in boat, are able to keep an eye on them, and their always wearing  a PFD. Any child that's around 3 or older I can see being safe in a boat.

[K_Mac]

I have four grandchildren, ages seven, six, four, and two. All but the baby have been fishing in my boat. I have some simple rules:

1.They must wear a life jacket that fits well and is rated for their height/weight.

2. One adult per child. This means no more than two children at a time in the boat.

3. One rod per child. Adults can fish/help fish with that rod.

4. They stay off the decks unless an adult is on deck with them.

5. We will have fun and catch a fish. Small bluegills are a blessing when it comes to kids.

A fish or two and a boat ride is a wonderful thing for a young child. It ain't bad for old PawPaw either. 8-)

Shore fishing is a little easier, but requires the same level of focus as being in the boat. Enjoy.

[RandySBreth]

As soon as they can swim seems reasonable. I know some "kids" that are in their 20's that I don't consider safe in my boat! ;D

[DINK WHISPERER]

Mine started riding in the bass boat when she was about 3. Can't go very fast cuz she will freak out though, LOL! Always make sure they have their vest and never take your eyes off of them.

[Sfritr]

When they are old enough to pee off the bow........

[K_Mac]

When they are old enough to pee off the bow........

I think that is a good rule of thumb...my granddaughter would not agree. ;D

[backpain...]

I have had my kids on the boat since I have owned one. My daughter was out on the boat before she could walk. I think as long as you have safety as top priority and they are wearing a properly maintained and good fitting PFD made specifically for their age group there is no reason they can't come along.

I follow similar rules as K_Mac.

One thing I would suggest is that you make the trip centered around them and not the fishing.

[done]

Had mine in almost at birth. The primary rule, they will have their PFD on before they can step on the dock and it does not come off till they step off the dock when we get back. For my girls I got the best PFDs I could find. Obviously for smaller ones who don't know not to jump off the boat, there is a bit more hands on supervision than with the others.

[donmac]

They do make life jackets for babies...

The first pic was taken about 18 years ago...

Fast forward 18 years... Here's a pic of the 3 year old that was fishing on the back deck.

Here's a pic of the baby on the floor of the boat, taken a few years ago.

If you have a safe boat they can be taken out on the water safely...

[Long Mike]

Donmac, I'll be the first to ask why the young man driving the Ranger at apparent WOT is not wearing a PFD attached to the kill switch.   :-/

[donmac]

Donmac, I'll be the first to ask why the young man driving the Ranger at apparent WOT is not wearing a PFD attached to the kill switch. :-/

And hopefully the last.

- Conditions did not warrant it in my opinion, nor his (he's 21, has spent his entire life (literally) around boats, has fished tournaments, etc)

- It is not required by law

- It was not during a tournament where it was required by regulations

FWIW, it was no where near WOT. We were probably going under 30mph. It was the first time we were running an old boat we setup and we're keeping the rpms down until we know the motor better.

Unless conditions warrant it or I'm in a tournament, I do not wear a jacket. If we're going to be running at high speeds (conditions), we'd likely have vests on - but that'd be our choice since it is not required by law.

[mikesjet]

I have had my daughter which is 2 1/2 now out three times since she was born. 

  Once @ 6mnths

Next @ 7mnths

Last time at 1.5 yrs.

Wife was with me every time and she took care of her. PFD always.

Most times out were really just boat trips with some fishing and not the other way around.  One good thing though she is copying everything I do, so should be easy to get her into fishing.  I hope my boy follows, he is only 6 mnths right now.