A Guide for Grown-Ups

Junior Saltwater Fishing Crew is a free, kid-friendly learning site created as part of Friedman Adventures. It's designed for children ages about 7–13 and their families.

The site teaches:

• Beginner saltwater fishing basics — gear, knots, casting, and technique.
• Fish awareness and identification for common inshore and nearshore species.
• On-the-water safety habits kids can practice with an adult.
• Ocean conservation and respectful catch-and-release.
• Family-friendly outdoor learning through short lessons, games, and a printable journal.

Content is intentionally non-competitive and encouraging. Progress is tracked with fun badges, not scores or leaderboards.

Saltwater fishing is a wonderful family activity, but it involves real hazards. Please review these with your child before every trip:

• Adult supervision. Kids should always be with an attentive adult near any body of water.
• Hooks. Treat every hook as sharp. Cover barbs when walking and use pliers, not fingers, to remove hooks.
• Casting space. Look behind and around before every cast. Keep at least a full rod length of clearance from people.
• Fish teeth and spines. Many species have sharp teeth, dorsal spines, or gill plates. Kids should ask before touching any unknown fish.
• Weather. Check the forecast before you go, and head in at the first sign of thunder, high wind, or a storm cell.
• Tides and currents. Know the tide chart for your spot. Currents can change quickly on jetties, bays, and beaches.
• Sun protection. Sunscreen every two hours, plus a hat and polarized sunglasses. Reflection off water is intense.
• Hydration. Bring more water than you think you'll need, especially on hot or windy days.
• Life jackets. Wear a properly fitted, US Coast Guard–approved life jacket on boats, kayaks, jetties, and any deep or moving water.

Fishing rules — including licenses, species, seasons, size limits, bag limits, and gear restrictions — vary by location and can change throughout the year.

Before you keep any fish, please check the current regulations with your state or provincial fish and wildlife agency (in the US that's often the Department of Fish & Wildlife or DNR). Local piers, marinas, and bait shops can also be excellent sources for up-to-date rules.

This site intentionally does not publish state-specific legal limits so that families always rely on the current official source.

There are no accounts, sign-ups, chat features, comments, or social sharing on the Junior Crew pages. Lessons completed, checklist items, Captain's Log entries, and earned badges are stored in your browser's local storage and stay on this device. Clearing your browser data removes them.

A simple kit that will handle most beginner saltwater trips:

• Beginner rod and reel combo (kid-sized, medium action)
• Small hooks (sizes 4, 6, and 8 cover most bait)
• Sinkers (split shot and a couple of pyramid or bank sinkers)
• Bobbers (small floats for dock and calm bay fishing)
• Pliers (needle-nose, for hook removal and crimping barbs)
• Ruler (to measure fish quickly before release)
• Towel (wet it before handling any fish you'll release)
• Bait container (a small bucket or aerated bait cooler)
• Sunscreen (broad-spectrum, reef-safe when possible)
• Water bottle (bring extra for kids)
• Sunglasses (polarized, so kids can see into the water)
• Life jacket when needed (USCG-approved, properly fitted)
• First aid kit (bandages, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, gloves)

Run through this together the morning of your trip:

• Check the weather forecast for wind, rain, and thunderstorms.
• Check the tide chart for your spot.
• Check local rules and any current species closures.
• Bring water and snacks for everyone.
• Bring sun protection — sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and layers.
• Pack a trash bag for wrappers, bottles, and old fishing line.
• Bring the first aid kit.
• Review casting safety before anyone starts fishing.