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When COVID shut down the world, my outdoor-loving family suddenly found ourselves searching for something to do together that got us out of the house and away from screens. Like a lot of Arkansas families, we had a few fishing poles tucked away in the garage, but honestly, we did not really know where to go from there. Taking our son fishing sounded fun, but we had no clue what bait to buy, where to fish, or whether or not we had the right gear to make it work.
What we discovered was that Arkansas actually makes fishing surprisingly easy for beginners. You do not need a boat, fancy equipment, or years of experience to start making memories on the water. Between stocked ponds, family-friendly fishing spots, free fishing weekends, tackle loaner programs and kid-focused events across the state, there are countless ways for families to jump in without feeling overwhelmed.
Basic Starter Gear
When fishing with kids, less is more. You don’t need a fancy pole and a bunch of sparkly, shiny lures. The more complicated your gear, the more time you will spend retying, rebaiting and recasting. A short pole with a simple push-button reel is perfect for most kids. It’s uncomplicated and they can master casting pretty quickly. To be honest, a cane pole, some fishing line and a hook have worked wonders for generations.
When it comes to bait, worms or crickets are affordable and easy to use. They are readily available at bait shops or in the bait coolers at your local grocery store. Plus, there is that yuck factor that fascinates a lot of young children. A simple red and white bobber makes it easy to keep an eye on the action and gives kids something to track in the water.
When George was ready to learn casting without assistance, some practice casting plugs allowed him to practice in the backyard or even on the shoreline.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Tackle Loaner Program
We’ve all been in a situation where we purchased something we thought our kids would love and they ended up spending more time playing with the box. If you’re hesitant to spend money on gear, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has made it easy for you. Through their tackle loaner program, fishing poles and tackle boxes can be checked out at over 50 locations across the state. That means you can head to your local library or closest Arkansas State Park and borrow everything you need for a fun fishing outing. It’s the perfect “try it before you buy it” experience.
Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend
Each June, Arkansas hosts a free fishing weekend. This partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the governor’s office allows residents and non-residents to fish without a license. The 2026 free fishing weekend will be held from noon Friday, June 12, through midnight Sunday, June 14, 2026. All regulations for daily limits, slot limits and length limits still apply but it’s the perfect time to give fishing a try without having to make a financial commitment.
Fishing Programs for All Ages
When George started fishing, we loved taking advantage of the kids’ fishing program that was offered by Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro. It was a great opportunity for him to learn some skills from someone other than mom and dad. (Because we know some kids would rather take advice from a stranger than from their own parents!) Lucky for you, they still offer the weekly program all summer long.
Hey Let’s Go Fishing – Every Friday in June and July from 9:30-11 at Craighead Forest Park, Access 5, in Jonesboro.
Learning a new skill is important for kids, but it’s not limited to kids. Thankfully, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recognized that and provides educational programs for all ages. From beginner fishing camps to advanced fishing camps and experiences specifically designed for kids, there is a learning opportunity for everyone in your family. Click to learn more about summer fishing camps.
Where to Fish
One of the biggest things to think about when choosing a place to fish with kids is convenience. When you are fishing with young children, the “best” fishing spot is usually not the one with the biggest fish. It is the one with easy parking, nearby bathrooms, safe shore access and a good chance of actually catching something before kids lose interest. Fishing piers, stocked ponds, state parks and small lakes are often much better choices for beginners than remote rivers or large lakes. It also helps to look for places with playgrounds, picnic tables, hiking trails or swimming areas nearby so the day still feels fun even if the fish are not biting. Here are a handful of spots that fit the description:
- Lake Bennett at Woolly Hollow State Park – Greenbrier
Lake Bennett is one of the best beginner fishing lakes in Arkansas. The small lake is easy to fish from shore, and the park has restrooms, picnic areas, swimming, and camping nearby. It feels very manageable for families with little kids. - Lake Frierson State Park – Jonesboro
This quiet Northeast Arkansas state park is a great spot for relaxed family fishing. The smaller lake size makes it less intimidating for beginners, and there are plenty of easy-access shoreline areas. - Lake Poinsett State Park – Harrisburg
Recently renovated, Lake Poinsett State Park is especially family-friendly with fishing access, walking trails, playgrounds, cabins, and picnic areas. It is a good option if you want fishing to be part of a larger family outing. - Lake Atalanta – Rogers
Lake Atalanta has multiple fishing piers, paved walking trails, and easy access right in town, making it ideal for beginners and younger kids. - Family Park – Hot Springs
Family Park is exactly what the name suggests. Along with fishing access, it has playgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, and walking trails that make it especially good for younger children.
Family and Community Fishing Ponds
Another great place to fish is the family and community fishing ponds set up across the state by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. These ponds are open to anyone age 15 and younger, age 65 and older or individuals with a disability fishing license. Properly licensed individuals who are 16-64 years old may assist and fish with someone who is a youth or disabled and is actively fishing. These fishing ponds are regularly stocked and usually have accessible shorelines and docks.
Tips for Fishing with Kids
Just like any outdoor activity, you have to monitor and adjust based on your child’s specific needs. Trust your parental instincts and remember that what worked yesterday doesn’t always work today. These are my tips for raising the possibility of a successful fishing trip:
- Keep trips short
- Bring snacks
- Let them play with worms
- Wear sunscreen
- Wear a personal floatation device
- Celebrate tiny fish
- Don’t overcorrect
- Bring towels and extra clothes
- Fishing is mostly about being outside together
- Quit while everyone is still having fun
Do Kids Need a Fishing License in Arkansas?
The great news is that kids under 16 do not need a fishing license. If you are 16 or older you will need a license and can purchase it online.
Fishing is a great family-friendly activity and a great way to get outdoors. Check out these articles for more information on fishing in Arkansas.
It’s Always Fishing Season in Arkansas
Arkansas Fishing Spots
Some Fish! How to Tell a Fishing Tale
Arkansas Fish Guide: Part 1
Arkansas Fish Guide: Part 2
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