Family-friendly fishing near San Antonio

On a blustery cold late December day, underneath a shimmering winter sun, my kids learned to fish. Not from me, mind you (Like that even crossed your mind for one second and needed clarification. Ha!), but from my uncle, a transplanted Florida fisherman.

Family-friendly fishing near San Antonio

Originally from Staten Island, my Uncle Ed (or, Steady Eddie as he is more affectionately known) still speaks with the boisterous and authoritative yet warmly kind New York (East Coast? Staten Islandian?) accent gifted to him at birth, even after 30+ years of living in Florida. During his Christmas visit here to see us, along with my Aunt Peg and Cousin Ed, Uncle Ed announced that he wanted to teach my kids (and my sister’s kids) to fish. Having never fished before (Still not surprised by this, are you?) I consulted Google, not sure such an opportunity existed in the Alamo City.

Family-friendly fishing near San Antonio

As it turns out just 30 miles north of San Antonio, near Canyon Lake, Fisherman’s Corner is the perfect place for amateur anglers. Their ponds filled with catfish and the on site bait and tackle shop are what you need to get going and they don’t require a fishing license or admission fee. If you don’t have a pole, you can rent one for $4.99. You do pay for your bait and you’re charged, per pound of live weight, for the fish you catch. For just .50 per pound extra they’ll even fillet or dress your fish for you and send it home on ice (Totally worth it because, ewwwww, fish hands.).

If you lack an experienced fisherman in your group, the staff will help you get the hang of it all, including baiting your hook and giving you pointers for catching the catfish. For us, Uncle Ed was the Fisher King of the day. He taught the kids to fish with patience, humor, and his years of experience. And the girls and boys, alike, were happy to let him bait their hooks (and then remove the hooks after the catch).

kid-friendly fishing near San Antonio Texas

Family-friendly fishing near San Antonio

Family-friendly fishing near San Antonio

Family-friendly fishing near San Antonio

Family-friendly fishing near San Antonio

Although the day was crisp, and the owner of Fisherman’s Corner told us that it might be too cold out for the fish to bite, our kiddos caught seven large catfish. We drove home down 281, our trunk filled with the makings of a delicious and hard-earned dinner and our hearts warm with first-fishing memories. Thanks, Uncle Ed!

Family-friendly fishing near San Antonio