Float-tubing on one of the ponds at Callaway Gardens, the author hooked this bluegill. Photo courtesy of Dottie Head.

School's out, and it's time for the family vacation. No matter where your travels take you, why not plan a little fishing along the way? The kids will love it, and it'll give you a chance to introduce them to a sport that your family can enjoy for years to come.

There are some great reasons to go fishing. It's cheap -- or at least you can keep it that way! You don't have to have a state-of-the-art boat and gear to catch fish; a cane pole or simple spinning rig will catch fish just as reliably. And it's a great way to disconnect your kids from television, video games and iPods long enough to have a real conversation with them.

Children under the age of 16 can fish without a license; however, anglers age 16 and older do need to have one to fish in any fresh or saltwater in the state. Fishing licenses are readily available at bait and tackle shops, some convenience stores and the sporting goods departments of most big-box stores, like Wal-Mart.

There are a few tips to keep in mind when fishing with kids. First, keep it simple. Choose easy-to-use tackle and bait, and target fish that you can reel in a lot of in a short time. The fun lies in "catching" when you're a kid.

Also, keep the trip short and go to an area that offers other entertainment, like a playground or park. Be sure to take along plenty of snacks, sunscreen and bug spray to keep the little ones safe and happy.

Finally, keep your cool. Depending on the age of your kids, you may spend a lot of time untangling lines, baiting hooks and teaching casting skills. The quickest way to spoil the day is to lose your temper. And, if the kids lose interest in fishing, let them explore the shoreline or stream and get muddy. Follow these tips and you're virtually guaranteed a fun day.

Regardless of your travel plans, you're sure to have a great fishing spot just around the corner. With 12,000 miles of warm water streams, 4,000 miles of trout streams, the Georgia coastline and thousands of acres of reservoirs and ponds, there's sure to be a place to fish nearby. Let's take a closer look at three of Georgia's more popular travel destinations and the nearby fishing opportunities.

St. Simons Island
Located an hour south of Savannah, St. Simons Island is a popular family vacation spot. Visitors can enjoy miles of beaches, 216 holes of golf, historic sites, museums, nature programs, shops and galleries and don't forget the fabulous seafood!

St. Simons Island is an angler's paradise as well, from surf fishing on the beach to pier fishing to family-oriented offshore adventures. A great new fishing spot is the recently constructed fishing pier on the Frederica River. The pier was funded by the Sea Island Company following the closing of the Sea Island Causeway to public fishing. As soon as you cross the bridge onto St. Simons Island, the fishing pier is immediately to the left. Access it by going through Gascoigne Park.