Fishing with kids at Laguna Garzón doesn't take any special gear or a reservation: a rod, some bait and a bit of patience are enough for a relaxed afternoon by the water. The perimeter of the circular bridge, with a walkway on both sides of the road, is one of the most popular spots to cast a line from the shore, especially early in the morning or toward sunset.
What to do
Fishing from the shore is the simplest option with kids: it doesn't depend on any tour operator or advance booking, and it works just as well for a short afternoon as for a longer plan. Tararira, pejerrey and other species such as mojarra are caught in the lagoon; no catch is guaranteed, so it's best to treat the outing as a walk with a chance of fishing something, not as the only goal of the afternoon.
For a guided outing, the portal has a page on sport fishing at Laguna Garzón, with local operators who offer a guide and boat trips. It's worth considering if the group wants a more organized experience, with gear included and someone who knows the best spots for the day.
Where
The perimeter of the Laguna Garzón circular bridge is the best-known shore fishing spot: it has a walkway on both sides of the road, so you can walk around and pick the spot you like without stepping into the water. It's best to park near one of the bridge's access points and walk from there.
You can also try from the shore, along the low, easy-access stretches on the Rocha side — the same ones covered in the shore walk with kids. The water is calm and shallow — the lagoon averages just 0.46 meters (about a foot and a half) in depth — which makes it easier to keep a close eye on kids while they fish.
When
There's no exclusive fishing season on the lagoon, but early morning and late afternoon tend to be the times with the most fish activity and less direct sun, in both summer and winter. In the hottest months, it's best to avoid midday — more because of the sun than the fishing itself.
Freshwater fishing in Uruguay is regulated by DINARA, the national aquatic resources agency, which sets closed seasons and minimum catch sizes by species: it's worth checking the current rules before heading out. If the plan is to fish from your own boat instead of the shore, the same navigation rules and mandatory life vests that apply to kayaks and boats on the lagoon apply here too.
Tips for going with kids
Sunscreen, a hat and water are the basics for any outing, especially if the plan is to sit still for a while waiting for a bite. A bucket with a little water lets kids get a close look at what's caught before it goes back in the water. Hooks should always be handled by an adult when younger kids are nearby.
Since Laguna Garzón has been a protected area since 2014, the general rule is to leave no trash behind — not even fishing line or bait containers — and to respect the local wildlife. If the group wants to stay on the water afterward, the portal has more ideas for family kayaking and family boat rides on Laguna Garzón.