Introducing Your Kids To Fishing - A Few Tips

Did you ever go fishing with your parent(s) or grandparent(s)? If you did, you likely have fond memories of it - even if you didn't catch any fish! If you didn't get the chance to go fishing as a kid, you might still want to give your kids that opportunity. Here are a few tips for making the most of fishing with your kids:

Tip 1: Get the right gear

When you take your child (or grandchild) fishing for the first time, take the time and money to be sure that they have at least the basic tackle they need.

First of all, they will need a rod and reel. You can pick a decent one up at Walmart or your local sporting goods store for under $30. Try to get a decent quality one - it's a real pain if your reel keeps jamming up or even breaks! I would suggest a spincasting reel, as they are easiest to use. Some people would say that spinning reels are easier to use, though, and they are often more reliable and longer lasting.

Next you'll need some tackle - get a few bobbers (floats), a variety pack of split shot sinkers, and some hooks. Try to get a variety pack of hooks, too, so you'll have the appropriate size for the fish you are after. That should be all you need if you're going to fish with worms from your backyard.

If you're going to fish with artificial lures, I'd suggest that you start with:
Curly tail grubs, three inch size, white or yellow
Jig heads for the grubs
Small to medium spinners, brass and silver
Other lures, depending on where you are fishing

Tip 2: Choose a good spot

Don't go fishing for musky the first time you take your kids fishing. Try to find a good place you can take them to catch panfish. Panfish, such as Bluegills (Brim) are often plentiful and easy to catch, even if none of them are lunkers.

A good place to start is a stocked farm pond. Some of the best panfish fishing in the world is in farm ponds. Depending on the pond, you might find some other larger fish, too.

Ask at your local sporting goods store for a good spot. You can ask other fishermen, your local newspaper outdoors columnist, and other people, too. Most will be happy to tell you if they know of a good panfish spot, since you won't be intruding on their secret spots.

Tip 3: Make it fun

Don't just plan on going and fishing all day - kids get bored too quickly. Take some good food, snacks, drinks, etc, to add a little variety to the day. If you're not catching anything, you may want to try another day. You don't want your kids to decide that fishing is boring.

You might also try going with friends, family, etc to add excitement to the trip.

Taking your kids is not expensive, hard, or time consuming, but it can give you some great hours of fun together. Use these tips to help you plan to your next fishing trip!