Basics of fishing

Question
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Followup To

Thanks for this great reply. One additional question: can you advise me of the best knot to use to attach the hook to the line? I can look for a diagram on the web but would like the simplest one that works!. Thanks again!
Question -
i have a 7 year old son and would like to introduce him to freshwater fishing. I have fished only a handful of times and it was over 30 years ago, so I have no knowledge myself of the basics.. what kind of rod and reel would be appropriate and how to rig a basic line, tie the knots,etc. I'm talking about sunfish, perch, etc. Can you direct me to a good website or otherwise help me make this a successful attempt?  Thanks.
Answer -
I wish you could have seen the TV show I did on this subject, as it showed all of the tackle with which to start, by shopping in a tackle shop.  Hopefully I'll be able to remote control you to a successful outing.

First, is the rod and reel combination, which you have mentioned.  I would suggest something good enough to hold up, and not break down to discourage the young man.  At the same time it must be simple to cast.  For this I recommend a Zebco 33 spincasting reel.  These reels are pre-spooled with line - normally 10 pound test.  Team this with a 5'6" rod - graphite composite will work, and be a little cheaper than the 100% IM6 or IM7 graphite rods.  You can go a little cheaper on the rod, to save for the reel.  I don't suggest the "comic book hero" spincasting combos that are on the market.  I've seen a lot of these in the garbage cans along the lakes.  Also, the Zebco 33 will last for years.  I still have the one that my grandfather used, although I don't use it anymore - it is more of a keepsake.

You are going for panfish, which is a excellent choice to get your son interested.  I would suggest an area, such as a farm pond or lake - if you have access to one.  These normally have an abundance of bluegills, and will start hitting very well in the next two months.  These are a hard fighter, and one of the larger ones will give him a good tussle.  As I've always said, ounce for ounce they will stack up to most any fish for providing a nice battle.

I would suggest something like a Mick Thill Stealth float.  Balance (weight) it so that only the top colored portion is above the surface of the water.  This will help detect the slightest of strikes, whether it is a lift bite (usually attributed to a crappie), side carry or straight down pull.  Make sure you son learns not to set the hook too hard, or too fast.  Allow the float to go under a little before lifting the rod tip, and not jerking it - we aren't bass fishing, which is a whole different process.

Use split shot to weight the line.  These come in a variety of sizes, but for this purpose I would prefer the smaller BB size, and perhaps the one up from there.  Add and subtract weight as needed.  A part of the weight could also be a small ice jig (yes, ice jig - these work in open water as well).  I would use the Rat Finkie and Ratso so that they would stand out, and bounce up and down with the wave action.  Another jig would be a Mini Mite, or a small crappie tube.

Now that we are on the line of lures and baits, tip these jigs with Berkley Crappie Nibbles or wax worms.  If only a small hook (no larger than a 4) is used, then you can go with the same bait, but add pieces of nightcrawler and red worms to the list.  Minnows will be suggested by many, but that is a little more specialized, and normally targeted at crappie.  I would suggested the Tru Turn and Daiichi hooks, as these will give you a better hooking percentage.

If you get to the point where you want to start him for some bass, and use lures, go with the old stand-by, Beetle Spin, or another oldie, Road Runner.  Use 1/16 to 1/4 ounce sizes, as the smaller ones will attract a wider range of size fish (panfish and bass, for example), so that some action is produced.  For colors, as with the above mentioned jigs, I would suggest two - white and chartreuse, as these are fairly much proven producers.

Once into the sport you may want to get him his own tackle box.  If he really gets "hooked", then this will provide some good gift ideas for birthdays and Christmas.

You asked for another website or contact.  I suggest a friend, who is the captain of our Team USA, that competes internationally.  This is Mick Thill.  His website is www.mickthill.com.  Be sure to mention my name, as he is extremely busy, and not always in this country.  His main techniques of fishing are for panfish from shore.

Hope some of this information helps, and if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Good luck.

Best of fishing,
Dan

Answer
Glad the information helped.  I knew there was something I missed - the knot.  There are several, but perhaps the best all around is the Improved Clinch.  You will also see the Trilene Knot mentioned a lot, and it will work.  I generally use it for my braid line situations.
Hope this helps.
Best of fishing,
Dan