Brushing Up / Old Fears

Question
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Followup To
Question -
You sound like the man I need to be talking to!  I live in Jackson, MS near the very large Ross Barnett Reservoir.  I have a 6 year old son who wants to begin fishing.  I haven't fished in years and I am now brushing up.  As a kid, I fished for catfish in my grandfather's ponds about 20 years ago.  I have always had a tremendous fear of being bitten or finned, hence, I have never touched a fish.  I always used pliers.  Now that I have to teach my son, I am embarrassed and need to learn all I need to know.
I hope to mainly fish for catfish and bass.  Any advice for me?
Thanks, this is important to me.
Richard
Answer -
Richard, you say this is important to you.  It may be more important than you realize, but I'm very glad to see you aren't trivializing the matter.  It's great that your son wants to fish.  There's just no way of telling how many youngsters have been able to avoid the temptations of drugs and other unwholesome activities simply because they had discovered something better.  Your son is fortunate to have a dad who wants to be just that--a dad.  Okay, I didn't mean to preach; let's get to your questions.

First of all, there's no reason to be embarassed about not wanting to handle fish.  Some folks just find it difficult to do.  After all, they are slimy and they do smell.  In addition, the risk of being bitten or spiked is very real.  There are many good gloves on the market today, made just for handling fish.  Perhaps using one would be helpful.  If your son does not share your aversion to handling them, I wouldn't discourage it, but you will definitely want to make sure he understands the risk.  Point out, for example, the need to smooth the fins of a fish by moving your hand from head to tail while pressing in slightly.  However, also point out that some fish have sharp, stiff fins that are designed by nature (God, if you prefer) to be used as defensive weapons, and it's best to avoid those fins when possible; catfish fall into that category.

Although I have never had a problem handling fish, that's me; you're you.  Have I ever been stuck?  Yes.  Would I have been stuck if I'd used pliers and a glove?  Probably not.  Sounds to me as if you're the one on the right track, not me.

You didn't ask for fishing advice, so I assume you feel you know enough about how to catch them.  However, if you've gotten rusty during your 20-year hiatus from fishing, feel free to ask.  Remember, there are no stupid questions, and we've all forgotten very basic things from time to time.  If I can help, ask; that's why I volunteer my time.

Let me just point out one thing.  At six years of age, your son is interested in one thing; catching something.  It won't matter what kind of fish it is, if he catches something he'll feel excited and, more importantly, confident about trying it again.  Both panfish and catfish are usually very cooperative, so if you can find some, that would be the way to start.

If I were in your position, I think I'd go to a local tackle shop and ask where your son can catch some cats or panfish, what bait would be best, and so on.  They're used to such questions, and steering you in the right direction is to their advantage.  After all, if you take their advice and he catches something, he'll want to go again, and where are you going to go for your bait next time?

Good luck, and let me know if I can be of additional help.

RG

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RG,
Thanks for the great advice.  I will give you a great rating.  I do have a follow up.
I said that I had not handled a fish and had a fear of being finned or bitten.  I do, however, intend on handling a fish while fishing with my son.  I need to learn how to do it.  Although the reservoir where we will be going has a great deal of cat and bass, I am sure there are others out there.  Any good easy techniques on how to handle a fish without being hit?
Also, we do not have a boat.  I am looking but I just don't think I can afford it right now.  There are many places to fish from the banks but I think my kids would much rather be in a boat.  What do you think?  Pros and cons?
Thanks again.  I look forward to this summer.  Look for more questions from Richard in Mississippi.


Answer
Richard:
   You're right when you say fish other than catfish can stick you.  Many panfish also have stiff fins.  Fortunately, in almost all cases these are the dorsal fins (the ones on the top of the back).  Gently smoothing them back with the palm of your hand, then "pinning" them there by wrapping your hand around the fish will generally take care of that problem.  If you're still leery of the fins, you can greatly lessen the chance of being stuck by wrapping a rag or towel around the fish.  It's very important that you thoroughly wet the cloth first.  This will lessen the amount of protective slime you remove from the fish.

   Since I release a large percentage of the fish I catch, I always flatten the barb on my hooks.  This can be done easily with almost any pliers.  I can do this because I use only artificial lures--well, 99% of the time--but it isn't a good idea if you're using bait.  You probably will be, but I mention flattening the hooks just in case you use lures.  The only function that barb really serves is to keep the bait on the hook.  If you keep a tight line, the fish won't be any more likely to throw the hook without the barb.  As I said, this applies only to lures; you need the barb with bait.

   As for boats, there's no question they allow greater mobility, and greater selection of fishing spots.  That said, there's no reason you can't catch fish without one.  If you're fishing from a bank for panfish, find trees that overhang the water.  Fish like to hang around these trees for two reasons; shade and the insects that sometimes fall out of them onto the water.  Failing that, try to fish from a dock, seawall or bridge.  The aquatic growth on pilings and other supports attract small fish (feeding on algae, etc.), which in turn attact larger fish feeding on them.

   Don't be so sure you can't afford a boat.  When I first moved to Florida, nearly fifty years ago, I fished for a couple of years using a Sears 10-foot john boat and a pair of oars.  I'd be surprised if you can't find a used john boat in decent condition for a hundred dollars or less.  As far as you're concerned at this point, a boat is simply transportation.  You don't need a big one, and you don't need a motor.  You only need a safe craft large enough for you and your son. I urge you to check around.

   Oops, just looked and saw you said "kids."  Depending on their size, you may still be okay with a ten-foot boat, but a 12-foot might be better.

   There's very darned little that can go wrong with an aluminum john boat, barring outright abuse.  Even a few loose rivets can be repaired easily enough.  About the worst thing you'll find is small holes worn into the bottom from dragging the boat onto shore or over rocks for a number of years, and that, too, can be repaired using one of the many "liquid" aluminum patching materials.

   Hope this helps, drop me a note if you need more.

RG