Some of my earliest memories are of fishing with my dad. He always took me with him and made this time very special for both of us. It’s important for me to take my kids fishing. I’ve come up with a few tips to get you started if you’re interested in teaching your kids this classic past time. I feel spending quality time with your kids is one of the best things that a parent can do.
There are a few basic questions you need to ask. Where are going to fish, what species are you targeting and how much do you want to invest in this adventure? Here are some recommendations that won’t break the bank.
Where are you going?
Maybe the neighborhood you live in has a pond or small lake. Maybe there is a stream near by; these are often great places to fish that often get over looked. Make sure you have permission to fish these properties. There is nothing more embarrassing than being yelled at by an upset neighbor.
What are you fishing for?
I would target bluegills, sunfish, and crappies. The nice thing here is these species are usually very willing to bite and makes catching them easier than other species. Kids are concerned about catching fish, they don’t care what kind they catch. They want immediate action with the least amount of effort needed.
What do you need to bring?
I would suggest a packaged rod reel combo. They make sunfish specific combos. You can get these for around $30. These come ready to go with line already spooled for you. Go with the closed face combo. These are much easier to use for the beginners. Additionally you will need some bobbers, sinkers, hooks, bait, and a small utility box to store this new gear. I use the smallest bobber that I can as long as it will float my bait. The sinker and hooks should be very small as well.
This is simple and cheap. Live bait is an easy option. Most of the retail stores I listed above will carry wax worms and night crawlers. This is all you need. If the thought of live bait creeps you out, no worries. Berkley makes many jar baits called “Gulp”. These baits come in many different shapes and sizes. I would recommend the minnow, maggot, or cricket. They are a little messy, so take a towel to wipe your hands. The nice thing here is you won’t be killing any worms because you are using artificial bait. Yes, they are just as good as live bait.
Good luck on your fishing adventures!
Catch Me on the Water 