| Did you ever go fishing with your parent(s) | | | | Small to medium spinners, brass and silver |
| or grandparent(s)? If you did, you likely | | | | |
| have fond memories of it - even if you didn't | | | | Other lures, depending on where you are |
| catch any fish! If you didn't get the chance | | | | fishing |
| to go fishing as a kid, you might still want | | | | |
| to give your kids that opportunity. Here are | | | | Tip 2: Choose a good spot |
| a few tips for making the most of fishing | | | | |
| with your kids: | | | | Don't go fishing for musky the first time you |
| | | | take your kids fishing. Try to find a good |
| Tip 1: Get the right gear | | | | place you can take them to catch panfish. |
| | | | Panfish, such as Bluegills (Brim) are often |
| When you take your child (or grandchild) | | | | plentiful and easy to catch, even if none of |
| fishing for the first time, take the time and | | | | them are lunkers. |
| money to be sure that they have at least the | | | | |
| basic tackle they need. | | | | A good place to start is a stocked farm pond. |
| | | | Some of the best panfish fishing in the world |
| First of all, they will need a rod and reel. | | | | is in farm ponds. Depending on the pond, you |
| You can pick a decent one up at Walmart or | | | | might find some other larger fish, too. |
| your local sporting goods store for under | | | | |
| $30. Try to get a decent quality one - it's a | | | | Ask at your local sporting goods store for a |
| real pain if your reel keeps jamming up or | | | | good spot. You can ask other fishermen, your |
| even breaks! I would suggest a spincasting | | | | local newspaper outdoors columnist, and other |
| reel, as they are easiest to use. Some people | | | | people, too. Most will be happy to tell you |
| would say that spinning reels are easier to | | | | if they know of a good panfish spot, since |
| use, though, and they are often more reliable | | | | you won't be intruding on their secret spots. |
| and longer lasting. | | | | |
| | | | Tip 3: Make it fun |
| Next you'll need some tackle - get a few | | | | |
| bobbers (floats), a variety pack of split | | | | Don't just plan on going and fishing all day |
| shot sinkers, and some hooks. Try to get a | | | | - kids get bored too quickly. Take some good |
| variety pack of hooks, too, so you'll have | | | | food, snacks, drinks, etc, to add a little |
| the appropriate size for the fish you are | | | | variety to the day. If you're not catching |
| after. That should be all you need if you're | | | | anything, you may want to try another day. |
| going to fish with worms from your backyard. | | | | You don't want your kids to decide that |
| | | | fishing is boring. |
| If you're going to fish with artificial | | | | |
| lures, I'd suggest that you start with: | | | | You might also try going with friends, |
| | | | family, etc to add excitement to the trip. |
| Curly tail grubs, three inch size, white or | | | | |
| yellow | | | | Taking your kids is not expensive, hard, or |
| | | | time consuming, but it can give you some |
| Jig heads for the grubs | | | | great hours of fun together. Use these tips |
| | | | to help you plan to your next fishing trip! |