Family Fishing Basics

Whether you take your kids to a farm pond, fish a northern lake or cast into a brook in your neighborhood, fishing is a great pastime. It gets you and your kids out into the great outdoors, provides quality time and makes great memories.

When you first take your kids fishing, they may grumble and complain about being bored. But once their bobber dunks under the surface and they land their first fish, they will be hooked. When the bobber disappears under the water, encourage your child to give a quick tug on the pole to set the hook. Tell them to begin reeling in the fish - slowly. Suddenly, up from the water leaps a nice sized fish. It doesn't need to be a whopper. Anything over 3 inches will send your child into a realm of excitement. Do not reel the fish in for your youngster. After all, it is their fish. Instead, give the child a net so they can slip it into the water and land the fish. Once the fish is landed, make a fuss and praise the child for a job well done. Exaggerate a little if the fish is very small. Children love to catch fish - any fish, any species, any size.

Be sure to take a camera along to immortalize this precious moment in your child's life. Once the photo has been snapped, dig in your tackle box for the needle-nose pliers and show your child how to remove the hook. Then teach the child the theory of catch and release by allowing them to place the fish back in the water carefully, being sure not to harm it. Explain to the child that catch and release is a conservation method that ensures fishing for future generations. Even very young children seem to understand the need to preserve fish for future pleasure.

If you already fish, you well know the thrill of the first catch. If not, possibly you and your children should give a try. It is a most relaxing and enjoyable pastime and very exciting for very young children.

Do not be discouraged by tackle shops that are filled with expensive equipment that you have no idea what is. You may be intimidated when you think of all that baiting, casting and hook removal. That doesn't have to be the case. When I was young, Grandpa used to take us fishing at the creek. The only equipment we had was a bamboo pole with line attached, a bobber and a can of worms. I have taken my grandson fishing with only a child's rod and reel, a few extra bobbers and hooks and a carton of worms. We had a fantastic time.

Here, I describe basic freshwater fishing for sunfish or panfish. This type of fishing doesn't require a tackle box the size of a transport, nor do you need any type of degree. You need only a rod and reel, line, a bobber and hooks, just like in the good old days. The only bait you need are worms, which can be caught on a dewy night using only a flashlight and a tin can that has a bit of grass and soil in it. This keeps the worms alive. They can be kept outside or in the refrigerator if it is especially warm. If you place worms in the refrigerator, be sure to put a waxed paper over the top, fasten it with an elastic and poke a few small holes in the paper to ensure the worms have oxygen. If possible, allow your child to help catch the worms. That is part of the fun.

The secret to a fantastic fishing trip with the kids is to find a pond, small lake or stream where you can catch a fish or two. Kids fish to catch fish, not to relax or watch birds gliding on the wind currents. If you're walking or biking, which is the nicest kind of fishing trip, everyone you meet on the way home will ask you if you caught anything. When this happens, you will see a smile light up your child's face as they exclaim, "We sure did." This exchange is a tradition that's gone on for hundreds of years. It connects all those who love to leave the worries and cares of the world behind by laying a pole over their shoulder, picking up a can of worms and heading for the local fishing hole. It has been this way for generations and will continue to be so forever.

Have a fun summer and enjoy one of the finer things in life. Just leave a message on your voice mail that says, "Gone Fishin." You will feel all the better for having had an afternoon of peace, tranquility and quality time with your child.

FISHING TIPS FOR KIDS

Until your child is ready, you should bait, cast and remove fish from your child's hook.

Use earthworms, grubs, plastic worms, corn, bread or bits of hot dog for bait.

Take along lawn chairs

Keep things as simple as possible.

Take along a first-aid kit.

Include needle-nose pliers in your tackle box.

Keep a good supply of bobbers on hand.

When taking children near water that is deep or has a current, provide lifejackets.

Take along a net. This makes landing fish easier and allows your child to catch tadpoles or frogs if he/she tires of fishing.

Provide paper towels or rags to wipe hands.

Wet cotton gloves or wet rags can be used to hold fish. Never use dry gloves or rags. They will damage the protective coating on the fish.

Provide sunscreen of 15 UVA or higher.

Provide insect spray.

Take along a camera to capture your child's big moment.

Provide nail clippers so children can cut tangled line.

Match the hook to the size fish you hope to catch - too small can be swallowed - too big won't catch fish.

Be sure to purchase proper licenses. In most states, licenses aren't required for children.

Follow these tips to make your fishing trip a positive experience for youngsters. Give a gift of love - take a child along who might otherwise not have the opportunity to go fishing. It is a wonderful experience for all children and something they shouldn't be deprived of.