little kids and fishing, how to?

[look 171]

My kids love fishing..... after we went fishing at a trout farm and ran up a bill for a few fishes Last week we decided to go fishing at a lake. All we caught was sunburn. WEll, they had sunscreen. They are winding up their hook to see if their bait is still there every 3 -4 minutes. After I put a stop to that, then they sat around for about 4-5 minutes and they were off running around doing something else. They are 6 and 8. What do you suggest? I really want them to catch a fish, but I really don't think its going to happen they way thing are going. I don't know much about fishing in a lake and I don't really feeling like going back to the trout farm and get rape. you guys gone through the same thing with your boys or girls?

[porsche4life]

You need to find a local lake or stream with easy fishing. They are out there. Kids aren't picky about type of fish. So if the perch bite good somewhere. Go there.

[ledhedsymbols]

My oldest daughter is five. I started taking her fishing (trolling for salmon) when she was three. On the boat it was easy, I told her which rod was "hers" and let her pick from two or three good fish catching combinations. I gave her a couple of plastic hoochie squid skirts to play with. Salmon Hoochies | Lighthouse Lures

For trout, I found a local lake that has a playground and a fishing dock in close proximity to each other. Every time I take her fishing I go with the intent and understanding that her attention will wander. I don't expect to catch fish, and I usually don't bother rigging anything fancy. We fish for a bit, and then go play on the swings, then we fish for a bit, then we go play on the slide etc etc.

In the end, we catch the occasional fish which she loves. More than that, she gets to spend time with me doing something that she knows I love. Guaranteed bonding time, and we always get hot cocoa afterwards. Don't overthink this, just take them fishing you are already creating lifetime memories.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

You need to find a local lake or stream with easy fishing. They are out there. Kids aren't picky about type of fish. So if the perch bite good somewhere. Go there.

+1... I know nothing about trout fishing (waters I've always fished are too warm) and I've been a bass fishing (and crappie) from my bass boat forever, but that is not the way to get a kid (short attention spans) enthused...heck, they'd prefer a 50-60 mph boat ride instead . Find a pond that's "loaded", and use LIVE bait (I always use artificial for "me", but worms or minnows for kids) and use a simple setup with a bobber. I own a couple of ponds that are simply loaded (too many actually) with 1-2 lb bass and lots of bream and crappie too...simply perfect for getting kids "easy pickin's" and keeping their attention intact. Good luck! There's nothing better than seeing them "light up" when the bobber goes under and they catch their first one!

ps: If you were closer, I'd offer to take you with me

[cabmandone]

Keep the trips short. If the fish aren't biting and the kids get bored, pack up and move on. If there's a lake with small pan fish, go there. Bluegill, Sunfish and others fight great and the kids will think they've got a monster on the line. Best part, you can use ultra light equipment that makes the fight that much more fun. Keep in mind, fishing isn't for everyone. My two daughters don't really enjoy fishing much but my son loves it.

[Jeff]

When I introduced fishing to my girls I went with the understanding that we may not catch any fish and that I would probably be untangling lines more than actual fishing. Try to keep everything positive and encouraging. "Great cast!", "I love how patient you are", etc.
I would also point out other interesting things to try to keep their interest in the "adventure". "Look at that Osprey!, he fishes too", "These are Elk tracks", "Let's see how many crawdad each of you can catch"
We also fish with ultra light gear so the fish seem like monsters. Makes for great stories on the ride home.
Also, stop before they want to, instead of when they are tired & bored. It helps keep them wanting to go back. And bring up fishing memories when you are not fishing to get them excited about the next trip.
For me fishing has always been more about the number of memories you make with people you care about, than number of fish caught.

[fintstone]

Make it as much about the trip and picnic as about the fish...so they are not too disappointed if they don't catch anything. Maybe something else for fun like a cheap (in case it gets wet) digital camera to observe and " capture" other wild life as well as the trip, fish, etc. Make the trips short and early morn or late afternoon when the fishing is better...or go in the morning then break in the middle and do something else and then fish some more late in the day.

Kids like to collect. Get each their very own little tackle box and get them some new, brightly collected doodad for the trip line a bobber or stringer. Bring good snacks.

Be ready to tell them stories while they wait. Talk about going fishing with your Dad...Or if too young, fairy tales. Have them read something about fishing (or anything) beforehand as "fishing prep" and have them explain it to you. Be ready to discuss, so do your homework.

I used to take my daughter to a movie, read a book or watch a video with her...and then we talked about it later. It is also a good time for practicing multiplication or addition/subtraction skills depending on age. Make that a game too...with reward (snacks and other treats work well). I liked flash card games with states, authors, or math. Have the kids keep a diary about their adventures with you (fishing log). The photos can be printed and added. If they are too young to write much at first, have them dictate to you so you have a good accounting...plus some cute scribbles and maybe a crayon drawing or two.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Everything you posted is normal. Fishing takes patience, kids lack patience. Sid's point about catching ANYTHING is right, my 10 year old is totally happy catching Bluegill and small Bass in our pond. A good tip - give up on you yourself fishing. Instead focus on helping the kids cast, reel, bait hooks, untangle, etc.

[wdfifteen]

Before I took my grandsons on our first fishing trip I stopped by the local lake and asked a couple of the guys fishing where to catch the most fish - big, little, didn't matter. They pointed out an end of the lake where the pan fish hang out. I came back with the boys a couple of days later and they caught a couple of blue gills in half an hour and they were done.

[vash]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

You need to find a local lake or stream with easy fishing. They are out there. Kids aren't picky about type of fish. So if the perch bite good somewhere. Go there.

This.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by look 171

They are winding up their hook to see if their bait is still there every 3 -4 minutes. After I put a stop to that, then they sat around for about 4-5 minutes and they were off running around doing something else.

Hell I bet I don't wait even that long to pull my line up if the fish aren't biting where I dropped the line in. My daughter loves to fish and will stay out on the dock casting long after I have quit for the day. But she started out just like your kids, impatient and having a short attention span. Try to resist imposing to many rules on fishing and just let them have fun. I would suggest just assisting them in getting the right bait for where you are fishing and figuring out what depth the fish are hanging out at in the water.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Quote de look 171

They are winding up their hook to see if their bait is still there every 3 -4 minutes. After I put a stop to that, then they sat around for about 4-5 minutes and they were off running around doing something else.

Hell I bet I don't wait even that long to pull my line up if the fish aren't biting where I dropped the line in. My daughter loves to fish and will stay out on the dock casting long after I have quit for the day. But she started out just like your kids, impatient and having a short attention span. Try to resist imposing to many rules on fishing and just let them have fun. I would suggest just assisting them in getting the right bait for where you are fishing and figuring out what depth the fish are hanging out at in the water.

Yup, my oldest will go to our neighborhood pond alone and fish for 3-4 hours. They are frustrating as hell when little, but eventually grow into it.

[VincentVega]

I thought dad's went fishing to get away from the kids?

Hang in there, I have some good memories fishing with my dad.

[ledhedsymbols]

Originally Posted by Jeff

When I introduced fishing to my girls I went with the understanding that we may not catch any fish and that I would probably be untangling lines more than actual fishing.

For me fishing has always been more about the number of memories you make with people you care about, than number of fish caught.

This is sage advice. I get my fishing in when I am on my own time. When I take Claire, it's all about making sure she gets the best of me and my time.

[Joe Ricard]

When my son was 5 or 6 he wanted to go "catching" not fishing. And to him it was a distinct diference. Well becasue thier attention span is that of a knat.

Even now when we go on a boat in a private lake trolling for pike. There better be a bite soon or he is ready to go jet sking or something.

[scottmandue]

How are the kids with sea sickness? If they can handle it lots of half day boats near you (us).

Local captains usually have a couple lucky fishing spots that will guarantee a nibble... or you might at least see a dolphin or seal.


Edit to add: I have never been surf fishing, but lots of beaches near us, Bolsa Chica has fire pits, you could make a day of it... there is also fishing off the pier but I have never tried that.

(can you tell I'm into salt water, I have done trout fishing but you guys seem to have the fresh water thing covered).

I do believe we have some man made lakes around us that stock fish, maybe someone local will chime in on that option.

[joe payne]

Did you try Lake Irvine? They may be set up to handle children's needs better.
I caught many trout there. Powerbait is your friend! Have fun! It's a great way to
just talk to you children about life.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

...Edit to add: I have never been surf fishing, but lots of beaches near us, Bolsa Chica has fire pits, you could make a day of it... there is also fishing off the pier but I have never tried that.
....

Yep...those are my earliest memories of fishing with my dad when I was probably 6-7 years old. Fishing off the NC coastal piers and trips to the Outer Banks when one could walk for miles in either direction up and down the beaches and "maybe" run into another person or two....it's depressing to go back there now . I didn't take up "real" fresh water fishing until after I trashed my knee at 27 thus ending my chance at an NBA career

Most of those earliest memories just involve being with dad and his buddies and playing with their kids on the sand dunes, etc. I just did NOT have the attention span for it back then.

I couldn't care less if "I" catch fish or not (I release 'em anyways), but just enjoy time on the boats or at the lakes & ponds...hence I go "casting" ...YMMV.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by Jeff

When I introduced fishing to my girls I went with the understanding that we may not catch any fish and that I would probably be untangling lines more than actual fishing. Try to keep everything positive and encouraging. "Great cast!", "I love how patient you are", etc.
I would also point out other interesting things to try to keep their interest in the "adventure". "Look at that Osprey!, he fishes too", "These are Elk tracks", "Let's see how many crawdad each of you can catch"
We also fish with ultra light gear so the fish seem like monsters. Makes for great stories on the ride home.
Also, stop before they want to, instead of when they are tired & bored. It helps keep them wanting to go back. And bring up fishing memories when you are not fishing to get them excited about the next trip.
For me fishing has always been more about the number of memories you make with people you care about, than number of fish caught.

Jeff. Any suggestions for good bank fishing around here? I need to take the boys out soon. Thinking now would be a good time to head up to the Mogollon Rim area? Any good trout ponds up there?

[Noah930]

Troutdale

On Kanan Dume, by Mulholland.

Trout Dale Malibu Hills All You Can Catch Fishing