Have fun teaching your kids to fish!

OK so you ready to get your kids hooked on fishing for the first time there are a few little details you need to plan before you get started.

This picture is from a local state park not a great place to fish but the kids love it... Absolutely no swimming here!

Anyways back to fishing!

1. You will need to get a fishing license that is valid for where you are going to go fishing.(You may need to check with you state wildlife dept to see where to get one if you do not know.)
Fishing Licenses
State Fishing Regulations

Some recent photos of my kids with fish!
click on them to see the full size

You need to find a place to go. Most places that sell fishing license will provide you with a rules and regulations book. In that book you will find lots of info on where to fish and what kind of fish you can catch there.

3. You will need a fishing pole. This does not necessarily have to be anything fancy or expensive.
I have used a long stick with a string tied on the end. That is the simplest and most cost effective fishing pole and it is very adequate for a lot of fishing situations. Most people these days choose to use a modern fishing rod with a reel here again that does not need to be expensive you can find them a most sporting goods stores for $20 or less for a simple beginners pole that will handle the species mentioned.(I recommend one with line that has 10lb test line or less ideal would be 6-8lb test for almost all freshwater species) The only exception would be if you are fishing for catfish or saltwater fishing you may want a little heavier rod and reel. (I do not recommend saltwater for the first time. Most saltwater species can be a bit large for younger kids to handle if your kids are older say around 10 or that is all the is available in your area) fishing is supposed to be fun for the kids. When the kids are having fun you will too.
http://www.takemefishing.org/typesoffishingtackle2#Rods_and_Reels

The thing to remember with starting kids fishing is that small and simple is best.

4.You will need appropriate tackle. Here again you will most likely be overwhelmed by the amount of fancy tackle available. You do not want anything fancy for kids. You will need hooks I prefer to use size #6-8 a #6 being a little larger. I always keep a few bigger sizes if I am fishing for catfish say a #2 or maybe even a #1/0 if you are catching bigger fish. You will want a sharp knife of some sort this is to cut the line or latter if you keep the fish to clean them. You will want a few bobbers(highly visible floating device that hook on the line) kids love bobbers and they are very inexpensive. You will need a decent set if needle nose pliers to help remove hooks from the fish after you catch them. You will need some weights/sinkers if you fish without a bobber. You may need some small ones to use even with a bobber in case you are using floating bait. You will want a tackle box to keep all of you tackle in. You can use a commercially made version or just about any kind of small box made plastic or other durable material.
Fishing Tackle

Tackle List
-Hooks(it is a good idea to get a variety pack to start out)
-Pliers
-Stringer or bucket
-Tackle box
-bobber
-Weights/sinkers
-Knife to clean fish and trim line if needed

5.Now we get to the most important part of catching fish "The Bait"! There are all kinds of fancy expensive contraptions for catching fish but remember we want to keep it simple! The best bait you can find that will almost always get some action is natural live bait. Worms are my favorite they are usually pretty easy to find in your yard or garden if not they are available at most sporting goods stores. Pretty much every kind of fish that can be caught in fresh water will bite on worms. Other excellent natural baits are grasshoppers, crickets, and grubs. Take a walk through your yard and see what you can find almost any bug that can be put on a hook will work well. You will however want to consult the fishing regulations for the area you plan to fish as there are some areas that will not allow the use of natural bait. There are also a variety of baits available at local sporting goods stores as well.
Some good baits
-Earth worms
-Crickets
-Grass hoppers
-Meal worms
-Grubs
-Corn often works well

6. Now you should know what the basic necessities are to catch a fish. You will need few things with you just in case!
Very important do not forget!
-Cooler preferably one that you don't mind smelling fishy later in case you catch and want to keep the fish!
-Sunscreen,
-Hat to help keep the sun off
-Snacks kids always get hungry when fishing
-Water to drink
-First aid kit
-Jacket it can be cool if the wind is blowing off the water
-Other drinks soda, juice, sports drinks.
-Picnic meal if you are going to be out for a while(my kids absolutely love having a picnic)
-Chairs you may want to consider a chair for you and the kids
-Spare cloths in case the kids fall in or get wet

7.Remember to be patient!!! Have fun and enjoy the experience! Kids always ask tons of questions it is all new to them do your best to answer all of them. Be respectful of other people fishing try to allow a little room between you and the other people fishing around you! They are there to have fun too. Getting too close can cause your lines to get tangled up do what you can to avoid this.

8.Take lots of pictures! Kids love to show off pictures of what they have done. Not to mention you will want proof to show your non believing friends that you caught fish.

9. Alway use care when handling fishing tackle hooks are very sharp and can be very painful to remove. Avoid areas with steep banks you don't want you or your kids to fall in. If you are in the South Watch out for snakes!!!

10.Repeat and improve this recipe for the rest of your life!!!!

Also come see me and my cool friends on Yuwie! I have my own blog there and I will be posting photos and other cool things there in my profile as time goes on.