Teaching Kids To Fish

[Helrand2]

Anyone have any thoughts on the best way to teach my children to fish. I have 2 4-year-olds (twins) and was wondering what everyone thought about gear / tackle, locations (salt or fresh, river or lake, etc), and how to make it fun for them. Thanks!!

[razorz]

I believe bill dance endorses a product that is a fishing pole that shoot out a bobber and hook. Seems to be a pretty cute little product. We bought one for our son for his birthday so I will give you a report after he opens it.

I'd say start him in small water first in places that YOU know you can catch fish. All kids are impatient and if you take him "fishing" and no catching takes place they might get bored.. unless they just enjoy spending quality time with you.

[Seth]

I started fishing in rivers, lakes and ponds about the time I was able to walk. At the time, the only available rods and reels were my grandfathers. He assisted me with casting and/or placing my bobber and reeling in larger fish. I believe it is more the interaction with the parent and child at a young age than it is the technique of fishing. Teaching your children to appreciate the beauty and fragility of nature early on will lay the ground work for a future as a sportsman and conservationist. I personally would start with a bream buster or cane pole and a simple bobber rig near the shore line. My next step would be an inexpensive rod and reel from zebco with the push button spin cast to teach casting. Zebco has a kids line of products that are fun and sized for a childs smaller hands. http://www.zebco.com/products/youth.html
Good luck with this noble endeavor! :thumb: