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So you want to take a kid fishing. Well lets see if we can help make your experience one you and your child will cherish forever. The next few paragraphs are proven techniques with links to the items I use, this will help you get started and on your way.
LIFETIME LICENSES:
One recommendation I would make is purchasing a Lifetime Fishing License. I purchased one for my son when he was four years old. With increasing license costs I knew my money would be well spent. For $250.00 I received a Maine Lifetime Fishing License for him, not bad if you do the math. Let's see my 2004 fishing license was $22, now times that by 11 years and you get about $250. So in 11 years you get your money back without the expected increased license fees. Oh I forgot to tell you he also received with that a Maine Lifetime Fishing License and Lifetime Hunting License! That's right a Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License for $250! What a deal! Imagine if this was available when you were 4 years old. Think of the savings. At $40 for a combo license these days that $250 will be returned in just 6 years! Now some of you are thinking, well what if they never use it? Most of us can pretty much tell if there sons or daughters are going to fish or hunt by the time their five years old. Even so, if they don't, look at it as a small donation to the Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, I'm sure they can find a use for it. Check out the link above, it will show you a range of options to buy a Lifetime License. Trust me you won't regret it, I didn't!
A DAY IN THE BOAT WITH KIDS:
If there's one thing I know and that's what works for kids on a day of bass fishing. First thing is always allow the youngest ones to bring something to play with and something to snack on when they're so called "resting" from fishing. Although my son is one tough little guy who withstands as much as I can, like bad weather, hot weather you name it, he can last as long as I can in a boat, lucky me. Not all kids are created equal though. Some will fish all day while others will fish for ten minutes. It's the responsibility of the adult to figure out when enough is enough, and when they say "can we go now" because they will, just hand them the keys to the truck and tell them you'll meet them home, just kidding, that means it is time to go like it or not the day is done. There is nothing more that will turn a child away from fishing than forcing them to stay just a little bit longer. Know their limits!
Kids don't care if they catch bass, perch or pickerel as long as they're catching something that is all that matters to them. Some days my son is just as happy reeling in my fish while other days he's right beside me cutting me off. When he's happy I'm happy.
SAFETY:
Safety in a boat is of utmost importance especially when kids are involved. Life jackets must be worn in Maine for anyone 10 years and younger. I recently purchased a SOSPENDERS life jacket from Bass Pro Shops for myself. The question will always be, dad where's your life jacket? And it was, and these SOSPENDERS are designed to be worn all the time with comfort in mind. Once you get used to it you won't even know it's on. They are designed to inflate automatically or manually when submersed in water and yes they are comfortable to wear even in the heat of the day.
Sunglasses are another must. 100% UV blocking glasses are best. Don't skimp here because your eyesight isn't worth losing. A quality pair should shield the child's eyes from harmful UV light yet tough enough to withstand contact with lures and other objects that might come in contact with them from an unforeseen accident. It does happen just don't let it happen to you. From my experience amber shaded glasses see better through the water which is a must for anglers fishing shallow water. It's only fair to let the kids see everything that you can see as well.
SUNSCREEN:
If you must forget to do something let it be anything other than sunscreen protection. Kids burn and burn quickly! I strongly urge you to purchase at minimum SPF 30 or better yet SPF 45 in any waterproof UVA/UVB protection. Our skin is at risk to start skin cancer especially in kids up to 18 years of age. Apply before getting on the water and at least one more time during the day if in a boat, more if swimming or excessive perspiration. Pay special attention to outbreaks of skin rashes to children and discontinue use of that brand and find another brand.
AWARENESS:
Always be aware of weather conditions, lake or river bottom contours and the several unmarked rocks and rock piles you may encounter while on a body of water. "Know before you go". Just because the other guy went there doesn't mean you won't hit something that is just below the surface, trust me I've witnessed several of these incidents. Learn the body of water you are going to be on and change speeds accordingly. Last but not least. Please don't drink alcohol and boat it's illegal and not worth it for you or other water enthusiasts.
LURES AND TECHNIQUES FOR KIDS:
My sons favorite lure is a spinnerbait. Why, because you just cast it out, retrieve it, and catch fish. How much simpler can it get. Spinnerbaits in sizes 1/8 oz to 1/2 oz are top choices. Colors in chartreuse, white, and golden shiner are favorites and work well in any conditions. Have the child vary retrieves from slow to fast adding a few pauses in between and hang on. Windy shorelines, points and rock piles will produce bass.
Slug Go another favorite easy to use bait. Slug Go's come in 4 & 6" sizes. I use a 3/0 or 4/0 offset shank Gamakatsu hook rigged texas style. Slug Go's can be worked in several areas like weedbeds, lily pads, boat docks just about anywhere, and they can't be fished wrong. A quick twitching of the lure mimics darting baitfish while a slow retrieve with long pauses mimics a dying baitfish. Excellent color choices are golden shiner, white, baby bass and bubble gum for explosive action! Another lure similar to the slug go is the Senko. These can be fished with the hook inserted in the middle of the lure and exposed. Just cast it out and let the lure sink on a slow fall, this will entice the biggest bass around into biting. This technique is called wacky style. Good colors are baby bass, watermelon with black fleck.
Worms and Lizards are good all around choices. Texas rigged or weightless rigs are worked in and around rocks, weedbeds and docks. Just throw these lures out let them hit bottom and work them real slow back to you. Favored worm colors are black, red shad, grape. Lizards are watermelon, mossy pumpkin. 4,5,6,7,8 inch sizes are available with 6" working best for lizards and 7 1/2 worms are my favorites.
Make lasting memories. Take a Kid Fishing.
Submitted by,
John Volkernick
Androscoggin Bassmasters |
