any tips for fishing with my little one

[UphillHabit]

I'm thinking of taking my 5-year-old out for our first fishing trip. I've seen those kids' fishing rods at the store, and they look pretty simple. Is that a decent option for starting out? I'm not super familiar with fishing, but I found a nice spot nearby that seems perfect. Just looking for any advice on what to use or how to make it fun for my kid. Any stories from your first time out would be great too!

 

[VolleyHunter4]

Those kids' rods work fine, but check the line weight, 4-6 lb test is plenty for panfish. Try a local pond with a dock, set up a bobber rig with corn kernels, kids love the quick hits from sunfish.

 

[Skyhunter]

I don't know if they still make'm, but mine sons started out with a Zebco 202 on a kid's rod. They used to be available as a set and a "spin-cast" reel was (is?) a simple route to teaching youngsters how to cast. Using a bobber and corn or worms for bate used to be a sure-fire way to catch bluegills or other panfish. Watching that bobber kept the boy's interest high.
Both boys eventually outgrew them and moved on to more expensive tackle, but that's another story.

WYT-P
Skyhunter

 

[TimberlineJoe]

I'm thinking of taking my 5-year-old out for our first fishing trip. I've seen those kids' fishing rods at the store, and they look pretty simple. Is that a decent option for starting out? I'm not super familiar with fishing, but I found a nice spot nearby that seems perfect. Just looking for any advice on what to use or how to make it fun for my kid. Any stories from your first time out would be great too!

Keep it super simple. Short trips, bring snacks, and don't stress about catching big fish. Bluegill with worms under a bobber will keep a kid entertained way more than chasing bass all day.

 

[Gunnnn]

I'm thinking of taking my 5-year-old out for our first fishing trip. I've seen those kids' fishing rods at the store, and they look pretty simple. Is that a decent option for starting out? I'm not super familiar with fishing, but I found a nice spot nearby that seems perfect. Just looking for any advice on what to use or how to make it fun for my kid. Any stories from your first time out would be great too!

When they're little being comfortable is a big thing not to hot and not to cold, plenty of sun screen they don't need to get sun burned. A push button reel with a rod that they can handle well and they used to make little rubber weights that could be practiced with at home in the back yard with a target to cast at might make it fun. Fun is the key if they aren't having fun they're not going to like for very long If the weather is nice a creek to play in while fishing will make it more fun it's all about the kid having fun

 

[Gunnnn]

When they're little being comfortable is a big thing not to hot and not to cold, plenty of sun screen they don't need to get sun burned. A push button reel with a rod that they can handle well and they used to make little rubber weights that could be practiced with at home in the back yard with a target to cast at might make it fun. Fun is the key if they aren't having fun they're not going to like for very long If the weather is nice a creek to play in while fishing will make it more fun it's all about the kid having fun