Bass Fishing with Kids

by Jim Binns

It's one of those small memories that is etched in your mind forever.  I watched quietly as the small red and white bobber bounced slightly, and then disappeared into the murky water.  The rod tip was jerked down into the water, the reel squealed in protest as it gave up line, and the youngster let out an excited yell.  The fight was on!  After a couple of "heart-stopping" jumps, the fish was brought to the net.  By most standards it wasn't a huge fish, however, to my four-year old fishing companion it was a giant.  My heart was pounding, my hands shaking, and I was even more excited than my little companion.  We did a "high five", took a quick photo to remember the moment, and then released the fish to fight again another day. 

Memories of this and other great fishing trips often cross my mind when I see another freckled-face youngster toting a fishing rod.  My four-year old is now married with a four-year old of his own, but the many times we spent together are etched in my mind and will continue to produce wonderful memories for as long as I live.

So when was the last time that you took that youngster on a fishing trip?  If you have to think about it ... that's too long.  It's not an expensive adventure, and believe me.. it will pay off in big dividends later.  Days spent on the water with your kids will go a long way in forming a bond that will last a lifetime.  And if you can talk fishing with your kids, odds are that you can more easily discuss many other subjects.

Those new spincast rod and reel combo's are great for these little anglers, and with a short casting session at a bucket in the backyard your little fisherperson will be chunkin'' the bait like a pro.  Remember that it's very easy to be overly critical of your own kids, so keep your cool.  Make a game out of the training and never stop giving encouragement!!!   Once the training sessions have taken place it's time to hit the water.  This next statement may be difficult for some of you parents, but I encourage you to leave your  rod and reel in the garage.  Since you will be the line un-tangler, baitboy, and  fishing guide, most of your time and effort should be directed toward doing the best job possible.  If the child has a good trip...you did your job well (and vice versa).  Remember, it doesn't take a lot of  fish to make a successful fishing trip.  And I assure you that if something can go wrong on those first few trips, it probably will.  Just keep smiling and enjoy the time spent together.

The most important thing about kids and fishing is Action!  They don't care what they catch or how big it is, the important thing is to just have something tugging on the other end of their fishing line.  The more tugs, the better the trip.  Concentrate your fishing efforts on species such as perch, bream, white bass, and catfish.  These guys have a well deserved reputation for always being hungry. 

Key items to have along on the trip are an ice chest with plenty of cold drinks,  snacks, and don't forget the camera.  Take a break from the fishing every so often and just talk about the trip.  Spend some time looking at the birds, skip a few rocks on the surface of the water, and tell your companion how much fun you are having with him.  Be sure to take a few pictures because later they will be priceless.

When you ease that tired ol' body of yours into bed at the end of the day I want you to do one additional thing ... pat yourself on the back.   Today you put all of the ingredients together that when properly stirred will make you a fishing companion for many years to come.  As I mentioned earlier, in a short period of time these Oreo eating bandits will all too soon be grown up, married, and have children of their own.  Cherish the time you have together.  Like someone once said, take a man fishing and you have a friend for a day...... take a child fishing and you have a pal for life.

The day will come when your little fisherman will catch a few more fish than you and will want to "rub it in".  Just smile, remind them who their teacher was ... and feel proud.                    JB