First Time Fishing
("The Bobber Fishin' for Kids" System – IT’S EASY !)
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by Courtesy of Gene “The Fishing Machine Ellison
I know from personal experience that a child’s first fishing trip is an important milestone in their journey through life. A family outing, with positive reinforcement from a caring adult, can give a child a “gift” that will last a lifetime - a day of fishing that they will always remember. When you take a child on their first fishing trip, you are giving of yourself, and the child receives something much more than a gift; this type of experience is life changing for many kids. In many families the first fishing adventure marks a milestone; it is often a gift that remains a fond memory for the adult who gives as well as the child who receives.
To help adults and parents make the right call on this all-important adventure here are some great tips from “Gene the Fishing Machine” to help you pull it off just right.
Key points to remember:
1) MAKE IT FUN – so your child will want to come back again;
2) DON’T KEEP THEM THERE TOO LONG –if you do, they’ll get bored and not want to come back;
3) TEACH THEM ONLY 1 THING each time, like casting, or placing a worm on a hook safely;
4) DON’T BRING TOO MUCH EXTRA STUFF – a small camera, a sandwich, chocolate milk and an apple is all you need;
5) FISHING TACKLE –use “The Fishing Machine” Bobber Fishin’ for Kids System: any child size rod & reel combo that is on sale; bobber floats, split shots, hooks and 1 package of XPS 2” Squirmin’ Squirts. You can find all of this at your nearest bait & tackle shop and it won’t cost a lot. If you want to try to catch some bigger fish, bring a bag of Berkley Gulp 4” sinking minnows – wow are these great and they don’t make a mess!
Selecting a rod for a child is EASY! Select a short rod, about the same height as the youngster. A shorter rod is not only easier for the young angler to cast, it’s easier to carry and, therefore, less likely to get broken. Some of the manufacturer’s like Berkley and Zebco have completed studies which have researched the casting actions of kids. So today, many beginner combo rods are designed so that kids can easily grip the handle and cast with both hands. While strolling through almost any bait & tackle shop, and certainly through a large retailer like Bass Pro Shops, parents can find a way to make fishing even more fun for their kids by selecting a rod with the image of one of their kids’ favorite cartoon characters like Spiderman, Superman or even Sponge Bob.
WANT TO BE A STAR? Line tangles are a part of fishing and an obstacle to be prepared for. Jim Lagacy of the MassWildlife Anglers’ Education Program told me, “If line tangles can be frustrating for a parent, consider that they can be tragic for a kid, a tragedy that could even end a life of fishing enjoyment before it even starts.” You can prevent this kind of trouble by selecting a rod with a closed-face spin-cast reel. However, lines are going to get tangled, and a PATIENT parent or adult, who can untwist the nastiest “birds nest” will save the day and be a hero forever. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a star in the eyes of your young angler, be ready!
To catch more fish, beginners should always fish with a bobber. This way you and your child will be able to see when a fish is nibbling at your bait. This is exciting and one of the most enjoyable parts of fishing! But be patient. Don’t start reeling right away. It will be hard at first, but by waiting for the fish to take the bobber completely under the water, you’ll produce more successful catches.
If a child begins to show a greater interest, and wants to go fishing often, go into the back yard and teach them to practice casting a safe plastic plug. Practice doesn't always make perfect at this stage in an angler’s life but practice with a PATIENT parent can make the difference between a tearful episode and “a big time on the bayou” as my professional angling friend Terry Scroggins would say! Casting is not easy for little persons but a good cast is immensely satisfying for two people- parent and child -who work together from start to satisfaction. Believe me, practice makes a big difference. And little people can get very good and very fast with a little extra effort!
After coaching 27 years of youth sports, I feel that today’s youth are involved in too many “structured” activities. Kids don’t seem to get the chance to, “just go out and play,” any more. As a young boy, my brothers and sisters and I were outside playing our own made up games every day. Many young people are enamored with computers, TV, and video simulation games. Let’s give them a reason to get out of the house. A young angler, equipped with a rod and reel combo, will dream of fish dancing on the end of their line. Give them that opportunity by taking them fishing and help them achieve another milestone -- their first fish. If you will remember to follow, ”The Fishing Machine’s” Bobber Fishin’ For Kids System,” you’ll get it right the first time, and start a young child on a journey into the Great Outdoors.
And by the way, if your child starts to drift off chasing frogs or tossing rocks and sticks in the water – join them. It’s their adventure – you’re just there to introduce them to nature and let them know you love them. So please, make the pledge to take a child fishing today – I have. I hope to see you and your child soon in the Great Outdoors!
Carpe Diem!
Gene Ellison
“The Fishing Machine”
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