Kids want action. Any fishing that doesn’t start kids off with rapid action is a poor way to start. The ultimate action kit includes a ready-to-fish rig with hook, bite indicator (float), weights and hook all tied and wrapped. You can even use a bamboo stick to catch loads of fish – FAST.
- Action, Action, Action
- Kids do NOT care what species they catch
- Use a pole – not a rod and reel (keep it easy).
- Don’t emphasize size of fish or species!
- Be excited for every fish
- Enjoy the surroundings & wildlife
- Fish Close to Home
Kids Need Action.
Activities around fishing might include a playground nearby. You must scope out the area, even finding fish for later. Prep this outing for the kid and try your best to make the action happen. If you spend time to find fishing action at your local pond or lake, you can come back and repeat it (without the wait time).
If you were able to take out all the learning and just get tons of action – that is the goal. Eliminate hard-to-use reels. Even kid’s pushbutton reels come with bad line and are hard to cast. Make it easy. ditch the reel. A pole is the fastest method of catching fish and is far simpler. I set the record for bank fishing with 2,011 fish caught in 24 hours by not using a reel – it is called speed fishing. I’ll do much more on this.
This is instant action and assured success. The kit we use is the Pro Pole Float on Winder and you simply unwrap it and tie it to length. If you are using a telescopic pole or bamboo stick, simply make the whole rig length to the hook, one foot shorter than your pole. Tie it on and the hook should be 1 foot above the bottom of the pole when holding it.
Do NOT use a rod & reel for kids and those new to fishing. This is more complicated than it needs to be. You are able to get the timing of a rod and reel, but new kids and even adults can get frustrated with the timing of casting and details of managing a spin casting reel. A pole is instant, easy and deadly for catching fish in all situations.
Use a grub bait or small worm. You can use cut nightcrawler or red worm. Better baits include wax worm (Behemoth) and spikes (Euro Maggot – Blue Bottle Fly Larvae). The pole float rig is suited for all of these baits and you can catch over 50 species of fish using this pole float rig.
Keep outings short and filled with interest. Do not make your kid wait to catch a fish if they are not interested. Action will keep them interested and make them a fan for life. You can get on to other settings, species, larger fish and setups after providing the action and excitement. You will not believe how excited your child will get with even the tiniest of fish.
Have the backup in place. Take a break for the playground. Plan a nature hunt or other activity as a break. Bring a snack, treats. Reward your new kid during the first outing with favorite snacks and treats. Take a picture. Don’t forget that first fish picture and remember the action.
Here is a video I made where I use a feather and a stick to catch over 30 fish with Midwest Outdoors Magazine.
