need some advice for first fishing trip with my kid

[UphillHabit]

I'm a total newbie when it comes to fishing, but I really want to take my 5-year-old out for a day by the water. I noticed some cheap children's fishing rods at the store and I'm curious if those are good enough for starters. What kind of setup do you usually use for a simple day out? I just want to make it fun and hopefully catch a few fish. Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[URIT]

Kids' rods and reels are not a bargain. Too many fall apart within the first year of solid use.

That said, you'll need to tell us where you'll be fishing - ponds, lakes, rivers, sounds, or ocean in shore or out. Are you going to be on-shore, on-pier or dock, or in a canoe, kayak, or boat?

My kids did alright in a canoe or boat when the fish were biting, but started whining when the action disappeared.

Dock fishing was better for my kids than shore fishing, and that would be the place to start. A simple cane pole and a carton of earth worms works well from a lake dock. Have fun!

 

[Shotgunangler]

Fresh water lakes or ponds are your best bet for success. I would target Brim, Sunfish and/ or Crappie. A cane pole with several feet of 6# mono-filament line, a couple of small bobbers and some small fish hooks is all you really need for gear to fish from the shore or a pier. Use live bait such as worms, crickets or minnows. For added fun and to spend more quality time with the boy, help him collect his own bait from the yard or garden instead of buying it at a store. Dangle your offering 1 - 2 feet under a bobber and and tell your son to wait for a fish to pull the bobber under before setting the hook.