Fishing Tips

Bass Fishing with Kids      

 By Tim Ford, Up North Journal Pro Staff Member

To me introducing my kids to bass fishing has been very enjoyable.  Over the years my kids and I have spent countless time on the water fishing for panfish which is always a lot of fun but there came a time where I wanted to introduce them to fishing for a larger species of fish.  The thing to keep in mind is that most kids like action when it comes to fishing or else they tend to get bored with it.  What I have done with my kids to help them not get bored is to let them feel that they are in control of what is going on by letting them decided where we fish and what baits they want to use.  I will of course give them some advice on where to fish and why I think that it would be a good place to fish and what lures would be the best choice but other than that I let them decide.  By letting them make their own decisions they are learning by trial and error what seems to work and what doesn't.  I also think that they have more fun because it is what they want to do instead of being told what to do.  The great thing about bass is that you don't even have to have a boat.  You can catch them from shore or a dock.  Although having a boat is a definite plus and allows you to get access to the spots that are not accessible from shore.  I have found that some of the best places to take a kids bass fishing up in the thick weeds and lily pads.  I would recommend setting your kids up with a spinning rod and reel with 15 lb. test line.  I would even consider using 20 lb. test to help horse the bass out of the weeds.  Now since you are going to be casting into the weeds you will definitely have to use a weedless bait.  I have had good luck with spinner baits and a Texas rigged bait.  My kids have had very little problems getting hung up in the weeds fishing these baits.  As far as spinner baits goes almost any of them will do although I tend to prefer a good quality brand name ones because they tend to hold up better to the abuse they will take being fished in the weeds.  I would say that my favorite colors are chartreuse, black, or white.  As far as Texas rigged baits goes I really like to use Berkly Glup baits in either worms, lizards, or their batwing frog.  I rig them on either a 2/0 or a 3/0 hook.  One of the most important things when fishing these baits with kids is to keep the hooks very sharp, as far as that goes for anyone fishing these baits.  The reason you want the hooks sharp is that you want the bass to hook themselves since in most cases kids aren't usually quick enough to set the hook when a bass strikes at the bait, at least until they learn what a strike is, therefore having a sharp hook helps them hook the fish.  Once your kid hooks a bass in the weeds then comes the fun of trying to land the fish.  I myself will reel as fast as I can to horse the bass up and out of the weeds and then fight the fish in the open water.  Now for a kid this isn't always that easy so they a lot of times end up fighting the fish in the weeds which cause a some of the fish to get off but the look on your kids face when they do land one will be etched in your memory forever.  So whenever you get the chance take your kids bass fishing and you will be amazed at how much fun you will all have.