Bass Fishing for 5 Yr Old

[Basshole Brian]

Hello All,

 

I recently acquired a small 14' aluminum fishing boat and would like to get my 5 year old son involved in fishing. He is very interested but has a hard time fishing from shore (rocks are way to tempting to throw at the lake). Only looking to catch and release.  I live in Brighton (Northeast of Denver) but can travel a little to spend a day fishing. Would like a smaller lake as we would be rowing. I am thinking top water would be best as he has never caught a fish. If he can see the bait and see the fish strike I think that would help him into it. Size doesn't matter but a larger qty of catch would really get him excited about continuing. Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

 

Brian

[Jartbek]

I been taking my 6 year old out to the lake he has been having a hard time with just being patient so I been having him fish with bobber and nightcrawlers for bluegill help teach him how to cast and retrieve because bass fishing can be tricky with the different types of techniques if you want to teach him bass fishing go with a spinner bait only one technique how to retrieve. And great basic casting gd luck my friend.

[buzzed bait]

bobber and crickets will do him good.... to us a bass is a big deal, but to a 5 year old ANY FISH is typically a big deal.  you'll catch all sorts of by-products in the meantime, but you'll hook into a bass too!  here's my nephew at age 4 with a bass caught on a cricket under a bobber.

 

[BassNJake]

Welcome to the site, Brian. 

 

You could try to use a bobber and a wacky rigged worm.

It can be cast out and left to sit or pulled in slowly.

 

Live bait under a bobber is always a good choice too

[Dypsis]

I take my 5yr old son out all the time.  90% of the time I have a 1/16 or 1/8oz rooster tail or beetle spin on.  My son doesn't care whats on the end of the line as long as there is something pulling.  We have a great time together.  

[geo g]

I took both of my kids out fishing when they were young.  They are now in their 30's and still talk about those early trips.  First rule is keep the trip short.  They will be bored quickly.  Rule Two, don't fish yourself, be the bait keeper and Mr. encouragement.  Rule three, use live bait and a bobber.  I have used maggots, worms, bugs and tiny fish.  You both can see the bite, and respond to it.  Rule four, bring plently of their favorite food, drinks, and always stop for ice cream on the way home.  Rule Five, bring sunscreen and bug spray.  The skeeters will go after them, more then older tougher skin.  Rule Six, never get upset, they will make mistakes, make them feel they are the best thing since sliced bread, regardless of what they catch!  These trips can set the tone for a life long love of the outdoor, and memories of Dad forever!

[pondbassin101]

Well everything I was gonna say has already been covered

[Angry John]

I like to use the bobber and wet fly or small crappie jig.  It lets them always do something as my boy has adhd and they continualy practice casting.  The fly and small tube (1.75') catch everything from trout to bluegill and dont require a monster hookset.  My son is a little older now so i have shifted him to a 4" wacky worm with a supper sharp owner thin wire hook.  It may be a good way to go depending on how fast they pick up a hook set.

[adrenalnjunky]

My 5yo and his dink a couple of months ago.  You can see his little spincaster laying in the background. Think it was the $19 BPS setup. We'll also let him reel our fish in if they seem small enough.  As mentioned elsewhere - sun protection, snacks, a towel, all important in keeping the little ones in the spirit.

 

I always keep a ~.25oz washer or nut tied on his line if there's not a lure on it, and he'll randomly drag it out into the backyard and cast until he catches a tree.  He's got surprisingly good range, and can sidearm cast decently.  Managed to crack the tip on that rod last week, so I let him pick out one of "my" unused rods to throw his reel on.  He's also appropriated my Zebco33 that was collecting dust - because "dad, you have a lot of rods, so I need at least 2."

 

[HeavyDluxe]

Just one different perspective...

 

The kid's attention span isn't going to magically increase on the boat.  He's going to get bored and find some 'throwing rocks equivalent' or just be bored.

 

Making it fun for the kid - even if that means letting them chunk rocks for a few - is the most important thing. As they grow, their tolerance for devoting more attention to fishing/techniques will too.

 

Hope this doesn't sound too paternal as that's not my intent.  But, I have to remind myself (with three small kids of my own fishing this year) that if I make them fish 'my way' I might turn them off to fishing unintentionally.  

 

Worms, crickets, small artificials. With a bobber.  Panfish blitz bites are a ton of fun.

[Catt]

I went the opposite direction & taught my grandson Texas rigs first, it was actually his decision.

 

First was on a fluke, then a jig-n-craw, & the next two Texas rig.

 

I will say from the begining  Aiden would fish for hours by himself.