Children fishing essentials

[kwaldeier]

I am taking my kids fishing by myself for the first time either in my little 10' boat or from the bank. I'm wondering what tackle is essential? I plan on using worms and a bobber. How deep is good for a farm pond and a worm? Swivels, hooks, worms, bobbers..... 

[NYWayfarer]

#4 or #6 Aberdeen hook on 4-6 pound mono small split shot 10-12 inches above the hook, float attached a foot above that. Perfect panfish setup in water 4-8 feet deep. The Aberdeen hooks have a long shank that are easier to extract from the small mouths of some sunfish.

[MN Fisher]

4 or 6 pound mono. If it's all going to be worm fishing, the swivel is not necessary. Just tie the hook on with a good knot - I prefer the Palomar for this. Small split-shot weight above the hook - 8-12 inches. Smallest bobber you can get away with and still see. I'm a fan of the bait-holder hooks - prevents the worm from sliding down the shank of the hook - #6 or #4. Depth of the hook below the bobber - I like it about 2-2.5 feet.

[NHBull]

^^^^^sums it up right there!

[HeyCoach]

We used the smell hooks and attached with a snap swivel because we were wild casters. 

 

They were here easy for dad to break off if we caught a trophy limb. 

[Black Hawk Basser]

Great tips so far, and I would not do much different.  I will add that if you don't want to mess with worms the whole time, sometimes just a little 1/64 or 1/32 oz hair jig will work great with no bait, especially this time of year!  Fish it the same way as the worm setup; 1.5 to 2.5 feet below a very small bobber.

[IgotWood]

They nailed it in regards to tackle. But something that I had failed at for a couple years is try not make it ALL ABOUT fishing. The time outdoors by the water and in the presence of nature. There are so many things to keep them occupied, and they may not all include a rod in hand. 

 

My kids fish for about 15 minutes and then they’re on to something else. Looking at birds, chasing lizards and frogs, etc. Those are the things that keep them interested in continuing to go fishing with you. My 8yo is perfectly content sitting in the kayak with me while I fish and she reads a book. Her biggest interest is my company and us both doing something we enjoy. Good luck, and enjoy!

[slonezp]

Get yourself some Rocket Bobbers. They cast far and when it's calm, the kids will see every bite easily.

[CrankFate]

Besides the tackle, sun block, food and knowing when they’re done fishing and it’s time to go home.

[Derek1]

Yup, when there done it’s over. Or they won’t want to go anymore. It’s great if the pond/lake has some hiking trails or a play ground so there are other things to do to make a long morning of it. I also bring a small backpack with a few toys, he will play with stuff in  The dirt for a little while rather content and give me a little time to make a few casts. I’m sure we don’t have to tell you drinks,snacks and bandaids. 

[Koz]

Remind them to look before they cast!

[NHBull]

......and don't forget juice boxes, golden fish, lolly-pops,and a few hand toys to play in the sand.

[Bluebasser86]

KISS,

bobbers, worms, and somewhere with lots of bluegills. 

Take plenty of snacks and drinks. Make sure to keep plenty of sunblock on them. Don't plan on doing any fishing yourself, it's their trip, not your's. Throw rocks, play in the mud, catch bugs and crawdads. It's not a serious fishing trip, make it fun so they'll want to keep coming back. With time the fish catching will become more important if you keep the trips interesting. 

[TOXIC]

Bait and tackle you're all set.  There are very good responses above.  Likewise extra emphasis on not making it a bad experience for them.  Make it fun whatever you need to do.  I had a lot of tricks up my sleeve when clients would show up for a guide trip and have a 5 year old in tow.  My daughter on the other hand was as hardcore as they come.  At 5 years old I had to drag her out of the boat.  Even when we would take my little 2 man PVC boat out.  If she got tired, she would crawl under the seat and take a nap but did not want to get off the water.  We caught a lot of crappie and then brought them home and she was right alongside me in the garage cleaning them.    She still enjoys going to this day,