Newbie intro. Plea for help.

[jettech]

Hi everyone, My name is Jeff.  I've been lurking on this board for about a month now.   All I can say is WOW.  You guys really have the scoop when it comes to this sport.  I hope to glean lots of info from ya'll and eventually contribute a little myself.  Guys I'm totally lost and confused. I will be needing your help.  First some background.

I grew up fishing with my Dad at the Lower lake at Sardis. bassing in

the morning in the willows below the spillway or around the island and down in the lower River. Hellbenders, spinner baits and floating Rapala minnows is all I ever knew. As I got older, I got more into skiing and chasing girls and have probably put hooks in the water a dozen time in the next 30 years.  Last year, after 2 divorces, and marrying my third wife,  I went fishing at my uncles ten acre lake.  Had a great day,  Bass and Crappie galore.  Of course I got bit by the bug.   Being divorced twice, and paying child support ,my funds are somewhat limited of course.  I did manage to scrape up five grand to buy a '97 Astro w/a Force 120 on it.   I was hoping to pick up a good hobby and maybe get my 10 year old son, (who was very young when I left) interested as well.  We have had bonding issues over the years and I hoped this would help bring us together.  (By the way, gas prices are all my fault.  As soon as I bought the boat, gas went thru the roof. My apologies )  

Now the problem,  I DONT KNOW A d**n THING ABOUT FISHING.  As much as I hate to say it, my Dad  only new shallow water fishing, aka throw it around shrubs and logs, maybe a worm by the rocks around the spillway and thats all I know.  I'm determined to get this figured out,  so if y'all don't mind I'll be asking a lot of stupid questions.  trying to figure this out.  Mind you I'm great at the pond, nothing like a captive audience, but put me on Pickwick or a large body of water and I have no clue as what to do.  Having only ever having thrown a spincast I bought a bait caster, and am teaching my self to throw it.  its coming pretty good, about 80% good casts as long as i have the Mag brake set above 5.  

My first two questions, are:

(1)  How should I try to get my son interested when he gets bored quickly (like any 10 yr old) and I dont catch many fish once the bass move out of the shallows as the water warms up.  

(2) As the budget is pretty tight, what are some good basic baits I need to puchase.  I have about 10 spinners, 6-8 Rapala minnows ,  a couple of dozen crank baits and a couple of bags of worms, and lizard's.  I  go get a bout 20 dollars worth of tackle every paycheck.  And am saving up for another rod and reel.  I bought a rick clumm combo, from BPS and am wondering where to go from there.  

I would appreciate any imput and information from you guys,  this is a great site.  

have a great day

Jeff

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

Spend some time going through "Fishing Articles" at the top of the page. We have an extensive library. Then, browse back through the various sections, we recently had a thread on taking kids fishing that I think would help:  https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1200379528

There are several other recent threads that you will find particularly helpful.

Good luck!

8-)

[jettech]

OMG.  Just the guy I was hoping to hear from.  I've been reading your posts which isn't too hard as your all over the place here.  And were almost neighbors  (kinda)from the info on your profile.    Thanks for answering.  I'll look that thread up.   You fish the Tenn River up around pickwick a lot don't ya?  one question...is there any thing other than Gar below the dam?

[roadwarrior]

Nope. :

Most of my fishing is below Pickwick Dam. Every type of fish native or introduced to the Mid South is found in this section of the Tennessee River. Right now is Primetime for sauger and smallmouth, the white bass spawn is just around the corner. During the spring, crappie get hot; striper and catfish come on strong, too. Largemouth are an "occasional" fish, Kentucky bass are a pest. Drum are a nusiance, but HUGE size is common. This is also the case with buffalo.  

Plenty of fish are caught on artificials, but the the primary bait is shiners this time of year, later gizzard shad, yellowtail and skipjack. The Tennessee River and associated reserviors are very prolific, but the river sections immediately below Wilson Dam and Pickwick Dam stand out as the premier smallmouth trophy fisheries in the nation.

8-)

[Guest avid]

wecom pardner.

as for your son.....my experience is that when you take a kid fishing you fish FOR them not WITH them, and in addition to whatever else you bring, go to wal mart and pick up a couple dozen nightcrawlers.  not many finned critters in out lakes will pass one up..Remember, he justs want to catch fish, any fish.

When it times for him to use an artificail he'll ask for one.

as for baits.....there no reason why you can't catch bass on plastics, spinnerbaits and cranks.  My advice would be to NOT buy another 20 bucks of tackle this paycheck.  Instead get proficient with what you already have.

and don't forget them nightcrawlers.  8-)

[jettech]

Thanks for the welcome and replies.  Avid, I will try to do just that.  I want to just get him catching anything.  So I'm gonna do as you suggest, thank you.  Road warrior, thats good to here I spent last summer camping in that TVA campground just below the d**n.  The only problem is I dont have a clue as to what any of those baits you mentioned are.  Not that I do a lot of cold weather fishing.  After working  outside on the flight line for 20 years in all kinds of torturous mother nature, the thought of going fishing  now makes my bones hurt.  but if it were to get above 50 on a day off with low winds ,that may change .  

One more of many questions too come.  What are the guys doing right by the outlet vents from the generators? I know their are fishing but for what and with what.  it makes me cringe just to watch....isn't dangerous?

[Popeye]

I totally agree with what Avid said: buy some nightcrawlers and just let your son CATCH some fish, any fish! In fact, some redworms and a small, light weight pole with a simple push button type reel (closed face spinning) a hook, splitshot sinker, and a bobber should set him up to catch MANY bluegills and crappie (if they are in the pond). You could also make up some dougballs or buy some "stink bait" and have him bottom fish for catfish. The sheer joy he will have catching LOTS of those species of fish might possibly "hook him" on the sport (pun intended:o) No big secret to successfully catching bluegills, crappies, catfish and even bass on live bait. With redworms and a bobber the 'gills should really give you and your son some exciting fishing action! One last thought: you are doing something really great by taking your son fishing. It is a sport that you and he can enjoy together for an entire lifetime! I know I reminise and silently thank my Dad and Grandfather for having introduced me to fishing all those many years ago. It is such an exciting and fun sport and relaxing to boot!

PS: the only stupid question is the one you don't/won't ask, IMO:o) The great guys and gals on BR eagerly share their wealth of fishing knowledge and expertise. BR is THE forum for fishing advice as far as I'm concerned.

[Just_Old_Fisherman]

Find some whites and get a feel for when they are there and biting.  Then take your son out and get him into fish.  Whites when schooling are usually easy to catch and you can catch lots i.e. action is what a kid wants.  Pretty quick he will get the bug as long as he doesn't get bored with it before he starts catching.  Worked for me and my son.  He enjoyed the occasional after work outing for whites, then HE ask when he could go for some LMB.  By the time he was 8 or 9 he was a pretty good plastic worm fisherman and best fishing bud you could have.  He is now 38, but we still enjoy our occasional outing.  Last year we had a great PB day, when we both caught our PB within about 15 min of each other.

Be patient and don't push him, let him walk into it, not run.

[farmpond1]

Howdy and welcome!

I think fishing is a great way to begin bonding with another person.  Particularly when things are awkward, there's nothing like actually doing something and sharing a common goal to foster a relationship.

IMHO, it's usually a good idea to begin with panfish (which are usually hungry and less timid) and then, if the interest blossoms, graduate up to more sophisticated fish and/or techniques.  Nightcrawlers and/or garden worms/or crickets under a bobber are a great way to get some action going.  And there's nothing like actually catching some fish to motivate and keep a kid's (or an adults) interest.

[MALTESE FALCON]

Welcome to the best fishing site on the net.

As popeye said, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

Falcon

[Catt]

How Y'all Are?

I've posted this before and it's well worth repeating; don't be disappointed of he doesn't like fishing I have 4 sons and none of them are into fishing like I am. Even into their 20s they'll go and fish for a couple of hours then it's off to something else.

Fishing aint for everyone  

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Welcome Aboard!!!  

[Sam]

Jet Tech,

Suggestions.

1.  Light tackle using LIVE bait, such as worms or minnows.

2.  Realize that he needs to catch fish or he will get bored easily.

3.  Go to a few University of Tennessee football games.  Quite an adventure if you have never gone before. Really worth the trip and money.

4.  Do other things with the boy, such as movies, McDonalds, kids museums.

5.  Take him shopping for the fishing equipment.  Get him involved.

6.  Let him take his fishing stuff home.  Just have backups in case he forgets something, like the rod and reel or hooks.

7.  Get him a cap to wear when fishing.  Let him pick it out.

8.  Get him sunglasses.  Let him pick them out. Plus a tackle box. Kids love tackle boxes.

9.  Let him select the place to fish, such as local ponds, etc.

10. Have him use a spinning reel with the understanding that that he will get line twist and loops in the line so be patient and work through them.

11.  Get a book or a phamphlet from the Tennessee Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and go through it with him, looking at the fish and other information.

12.  Start slow; don't push fishing on him; and show him nature and how beautiful it is being adjacent to or on the water.

13. Be sure he can swim.  If not, swimming lessons need to be completed.

14.  Have a towel ready to clean his hands or dry off if he falls in the water.

15.  Food and snacks and drinks.  Kids love 'em.  Have them ready.  Go to McDonalds or Wendy's or Subway and get your lunch and then to a grocery store for drinks and snacks.  Have him pick them out

16. Take a camera and take photos of him fishing and catching a fish.

17.  Bring a pliers (needle nose type) to help remove hooks from the fish.

In other words, get him involved with the entire process. Let him "own" the fishing experience.

Now, for you...read, read and read some more.  Note how to throw a spinning reel bail with your hand after you pull the line tight and reel in the tight line and slack.

May I suggest a 6 foot medium heavy rod with a SPINNING reel on it.

Four (4) pound light line.

A number 4 or 6 gold hook.

A split shot sinker, a small one.

A medium size red and white bobber.

Put the hook about 12 inches below the bobber with a part of worm or minnow on it and throw it out. You can adjust the bobber to go deeper or shallow.

Or a small white and grey Rooster Tail. For some reason, bream and bass and catfish will hit a small Rooster Tail.

And Rooster Tails are fun as you cast them out and keep reeling them in and casting them out and reeling them in, etc.

This is a simple and inexpensive set up that will catch all types of fish.

You can always throw white bread into the water (tear it up first) to attract the fish to your spot.  Bream love bread and bass love bream. And it is entertaining to see the bream strike the bread.

You can then move up to the heavier rigs as you all progress during the year.

Nightcrawlers or minnows for bait. Or, you can make it a project for him to go out and find worms.  That is a fun experience in itself. He can do this when you are not around and he is getting ready to go fishing the next day.

Be sure to get him a plastic container with a cover so he can put some dirt in it to store the worms.

Of course, he could use a shovel.

And remember, he may not want to go fishing all the time. He will want to play sports; do things with his mother or relatives/friends; so you will have to honor his request.

Just take your time.  I take two boys fishing all the time and they love it.

One is a studious kid who would rather read then do anything else.  But he loves to go fishing with me. And he hates to get dirty, but he will handle worms and the fish when we go fishing.  It drives his mom nuts.

His younger brother is a nature kid, looking for worms and bugs and wanting to be outside rather than inside. And he likes books with pictures as he is not crazy about reading.  But they both love to go fishing at the local pond with me.

Remember to take picutres.  Lots of pictures.  Kids love to see themselves fishing and holding up a fish after they have caught it. And the photos will last you a lifetime.

Have fun and don't fall in the water. It is embarrassing.  Funny, but embarrassing.

[Sam]

And let him pick out his PFD.

And help get the boat ready to launch by holding the rope and the boat after you put it in and then the same while you are trailering the boat.

Sometimes the kids want to take a dip in the water. That is OK so let him do it by the boat.

Have fun.

[Alpster]

Welcome aboard Jeff!!!

Hey Sam,

That was pretty general advise, how about a few details.  ;D

That's what makes this board great. Ask a question here and you get answers you can use.

Ronnie

[Sam]

Two or three more things I just thought of.

First, put a small swivel above the hook when throwing the Rooster Tail or other spinning lure.

Second, show him around the boat. Show him where you keep stuff.

Let him know where the net is kept and show him how to put it into the water and for you to bring the fish to him BEFORE you have him try to land a fish with the net.

Let him drive the boat. In case of an emergency he needs to know how to drive the boat.  Plus, it is a lot of fun for the boy to actually drive the boat, with you sitting next to him, of course.

Show him your sonar and how to read it.  Have him be in charge of telling you the water temperature and depth.  It gives him a responsibility and makes him feel like he is an active participant in the adventure.

The more you can do to bond him to you, fishing and your boat will go miles in the future with your relationship, especially when he hits that "age" when he wants to play sports or he gets interested in girls and cars.

And you can talk to him about any subject on a boat with minimal problems.  Like drugs, bad friends, school work, siblings, relatives, cars, sports, trips, etc.  You will have his attention in a neutral atmosphere and you can actually carry on a conversation with him.

That is until he hits 13, 14 or 15 and his brain goes to mush.

[roadwarrior]

The guys fishing at the dam are fishing for sauger. This is NOT for you and your son. It's not at all dangerous, but the technique is fishing a sauger jig tipped with a small minnow. They are fishing just off the bottom, 20-25' down. This type of fishing is too difficult to start with.

If you have a boat, you can put in at the TVA camp ground or down river by the Honky-Tonk and motor down to Diamond Island. Anchor behind the island (down river) on the ridge, 20-30 yards off the bank. Buy a couple of boxes of small crawdads ($15 each!). On light tackle tie on a Carolina rig using a 1/4 oz slip weight and a small hook (#4 or #6). Cast and let the bait settle to the bottom, then SLOWLY retrieve. When you find a white bass, you have found hundreds, maybe thousands. You get bit on EVERY cast! If you are keeping fish, the limit is 15 apiece, but you can catch and release as many as you like.

Good luck!

8-)  

[fishfordollars]

Welcome aboard...Good luck with the bonding issue. I've been through it and it takes a lot of work on both sides.

[Fishin-Psyantist]

My first two questions, are:

(1) How should I try to get my son interested when he gets bored quickly (like any 10 yr old)

Once he has had a fish on the line that he thinks almost pulled him in the lake, then the interest and addiction will set in. IMO that is. It may take a few fishing trips to accomplish this but sooner or later if you keep at it it will happen.Welcome to the forums!!

[jettech]

Wow....You guys really know how to make someone feel welcome really quick.  

Thanks for the ideas, or shall I say for sharing your experiences I will definitely take them to heart and give a try to all of it.  

Now I must find out what all these little thing-a-ma-jigs are ;D... That'll be the fun part though won't it?

[Guest muddy]

Hey Welcome first of all

I take kids 3 times a year from where I work, they are a little older, but their attention spans all seem about the same. This is what I have been doing sucessfully for a few years now

ROD AND REEL: Basic Zebco 33 outfits from wal-mart , got them on sale for 16 bucks!

Bobbers

Snelled # 6 hooks

Night Crawlers.

I help them fish, and I do not fish on my own. We spend some time before we go out, on one of the lawns on center to get them familiar on how to cast.

When we get to the 2 lakes we go to, they are full of hungry and aggrssive Bluegills and yellow perch( And the ocassional baby bass)

put about 8 to 12 inches of liine between the hook and the bobber and let them enjoy panfishing. If they don't catch fish, they start to loose interest FAST, so the trick is to pay attention to them, support them and make sure they are catching fish

[WRB]

Welcome back to bass fishing.

Kids today have a lot of interest in computers and there is some very good information available. I would suggest doing some research with your son and watching a few bass fishing video's him. At age 10 he should be old enough to use a spinning or casting outfit well.

I would suggest that you take him to the same pond where you had success to start with and keep your initail outings short and successful..

Reading these message boards can be a little confusing because everyone has a little different opinion on what is good for what, so you end up with over load of information that may not be applicable to you.

For example here is my 2 cents worth: soft plastics are inexpensive and work great for bass everywhere. One of the most effective presentations to learn to use is the split shot rig with spinning tackle and small 4 1/2" to 6" finesse type curl tail worms.

Look around on this site for articles on split shot and drop shot techinques. You can use a night crawler with a split shot rig, however the plastic worm can work as well for bass. Good luck.

WRB

[bigdog]

welcome...

[paul.]

welcome and good luck.