Thursday, June 19, 2025
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
The Chronicle News
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
The Chronicle News
No Result
View All Result
Home Sports

Summer is here! Take the kids fishing

The Chronicle News by The Chronicle News
May 25, 2023
in Sports
0
Summer is here! Take the kids fishing
3
SHARES
18
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
build stronger customer relationships

You might also like

Green, Rockets snap Thunder’s 11-game winning streak

Clayton leads Florida to NCAA title game

McIlroy takes aim at Grand Slam; Scheffler goes for another green jacket

School is out for summer! And nothing goes better together than summertime and fishing! Now is the perfect time to load up the kids, head to the lake, and introduce the kids to some great, old fashion fishing fun.

A study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness suggests that fishing may improve both physical and emotional health. Fishing is a physical activity that can be classified as “self-care” activity, resulting in improved physical well being associated with other outside activities, but also improves self-esteem, relieves stress and improves resilience and skill building.

For years one of the best parts of my job with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation was to teach kids to fish. I took thousands of kids on their very first fishing experience, but I enjoyed none more than taking my own son on his first fishing outing.

I learned a few things over the years when conducting kids fishing clinics and that knowledge paid off when it came to my kid. Here are a few pointers for getting a kid started in fishing.

Keep it simple – My very first fishing class was a disaster. My expectations were too high. I wanted the kids to learn about different kinds of fish, different kinds of tackle and lures and different methods of angling – way too much to expect of kids. I forgot the reason that kids (myself included) like fishing, it’s FUN!

Remember back to your first fishing trip. If you are like me it was a cane pole, or stick, with some line, a bobber and a hook. We caught grasshoppers or dug a few worms or grubs from the ground and away to the creek we ran. That is what beginning fishing is all about. Not $40,000 bass boats and $200 dollar rods and reels.

Now I’m not saying that you have to go retro and start looking for a cane pole to cut, but you need to start a kid off with the simple basics — an inexpensive rod and reel, some terminal tackle (hook, sinker, bobber) and live bait.

The equipment — I recommend purchasing a simple rod and reel for your child, don’t spend a lot of money. In my opinion, the Zebco 33 is the best reel for beginners, in fact some anglers are still using the same old 33 that they started with 20 years ago. It is a great, dependable reel, all metal casing and very little plastic, which makes it hold up to a multitude of fishing trips.

I’m not a big fan of the small “Frozen” or “Paw Patrol” or whatever the character of the year is, rod and reel combos. They are small and cheap, and while cheap is good, they don’t hold up like the 33. There are other good reels on the market, all for around $30. Just make sure the housing is metal and the rod is about five feet long.

As your kids get older, or progress in their abilities, move to a spinning reel and more expensive rods. Some of the largest fish ever caught were done so by novice fishermen using a simple spincast rod and reel combo.

Getting started — Back to the Keep it simple. Start teaching your kid about fishing before you ever head to the water. Get a practice casting plug and tie it on and teach them how to cast in the driveway or back yard. My son use to pretend with his granddad that they were fishing in from the back of the pickup bed.

Stress safety, accuracy and the correct way to make a cast. More practice here will make the time at the lake much more enjoyable. Make a game out of it. Place a target (a hula hoop works great) out on the ground and have them practice casting to the target. Short casts are best, most fish live close to the shore, so being able to cast 50 yards does little good.

When they get a little better, shrink the target, say a coffee can or then a coffee cup sized target, and practice trying to drop the bait in the can or cup without knocking it over. These skills will come in handy when trying to place a bait in the best place to catch fish at the lake.

Baits — When it comes to baits, simple is better here too. Almost every fish likes worms, so they are the perfect bait. Cartons can be purchased at the sporting goods counter of most stores, or if you prefer to go old school, did them yourself. The white grubs found in flower beds are great too.

Better yet, grasshoppers and crickets are everywhere and your kid will have a great time catching them. Buy and inexpensive butterfly net and take it along with you, they are great for helping to catch grasshoppers, but also provide another activity if the fish are not biting.

I take an insect net that makes it much easier to catch grasshoppers. You also get spiders, leafhoppers and other insects that kids love to inspect.

Now all it takes is finding a good spot and baiting a hook. Using a bobber will help the kids know when they are getting a bite. Which lead me to the next tip.

Kids love action — We live in a fast paced world, so it is important that when you take a kid fishing you need to go to a spot where that can catch fish, quickly. Size does not matter to a kid, so find a spot where the bobber will “dance.” Most lakes that have docks or boat ramps will also have sunfish under or around those structures. You are not looking for a wall hanger, just action, so think small.

If you are not catching anything in the first spot, then move, don’t give them a chance to get bored. Later on they can develop the patience that fishing does bring, but when they first start they need success.

When they get better at casting and catching fish, then teaching them to throw a small spinnerbait or grub bait that they can cast and retrieve will be a natural progression.

Kids will be kids– Remember fishing should be fun, so think like a kid, you know short attention span, taking in the sights and sounds, the whole experience. Don’t get upset if all the kid wants to do is play with the worms or throw rocks in the water. That’s part of being a kid. If they don’t have fun they won’t want to come back.

If the fish are not biting, find a way to have fun, look for frogs, dangle your feet in the water. Be a kid for a while, and both of you will enjoy the experience.

Keep it short – This kind of goes with keeping it fun, but set a time limit and keep them wanting more. I’ve always felt it was better to stop while the action was still going and they will yearn to come back with you. An hour is plenty for the first couple of times out. Don’t plan on staying at the lake all day, they will stop having fun, and you will be sorry you brought them.

When it’s time to go, it may be hard to get them in the car, we employ a 10 cast countdown, or a 10 second countdown to end the action. After 10 casts (or 10 seconds if using a bobber) we reel them in. This gives kids some closure to the activity, then relive the successes and failures on the way home.

Celebrate successes – It goes without saying that reliving memories is what fishing is all about. Telling fish stories or better yet looking at pictures that you took of your trip is a great way to get your kid wanting to go back out. Always take a camera and use it! My son loves seeing the pictures of our outings and he loves telling the story of how he caught the particular fish. And to be honest, I love hearing them, again and again.

It is not all about catching fish either, commend them on how good they are at casting and how great it was that they baited their own hook, or how they took a fish off by themselves, or how much fun it was just spending time together.

Warning – Remember to take sunscreen, mosquito spray, snacks and drinks. Sunburn and bug bites can take the fun out of a family trip.

Have fun – I know we have already covered this, but it is the most important thing. Make it a fun experience to go fishing and your kid will be begging you to go again. The time you spend fishing together can never be taken away, so get away from the phones and the video games and have a good time together. You’ll be glad you did!

Free Fishing – Now that you have taken the kids out, it’s time to take some older folks fishing. There is no better days to do just that than the Oklahoma Free Fishing Days. June 3-4 anyone may fish in Oklahoma without a state license. Some city or lake permits may still be required. For more information consult the Oklahoma fishing regulations at www.wildlifedepartment.com.


Want to reach a local audience and grow your business?

Our website is the perfect platform to connect with engaged readers in your local area.

Whether you're looking for banner ads, sponsored content, or custom promotions, we can tailor a package to meet your needs.

Contact us today to learn more about advertising opportunities!

CONTACT US NOW
Previous Post

New judge will hear former police officers’ hearing

Next Post

Ranch Oak remembers its loved ones

The Chronicle News

The Chronicle News

Related Posts

Green, Rockets snap Thunder's 11-game winning streak
Sports

Green, Rockets snap Thunder’s 11-game winning streak

by The Chronicle News
April 6, 2025
Cache woman found not guilty of killing husband
Sports

Clayton leads Florida to NCAA title game

by The Chronicle News
April 6, 2025
McIlroy takes aim at Grand Slam; Scheffler goes for another green jacket
Sports

McIlroy takes aim at Grand Slam; Scheffler goes for another green jacket

by The Chronicle News
April 6, 2025
Harman survives strong wind, leads Texas Open
Sports

Harman survives strong wind, leads Texas Open

by The Chronicle News
April 6, 2025
Cache woman found not guilty of killing husband
Sports

Sports briefs

by The Chronicle News
April 6, 2025
Next Post
the chronicle news featured

Ranch Oak remembers its loved ones

Popular News This Week

  • Doctor accused of lewd conduct has trial bumped until 2025

    Doctor accused of lewd conduct has trial bumped until 2025

    26 shares
    Share 10 Tweet 7
  • STAN BOOKER, Mayor

    7 shares
    Share 3 Tweet 2
  • Oklahoma City man bound for trial for child porn charges

    15 shares
    Share 6 Tweet 4
  • Lawton doctor seeks to delay jury trial for sex crime allegations

    6 shares
    Share 2 Tweet 2
  • Booker named Mayor of the Year

    5 shares
    Share 2 Tweet 1

About

Welcome to The Chronicle. The Chronicle gives you the absolute best news sources that are happening in and around Comanche County! Our news are carefully curated and constantly updated to give you the best and most recent news as soon as they happen.

Categories

  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment

Site Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Latest News

  • Vietnam Veterans of America to meet Saturday June 19, 2025
  • MASTER Builders to hold BBQ rib fundraiser May 23, 2025
  • Repairs will close I-44 ramp at Lee Boulevard May 13, 2025

© 2023 The Chronicle News

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

© 2023 The Chronicle News

What Are Cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?