taking my 5 year old fishing for the first time

[UphillHabit]

I’ve been thinking it would be nice to take my kid fishing, but honestly, I have no idea where to start. I saw some cute little fishing rods designed for kids at a store the other day and it got me curious.

What do you think is a good setup for a first fishing trip? I want it to be easy and fun, especially since my little one is only 5. Any recommendations on what rod or bait to use? I really want to make this a memorable experience.

 

[Deleted member 33]

zebco 33 on about a 5' pole. 4 or 5# line or what ever comes on it. A little slip bobber and little tiny crappie hook. Get a few of them. And a hand full of worms. You can pinch them off about an inch long and you'll have plenty.

Just about ANYWHERE there is moving water a couple feet deep of more and you BOTH are going to have an experience that will last a life time.

First time I took my daughter and sun to Franklin park. There is a ditch through there about 4 feet wide and a foot deep in the DEEP spots. It was a total after thought and I went back to the car for the pole and we turned over a rock for a worm. We hooked a little tiny bluegill "minnow" about like a gold fish and it was ON LIKE DONKEY KONG. They both took turns catching "that same fish" for about an hour. LOL, then my daughter asked, "Does that hurt the fishie?" and it was time to go home.

 

[rache201]

Most kids’ fishing combos come with a little setup of 6-8lbs test line, which is just right for panfish like bluegill and sunfish. You’ll want to use some small hooks, sizes 8-10. They’re perfect for catching little fish and are a lot safer for beginners. If you're going for live bait, you can't go wrong with worms or crickets. But if youre into artificial bait, give those soft plastic grubs or dough baits a try.

Happy fishing!

 

[Frontiersman]

Sorry, I didn’t see this earlier.

I’d start with a ultra-light setup with a pole no longer than 5 ft. Maybe even a small cane pole. Less is more. Keep it simple. They get bored quickly, so go somewhere with panfish. They can fish close to the bank in the shade or off a dock. There are usually plenty of bluegills there. Catching the fish is what gets them hooked. You can worry about tackle upgrades after they get some size on them.

I used to take mine to catch minnows and small bluegills (bait) and go for the catfish after they were in bed.

Unforgettable memories …