Introduce Kids to fishing

July provides the perfect opportunity to introduce a child to angling. With temperatures high and smallmouth bass feisty and plentiful, kids can readily develop a life long love of fishing during this month. Kids readily learn introductory fishing skills, as long as parents/guardians take the time to provide instruction in a fun and supportive manner. Small “kid sized” rods and reels fit well in tiny hands are well worth the investment. With fun designs like Batman and Barbie a child is sure to go wild when they are unveiled. Even if on a budget, have no worry that any kid will be entertained for hours with a stick having a bit of line and a bobber, hook and worm attached to the end. Equipment for fishing does not need to be complex for kids to have fun, what is most important is the quality time spent with a child in these situations helping them build enthusiasm about the great outdoors.

Practice sessions, casting and reeling in lures, are wisely done absent of hooks, until kids develop the control needed to cast and retrieve effectively. Even then, parents/guardians will be wise to keep a watchful eye on an exuberant youngsters back casts. Casting practice is made more enjoyable for kids when you tie a hookless plastic bait (salamanders, worms, crayfish, fish, etc) onto the end of their line. The often wildly colorful lure and wiggling action make it difficult for any kid to resist exhibiting interest. Casting and retrieving on a lawn or driveway, affords a place for instruction that is readily accessible and free of some of the distractions found in more “fishy” situations. Parents need not worry about getting lures stuck in trees, on lake bottoms or anyone falling into the water. Start by having kids cast beyond a specific point, so they can slowly increase their casting distance. As distance improves, have them cast lures into hula hoops to help them improve accuracy. With continued practice, 5 year olds should be able, with guidance, to cast a hooked lure and reel in live fish, eels, mudpuppies, bullfrogs and anything else that bites their hook.

With dozens of small mouth bass waters to choose from, in Washington County, anglers constantly inquire about which waters are the best. Over the last 25 years the Jonesboro office of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has compiled a chart averaging angler hourly catch rates and sizes of smallmouth bass from the highest rated waters Down East. If the list is closely examined a trend becomes apparent showing that the higher the catch rates the smaller the average size of the bass. When fishing with children, they are typically more interested in catching a lot of fish rather than big fish but anglers must decide for themselves which water offers the bass fishing that best suites them. Wabasses (Delorme’s The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer (MAG), Map 35, C-3) and Silver Pug Lake (Map 35, D-5) boast the largest average sized small mouth bass caught with 13.6 and 12.9 pounds respectively. Schoodic Lake (Map 25, C-3) holds the record for the highest number caught per hour, with an average rate of 16 fish.

Atlantic Mackerel Fishing
If July temperatures become too hot on inland lakes and ponds, a trip to the coast to fish for Atlantic Mackerel might be more pleasant. The Eastport breakwater (Map 37, E-3) offers the perfect spot for anglers to cast from shore for these delectable fish. If the fish are schooling, success occurs easily with equipment as simple as a basic spin casting reel, medium weight fishing rod, and a diamond-style mackerel jig, Swedish pimple or any other flashy silver lure that can be found in a tackle box. Simply casting into a school of mackerel and allowing the lure to sink for a few seconds before rapidly retrieving is all that needs to be done to catch fish, usually LOTS of fish. Upon landing a fish, immediately cast back into the schooling fish as this will usually lead to multiple hook-ups for as long as the school remains in place.

Though not providing quite the same level of “sport”, lots of people fish for mackerel with “Christmas trees,” pre-made rigs consisting of several hooks attached to a main line, designed to catch several mackerel at once. Mastering fishing with one of these rigs requires anglers to manage to get all the hooks full of fish at the same time. Doing so requires not reeling in first fish hooked but instead, allowing it to swim freely about, attracting other mackerel to bite and become hooked on the open lures. Christmas trees serve as a good way to take lots of mackerel in a short amount of time but for the most fun, stick to a single lure as provides the best action-packed fight! As fun as mackerel are to catch, they are also simple to prepare for the dinner table.

Mackerel will quickly degrade in July's high temperatures, so anglers should bring along a cooler filled with ice large enough to accommodate the number of fish they intend to catch. This ensures that caught fish remain fresh until they can be processed. Young, “tinker” mackerel require simply removing the head, eviscerating and rinsing with cold water, while larger fish may require the added step of being butterflied so they lie flat enabling more even cook on the grill. Grilling is easily the most preferred method, as Mackerel tends to have a less appetizing “fishy” taste, if the oils are not allowed to drain out as the flesh is cooked.

Indian Rock Camps (AKA Camp Clearwaters), located in pristine Grand Lake Stream, will be hosting a completely free week at their camps for children and young adults (up to 40 years old) with cancer and their families. While there exist several children’s cancer camps in Maine, none allow admission by young adults, until now! Jo-Anne and Ken Cannell are happy to host this annual CELEBRATION OF LIFE in loving memory of their daughter Gretchen, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 12 and bravely fought this fight for 14 years. The camp is free to all Maine residents and reservations honored on a first come first serve basis. For more information, please contact Jo-Anne Cannell at 207-796-2822 or 1-800-498-2821.

Hook Kids Into Fishing - What if We Catch Something!

ARRGH! Fish Have Teeth!!

Fish long enough and eventually your child will catch a fish. It will likely happen at the most inopportune moment, like when your dog has become hopelessly tangled in your youngster’s fishing line, the reel breaks or someone is attempting to take a pee. So, when the unexpected occurs do not be alarmed but accept it for what it is, after all this is fishing and one must learn to relax and roll with the punches.

As your child busies themselves reeling in their prize, your heart will be racing and you will no doubt forget to pull out your camera! This would be a MISTAKE OF TITANIC PROPORTIONS! Make sure to have your camera handy at all times when fishing with your kiddos, for it will be the moment that you forget the camera or fail to take a photo when the most amazing and memorable events will occur.

Netting Farm Pond Bull Frogs

So after a great struggle, you finally manage to haul this massive aquatic beast onto the dock, your kid is smiling like a Cheshire cat and you are flailing around trying to take a couple of good photographs, before the fish throws the hook and returns to the depths. It is important in this instance to remain calm. Yes, I know you are excited and caught up in the moment but it is also important that you remember that some fish are equipped with spines and teeth. In some cases, these fish species can inflict serious injury to you or your child. This should all have been explained to your child BEFORE they catch their first fish or when you catch one and they are shown. If you did not follow this advice, do not be surprised if you get a frantic, “Arrrgh, Daddy! FISH HAVE TEETH!” followed by your little one stomping on said fish’s head and kicking it back into the water.

Releasing Sunfish

To kill or not to kill
Another decision you will want to make before the first catch is your stance on catch and release. Are your plans to keep, kill and eat the fish or throw it back for whence it came? In my opinion both plans have merit. To keep, kill and eat a fish is a great opportunity to teach youngsters how to quickly and humanely kill game, where food comes from (not Styrofoam packages at the grocery store!!), and how to properly clean and cook a fish. Letting the fish go, teaches conservation, preservation, moderation and a bunch of other words ending in –tion. REMEMBER, fish and game laws may not allow you to keep your child's first fish so make sure to read your law book before heading out.

For More On Fishing With Kids Check Out These Posts:

1. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Introduction

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-introduction.html

2. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Hooks and Lures

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-hooks-and-lures.html

3. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Putting It All Together

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-putting-it-all.html

4. Hook Kids Into Fishing – What If We Catch Something

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-what-if-we-catch.html

5. Taking A Kid Fishing Yields Happy Memories - http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/02/taking-kid-fishing-yields-happy.html

6. Lil Man Catches First Fish

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2010/02/lil-man-catches-first-fish.html

Hook Kids Into Fishing - Putting it All Together

This past weekend, I spent most of my day at the lake with the kiddos. During this relaxing session, I caught an exhausting limit of four and five year olds with rod and reel. While they certainly put up a good fight, I find that when lured by promises of marshmallows and hugs, all the thrashing ends pretty quickly and they are easy to net.

Kids absolutely love the game of pretending to be a caught fish and having you reel them in. It is also a great way for them to learn how to properly play a fish, set drag and hold a rod. These sessions are obviously done with hook less lures and in water that is relatively shallow to avoid accidents.

Fishing lingo, vernacular and jargon are often picked-up by sportsmen over a lifetime of pursuing fish. These words and catch phrases (no pun intended) are unique to the sport and when uttered for the first time by young kids, utterly adorable. Imagine a four year old telling you with a look on his face as serious as a heart attack that he thinks he just had a “dribble” and better reel in the line to see if it still has a worm.  If that doesn’t make you smile, how about picturing a five year old approaching a perfect stranger at the beach and asking “Hey Mistah, whatcha usein for bait?”

When you finally reach the point in your child’s fishing education, where the kiddos are having random conversations with other “rival” fishermen at boat launches, it is important that you sit them down and have a serious heart to heart talk about two of the most important aspect of fishing, secrets and exaggeration. In these ensuing conversations, children must be taught who can and cannot be trusted with fishing secrets and to whom and when it is perfectly acceptable to lie. For parents looking to speed up their child’s education, this might be a good time to also work in the “We don’t need to tell Momma everything” discussion. Speaking of secrets, I almost rolled off the dock when my 5 year old brought his mouth close to my ear and in a low whisper said, "Daddy, I have a fishing secret, you haftah be careful when your fishing to be quite so you don't scare away the fish". This was funny, because it wasn’t something that I had ever directly taught him but rather was most likely garnered from our quiet interactions at the lake.

Whenever possible ensure that your time fishing is enjoyable. Don’t expect every second to be perfect but make sure you are creating a scenario that kids will want to return to again and again. If something unexpected occurs (like someone gets hooked or falls off the dock) at least make sure to salvage the day with a trip to get ice cream or a hot coco. The trick is to always end on a good note AND while the kiddos are still wanting more. If they start screaming and crying when you tell them its time to go home, you have done your due diligence.

For More On Fishing With Kids Check Out These Posts:

1. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Introduction

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-introduction.html

2. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Hooks and Lures

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-hooks-and-lures.html

3. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Putting It All Together

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-putting-it-all.html

4. Hook Kids Into Fishing – What If We Catch Something

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-what-if-we-catch.html

5. Taking A Kid Fishing Yields Happy Memories - http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/02/taking-kid-fishing-yields-happy.html

6. Lil Man Catches First Fish

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2010/02/lil-man-catches-first-fish.html

Hook Kids Into Fishing - Hooks and Lures

VIDEO above is my son's first experience ice fishing at 3 years old.

At 4-5 years, depending on maturity level, fishing for kids and parents begins to get really exciting. All of the introductory practice and preparations finally start to come together and little fishermen are afforded the opportunity to graduate to becoming big fishermen. During this transition, parents should still closely supervise and direct fishing activities but hooked lines can now be used. (*Of course kids can start MUCH younger using hooked lines, if jigging for sunfish or ice fishing and under direct parental supervision. Casting and retrieving is a completely different skill set, requiring a higher level of muscular control. Younger kids are likely not to have the physical ability to safely cast a hooked line without impaling themselves or others, therefore caution should be exercised.)

Introduce Hooks: 
Kids are introduced to hooks by allowing them to handle them and practice hooking them into soft plastic lures (like worms, frogs and salamanders) and then removing them. This practice allows them to understand how hooks work and helps to develop the fine motor skills necessary to hook wiggly worms, squirming grubs and soft rubber baits correctly later when in actual fishing scenarios.

Be sure to describe the parts of the hook (Point, shank, barb, eye, etc.) to your child and how different size hooks and styles are used to catch different types of fish and unique fishing situations. Also, describe how a hook can be safely removed from skin and clothes, if an accident occurs, so that children do not panic should there be a mishap. At 5 years old they will be to young to tie mono to the hook so parents can tie the mono to a large swivel and let kids attach the swivel to the eye of the hook. Large hooks are easier for small fingers to manipulate but parents may want to switch to using smaller hooks once the fishing actually begins, depending on fish being targeted.

Casting a Bobber:
When fishing, a large bobber rigged to the line helps with casting distance and allows an excellent visual reference for kids. The anticipation of watching and waiting for the bobber to go under the water is exciting for kids, when the fish decide to cooperate.

For More On Fishing With Kids Check Out These Posts:

1. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Introduction

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-introduction.html

2. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Hooks and Lures

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-hooks-and-lures.html

3. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Putting It All Together

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-putting-it-all.html

4. Hook Kids Into Fishing – What If We Catch Something

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-what-if-we-catch.html

5. Taking A Kid Fishing Yields Happy Memories - http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/02/taking-kid-fishing-yields-happy.html

6. Lil Man Catches First Fish

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2010/02/lil-man-catches-first-fish.html

Hook Kids Into Fishing - Introduction

Bed time this past Saturday evening was highlighted by my four year old confidently pronouncing, "Daddy today was the bestest day evah!" Considering the achieved levels of decadence of his past birthday parties and how badly he was spoiled at Christmas, I considered this an extraordinarily bold statement. So, you might ask, what life altering event could be so incredibly spectacular as to spur my young son to utter such a statement? To the dedicated sportsmen, it should come as no surprise, that this proclamation came on the heels of his first day fishing.

If you have been a regular reader of the blog, you are sure to remember the lil man’s first ever fish that came about as a result of a long day ice fishing on Meddybemps Lake. Now, technically you could classify that as his first day fishing BUT to a four year old, this fleeting memory pales in comparison to catching aquatic critters with a rod and reel.

Casting and Retrieving:

At this point, both the four and three year old are fairly proficient in understanding the dynamics of casting and reeling, skills they were both taught soon after they began walking. Kids readily learn these introductory fishing skills, as long as parents take the time to provide instruction in a fun and supportive manner. Small “kid sized” rods and reels fit well tiny hands and short arms and are well worth the investment. With fun designs like Batman, Diego and Barbie your child is sure to go wild when they are unveiled. Even if your budget is more modest, have no worry that any kid will be entertained for hours with a stick having a bit of line attached to the end. Neither fishing nor the equipment for fishing needs to be complex for kids to become hooked. What is most important is the quality of time you spend with your child in these situations and how enthusiastic you are about being outside.

Practice sessions, casting and reeling in lures, are done absent of hooks, until kids develop the motor control to cast and retrieve effectively. Even then, parents will be wise to keep a watchful and vigilant eye on an exuberant youngsters back casts. Casting is made more enjoyable for kids when you tie a plastic bait (salamanders, worms, crayfish, fish, etc) onto the end of their line. The often wildly colorful lures and combined wiggling, jiggling action make it difficult for any kid to resist exhibiting strong interest.

Casting and retrieving on a lawn or driveway, affords a place for instruction that is readily accessible and free of some of the distractions found in more “fishy” situations. Parents need not worry about lures stuck in trees, on lake bottoms or anyone falling into the water. Start by having kids cast beyond a specific point, so they can increase their distance. As distance improves, have them cast lures into hula hoops to help them improve accuracy. With continued practice, 5 year old kids should be able, with guidance, to cast a hooked lure and reel in live fish, eels, mudpuppies, bullfrogs and anything else that manages to bite their hook.

For More On Fishing With Kids Check Out These Posts:

1. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Introduction

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-introduction.html

2. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Hooks and Lures

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-hooks-and-lures.html

3. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Putting It All Together

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-putting-it-all.html

4. Hook Kids Into Fishing – What If We Catch Something

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-what-if-we-catch.html

5. Taking A Kid Fishing Yields Happy Memories - http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/02/taking-kid-fishing-yields-happy.html

6. Lil Man Catches First Fish

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2010/02/lil-man-catches-first-fish.html

Taking a Kid Fishing Yields Happy Memories

Fishing and kids seem to go together better than helpless women and railroad tracks. It is one of those activities that youngster’s just pick-up easily and enjoy naturally, without any added pressure or encouragement. Put a fishing pole in the hands of a child and watch a strange transformation occur. Eyes glazed from watching too much TV are awakened, tongues wag no stop from exhilaration and little legs and arms vibrate with the excitement and anticipation of a possible catch. Even the most bored and despondent kids, will be transformed into industrious sportsmen in training, as their inquisitive minds attempt to unravel all of the mysteries of the fishing sport. As they delve deeper they will eventually come to realize that all aspects of “fishing” simply cannot be learned in a lifetime. Perhaps this is part of the attraction, the sport of fishing can be as complicated OR as simple as one desires. It need be no more complicated (unless one chooses) than a simple stick, line, hook and worm. It is a sport of the rich and poor alike and each has an equal chance of scoring a true personal trophy.

It is certainly no secret that fishing is a meditative and therapeutic endeavor.  The act of wetting a line on a lazy afternoon is even better than the strongest medication in relaxing frayed nerves. In this hectic, stressful, fast passed world in which we live, are we doing our children a disservice not providing them with an introduction to these skills? If you have children take them out fishing! If you need assistance you need look no further than your local bait shop and closest stream. If you are looking for a more involved adventure, think about securing the services of a registered Maine guide . . . the little money you spend will make for a lifetime of happy memories.

For More On Fishing With Kids Check Out These Posts:

1. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Introduction

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-introduction.html

2. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Hooks and Lures

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-hooks-and-lures.html

3. Hook Kids Into Fishing – Putting It All Together

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-putting-it-all.html

4. Hook Kids Into Fishing – What If We Catch Something

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/08/hook-kids-into-fishing-what-if-we-catch.html

5. Taking A Kid Fishing Yields Happy Memories - http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2011/02/taking-kid-fishing-yields-happy.html

6. Lil Man Catches First Fish

http://www.themaineoutdoorsman.com/2010/02/lil-man-catches-first-fish.html

Last Day of the 2008/09 Ice Fishing Season!

This weekend marked the last day of the 2008/09 ice fishing season. While we will still have "suitable" ice for at least a couple more weekends my time is a little less flexible. Had a great last weekend with temperatures in the upper 50s and my cousin and his boys joining me in Augusta for an awesome trip to one of my favorite perch ponds. Numerous fish were caught and many games of ice shoes were played! I really can't believe that yet another season has slipped away so quickly.

Highlights of this season include this picture taken during the previous weekend with my son (under 3 years old) ice fishing for the first time with me and his Papa. While I typically don't post pictures of my little ones I had to set aside my protocols to share this one photo of Papa and Grandson. Any Dad's out there who haven't taken their kids fishing get out there! We only have so much time to invest in the next generation and who will be there to support it if all our kids are happy sitting inside playing on the Wii! It is our responsibility to teach our kids about the outdoors so just do it!