Musky Dads
jaultman
Posted 9/19/2014 11:58 AM (#730889)
Subject: Musky Dads




Posts: 1828


I have two young kids who I plan to raise into musky enthusiasts. Daughter is 3 and son is almost 1.

It seems the girl will continue to love fishing as long as I stay on the path I'm on, and it's too soon to say about the boy. The other night was the first time I ever took them musky fishing together, and as you'd imagine I didn't get much casting in, but it was still fun. Little man doesn't have a clue what's going on but stays happy as long as there's food to pick up off the floor. Little girl just loves being in the boat, eating snacks, watching figure-8's, and B.S.ing.

I THINK my intuition will adequately guide me to make the right calls and avoid big mistakes to keep them interested, excited, and not burnt out BUT...

What tips, do's, and don'ts do you experienced dad's have for me? Ever "ruined" a kid? Ever got one totally, irreversibly addicted?
Slow Rollin
Posted 9/19/2014 12:04 PM (#730890 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 619


Im in the same boat. I am going to introduce lots of activities without forcing anything upon them. They will need to decide which ones they like the best and continue with. I know down the road I will rather see them spend time with their family or education vs sitting in a boat.
btfish
Posted 9/19/2014 12:04 PM (#730891 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: RE: Musky Dads




Posts: 410


Location: With my son on the water
MAKE IT FUN, NEVER get upset.

When the kid has enough, as hard as it may be quit.

Bring kid friendly snacks. (Hot choclate, gummy bears, ring pops, and suckers)

Take then out and catch a few thousand blue gills first, then have them catch a few hundred bass, then they will be somewhat ready for muskies.

BUT MAKE IT FUN

That's what worked for me

Grass
Posted 9/19/2014 12:05 PM (#730892 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 620


Location: Seymour, WI
I don't think you can just take them musky fishing, that's asking for trouble.
Get them hooked on panfishing first. Let them learn to love fishing for bluegills, crappies or perch and show your excitement for everyone they catch. As they get older, teach them to cast a spinning rod and let them cast for bass or pike. If you get that far, then muskies will follow.
jaultman
Posted 9/19/2014 12:14 PM (#730894 - in reply to #730892)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 1828


Good tips so far.

Not to disagree with the idea of getting them started with action fishing first, but just to offer an alternative view:

My daughter started coming musky fishing with me last summer with only a few walleye trips "under her belt". She got very used to the reality that you don't catch a fish every few minutes, like walleye fishing, and one or two fish is a good day. Maybe starting with low-action fishing right off the bat is an okay thing? If they get very accustomed to fast, steady action (like panfishing or good walleye fishing), they might get easily bored by musky fishing? Just a thought.

Disclaimer - she's not really doing any fishing of her own, of course, so maybe once she's old enough to man a rod, then I'll have to cultivate the love for fishing by getting her some good action. That makes sense.
kjgmh
Posted 9/19/2014 12:16 PM (#730897 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads





Posts: 1089


Location: Hayward, WI
I was lucky enough to have my son catch a 40" musky while he was fishing for small fish. That has him hooked. He can cast for an hour or so before he looses focus. To break it up he loves to drive the boat and open water troll. I normally run 2 musky rods and 2 walleye rods to try and get more action. He really gets into driving and watching the depthfinder, kind of a video game for him.
muskidiem
Posted 9/19/2014 12:38 PM (#730899 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: RE: Musky Dads





Posts: 255


Good thoughts and questions. I too am wondering what will happen in the next few years. I have a 4, 6, 8, oldest is a girl. We really made progress this year on waiting for the gills to hit your bobber, set the hook so they don't swallow it, casting to spots, less tangles. Practice and patience equal more and bigger catches. They haven't been in boat for my casting yet, but maybe next year. I think their personalities will tell me if they can hack it or not. Funny thing this year was my wife landed a 25" northern with them in the boat, so they always say "mom caught that big fish" and get all excited about her "big" catch. My advice is to make it fun, keep putting worms on, lots of photos.
Grass
Posted 9/19/2014 12:44 PM (#730900 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 620


Location: Seymour, WI
I still think your kids will miss something if they just skip panfishing and go right into sport fishing.
When I was growing up I learned to love fishing with or without my dad by catching panfish from shore or from small row boat. I did this whenever we were near the water, camping or staying at someone's cottage.
My dad was always a musky fisherman, but he never really took me musky fishing until I was an adult. That made me want to catch a musky more than anything.
My own kids are ages 9 and 6 now. They love fishing and being in the boat where ever we are. I've fished in the NCMO in Eagle River with my oldest son the last two yrs and he loves it, but still most of the fishing that we do together is panfishing. The kids get so excited when we bring a few crappies, or bluegills back for a fish fry. They ask to go back out before the motor gets cold. This yr I taught my older son to jig for bass and walleyes. He got so excited catching bass and walleyes I thought he was going to fall out of the boat. He wants to catch a musky and I know he will, but we've been having a blast catching everything else so I'm going to keep panfishing with them and pick and choose a few times to fish for muskies.
Slow Rollin
Posted 9/19/2014 12:49 PM (#730902 - in reply to #730900)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 619


I think getting the basics down and getting the touch down by fishing pannies bass walleye etc is a very important stepping stone. Some of the best muskie anglers I know and can work and a jig and minnow like no other and have a lot of time fishing and catching other species
Imobley
Posted 9/19/2014 12:53 PM (#730905 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 84


its pretty simple, always make it about them and not you
Have fun!

Edited by Imobley 9/19/2014 12:57 PM
bigbite
Posted 9/19/2014 1:16 PM (#730909 - in reply to #730905)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 1348


Location: Pewaukee, WI
Lots of wisdom there. If you groom them right you'll have a fishing partner(s) for life.
jaultman
Posted 9/19/2014 1:24 PM (#730911 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: RE: Musky Dads




Posts: 1828


Anyone had their child casting (musky baits) before the age of 10?
jonnysled
Posted 9/19/2014 1:33 PM (#730912 - in reply to #730909)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
when they're young they just want to spend time with you … if you make that time enjoyable it will continue as they grow up and especially as they start making their own choices. if you make it about you and your musky fishing passion you'll have them to about 10 then lose em. they'll make you happy while they make themselves miserable when they're young … that changes LOL.

panfish are great and get em on bass and especially some big smb's and you'll never worry about whether or not they want to go out in the boat or go musky fishing as they get older.

another good thing to do if you can is to get out and fish pike on the ice … that is a great way to introduce younger kids to bigger fish and do it with action and fun.

good luck … my four are older and all of em enjoy fishing, and all of em are different.
Masqui-ninja
Posted 9/19/2014 1:35 PM (#730913 - in reply to #730909)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads





Posts: 1247


Location: Walker, MN
I take the fam out trolling a couple of times a month and it is great. I put Muskie cranks on the down rods and run planer boards with Baby Depth Raiders or #14 Husky Jerks for Walleyes, Pike or whatever. My wife usually keeps the kids entertained with their Leap Pads and usually a Pizza. We cracked a 44incher a few weeks back and my kids talk about it daily. When Walleyes and Pike hit I let my 5yr old reel them in with the rod right in the rod holder, she loves it. A patient spouse is a big help. I plan on showing my wife the finer points of trolling/steering so we can take turns playing with the kids more. Getting them to pose with me for pics has been a struggle though as they are more comfortable on the other side of the boat...I don't push them. Two hours is about the most I get out of a trolling session with them. These are my favorite outings by far.
jonnysled
Posted 9/19/2014 1:35 PM (#730914 - in reply to #730911)
Subject: RE: Musky Dads





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
jaultman - 9/19/2014 1:24 PM

Anyone had their child casting (musky baits) before the age of 10?


yup … easier to teach a kid or a woman to throw a bait-caster than it is to teach a grown man.

the biggest limitation on a kid is a parent ...
mnmusky
Posted 9/19/2014 1:41 PM (#730916 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Let the wee ones have a Panny pole and bobber outside the boat while dad casts for musky, then when you hook one , let the kid reel it in. Got my boy interested that way and now that he's 10, he casts for musky himself. Landed his 2nd ever this year with no help from me. He loves it! Best times for sure. Yours are a bit young yet so let them grow into it and they will.
Will Schultz
Posted 9/19/2014 1:42 PM (#730917 - in reply to #730911)
Subject: RE: Musky Dads





Location: Grand Rapids, MI

jaultman - 9/19/2014 2:24 PM Anyone had their child casting (musky baits) before the age of 10?

Yes, mine was casting a baitcaster by the time he was five, casting small buck tails and crank baits. He had a harder time learning how to use a spinning reel than a baitcaster, it's such a simple transition for kids to go from a spincast reel to a baitcaster.

My son has grown up in the outdoors/boat and has been with me fishing and hunting since he was barely able to stand. He's been fishing for all species his entire life and just enjoys being in the boat. All that said, I have ruined him on muskie fishing. He caught his first a couple weeks before his third birthday and the day before his 12th birthday, last year, caught a 55" 40#+ giant. Now he really doesn't care if he ever catches another muskie and honestly prefers to catch perch for dinner instead of muskies. If I had to do it all over again I don't think I would change anything.



Edited by Will Schultz 9/19/2014 1:43 PM
btfish
Posted 9/19/2014 1:48 PM (#730919 - in reply to #730914)
Subject: RE: Musky Dads




Posts: 410


Location: With my son on the water
One more thing.

Actually I do think my guy was throwing a bait caster at about 8? He got his first ski when he was 10 on a hawg wabbler. He went to LOTW for the first time when he was 11 and had a ball, he even caught three fish.

But on top of all the good comments already. Make sure you have tackle that works, so you may have to spend a few buck. A back up setup is always a good idea. When my little guy went to LOTW the first time he ended his trip cranking in a backlash. I didn't find it for a few months. It was and still is a good laugh.

I would also agree with who ever said lots of pictures.

Now he even casts correct handed.

Great memories for sure.

Moon set is coming, I need to hit the water.
jaultman
Posted 9/19/2014 1:48 PM (#730921 - in reply to #730917)
Subject: RE: Musky Dads




Posts: 1828


Will Schultz - 9/19/2014 1:42 PM

jaultman - 9/19/2014 2:24 PM Anyone had their child casting (musky baits) before the age of 10?

Yes, mine was casting a baitcaster by the time he was five, casting small buck tails and crank baits. He had a harder time learning how to use a spinning reel than a baitcaster, it's such a simple transition for kids to go from a spincast reel to a baitcaster.

My son has grown up in the outdoors/boat and has been with me fishing and hunting since he was barely able to stand. He's been fishing for all species his entire life and just enjoys being in the boat. All that said, I have ruined him on muskie fishing. He caught his first a couple weeks before his third birthday and the day before his 12th birthday, last year, caught a 55" 40#+ giant. Now he really doesn't care if he ever catches another muskie and honestly prefers to catch perch for dinner instead of muskies. If I had to do it all over again I don't think I would change anything.


Now that is awesome.
Grass
Posted 9/19/2014 1:52 PM (#730922 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 620


Location: Seymour, WI
I started my son casting a spinning rod with bass sized baits at age 8 and then this yr casting a bass sized bait caster on a 7' light action musky rod at age 9. He is good at throwing both of them and I let him throw all of my spring sized musky baits with them.
If the fishing is slow he likes to sit down in the boat, get my split ring pliers out and then re-assemble my lures into new baits that he creates.
We fished in the NCMO in Eagle River the last two yrs. He gets super excited for it, but also frustrated at not catching a musky yet.
Imobley
Posted 9/19/2014 1:55 PM (#730923 - in reply to #730911)
Subject: RE: Musky Dads




Posts: 84


jaultman - 9/19/2014 2:24 PM
Anyone had their child casting (musky baits) before the age of 10?


Yes sir, my son was casting at 6. I have a light 6 1/2' setup with a good bass reel he uses better than many adults i take out, he'll fish for 1/2 hour or so then eat and play then fish again when i have a follow


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RandalB
Posted 9/19/2014 1:57 PM (#730924 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 470


I'd have to agree with the Panfish, Bass, Pike, Muskie progression. Did that with my kids and they are either into it (Daughter) or Showing great determination and interest (Son). My daughter has impressed Vilas county guides with her fundamentals and focus at 14 YOA. My son has a little way to go before the guide trip, but he's making great strides at 12 and has set a goal to get his first before 14.

Not a lot you can do with Kids these days that doesn't involve some kind of electronic device, but Muskie fishing seems to be one for mine. I give full props to "Barbie" and "Danny the Dinosaur" from Zebco for panfish at an early age. You won't do much fishing yourself with putting on worms, getting hooks out of trees and unhooking unhappy bluegils, but the time spent more than pays off later in their (the kids not the bluegills..) lives. Time on the water with the kids is priceless.

JMHO,
RandalB
Grass
Posted 9/19/2014 2:14 PM (#730927 - in reply to #730924)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 620


Location: Seymour, WI
Here's a few pics from this summer.


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husky_jerk
Posted 9/19/2014 4:41 PM (#730942 - in reply to #730927)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 305


Location: Illinois
Don't be surprised or disappointed if it's not their gig. My older boy used to like to go for panfish and bass. Now he never fishes, although he is always invited.

My younger son will not leave the dock after we return from fishing in the boat. He will cast musky lures off the dock until we give him the 10 cast warning.

Both boys raised the same way, just different people, and that's all good.
OpMuskie
Posted 9/19/2014 5:44 PM (#730951 - in reply to #730942)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 135


On hot days, I filled up the live well, added a few panfish, and let my 1-2 year old "swim" with the fish in the live well. Kept him busy for a while so I could cast some more.

He is now 12. Likes to muskie fish but switches back and forth between muskie gear and bass/pike gear. I fish water that might not be my favorite muskie spot, but I know is good for bass/pike so he can get some action.
Cjmj81bass
Posted 9/19/2014 8:17 PM (#730970 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 56


Awesome advice guys I liked reading all of these. I don't have the privilege to fish for muskie where I live. When I take my 4 year old son fishing I always bring snacks, toys, and just make sure it's fun for him. As bad as I want to fish all day he usually only lasts 4 hours.
Hop
Posted 9/19/2014 8:53 PM (#730974 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 100


My daughters did great in the boat when real little. I would get a live well full of minnows and it was pure entertainment. Now the love leaches and worms. When not fishing they enjoy getting mom and dad bait. They are moving up this year to spin cast reels. Watching my six year old this year fighting about a five pound smallmouth and my eight year old trying to net it was priceless! They are excited and gearing up for November when we can just float some suckers! Can't wait!
Masqui-ninja
Posted 9/19/2014 9:06 PM (#730977 - in reply to #730974)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads





Posts: 1247


Location: Walker, MN
+1 on playing in the livewell...even a hammer-handle in there is a real blast for them. My baitwell doubles as a pottie!
Hop
Posted 9/19/2014 10:20 PM (#730985 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 100


Funny! the bait well in my boat also doubles as the potty!!! LOL
detroithardcore
Posted 9/20/2014 7:11 AM (#731000 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 299


My 6 year old and 3 year old love the water and boat. They also love going fishing but in short spurts. As this age..any fish they catch is a big deal and Muskie can be a tough fish to have your kid catch. When your kids our on the water with you it's all abou them. Forget trying to cast and fish for yourself (unless they are great at casting and fishing on their own). Fish with them until they lose interest and find something else to do on the water. As soon as my 6 year of puts rod down and bored we do something else. Go explore, let him drive boat, fill the livewell with minnows, bring iPad for shows and games, explore an island, swimming, swimming, etc. Then go back to fishing until they are bored again. I usually don't cast when I take my kids fishing. It's all about putting them on fish. Usually bobber fishing and tons of fun. Sometimes I will cast knowing I can catch a fish and increase activity and let them reel them in but not too often. If you force them they will end up hating it and Muskie's aren't a fish to get your kid hooked on fishing. I will say...every dad who plans on getting their kids into fishing should invest in a decent remote controlled boat. It was one of the best ideas I've had in a long time. I could fish and the kids would have a blast operating the boat for hours. It is kinda funny to see the bass guys get all bent outta shape if they get too close to us worried that we're scaring the fish. I can say I've had no issues catching big smallmouth with a remote controlled boat running all over where I was casting. The fish could care less. Safety is first so lead by example and wear a life vest along with them. Last, it is an absolute rule on my boat with my kids when fishing to wear polarized sunglasses. Not only will they see what I see but their eyes are protected from hooks. I see WAY too many kids fishing without sunglasses and wearing a vest. Also accept that every child is different and some very well may not enjoy the hobbies, sports or activities that you have come to love.
Esox1850
Posted 9/20/2014 10:10 AM (#731020 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: RE: Musky Dads




Lots of great ideas here. I second quite a few of them. Games, Ipads (just watch cause my little on almost tossed ours overboard), snacks, etc. Also got him a pair of cheap sunglasses because he always wants to wear my expensive pair! My wife and I hang out with him in the boat in the garage as well. He enjoys pushing all the buttons on the cd player, marine radio, sonars just everything! Always have to make sure hooks, baits, rods and tools are put away or those will be picked up.

We do short trips as well but he has napped on the water so bring a blanket and pillow. Minnows or walleyes in the baitwell or livewell is a good 15 minute diversion. Keep a tub of wipes handy too:-)

Our lil guy was about 15 months here on the boat watching the boards and keeping an eye on the rod, guess he wanted first dibs on the fish! 18 months now and he will routinely reel in outside boards into inside boards and make a mess but he has fun with it. Next summer he'll be a little bigger and will have a more comfortable life jacket. He hated it at first but we started putting it on him while the boat was in the garage and he got used to it. At his age, I definitely have to have a second person in the boat to keep an eye on him. Anything not bolted down he has attempted to throw overboard.

Lastly watch the days you go out weather wise. You don't want them to have a bad experience in rough water or foul weather. Start out slow and next thing you'll have a fishing partner for life.


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Lucky Loon
Posted 9/23/2014 7:50 AM (#731435 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 60


Location: Colgate, WI
Early on, my wife and I committed to an annual drive-in Canadian vacation (son was 5 daughter was 3). Not really fishing trips; but beaches, swimming and shore lunches with some fishing mixed in. As they got older each of them got their own tackle box and every year we'd set them up with some new lures that we knew worked where we fished. With the lures came some nice gear and slowly more time fishing. My son really started to get into it when he was eight. We got involved with some local friendly Bass and Walleye club fishing events, where he got to be "one of the boys".

Five years later, my son (now 13) is a diehard and spent 2 weeks with me in Canada. And he was the master angler of the trip with 39" and 41" Pike along with his first Musky 36.5". My daughter had a bit of a down summer, due to a broken arm, but she will be back. She really missed throwing baits for Bass and Pike, but still got to due some one-armed trolling with the assistance of a rod holder.

The jury is still out on my youngest daughter (now 6), but she loves going to Canada, so I know there's hope that I'll have a partner in the house for many years to come.

As many have already stated; Always let the kids have fun, always invite them to join you, don't beat them up over a mistake that costs you a fish and help them have some ownership of the activity (tackle box, big kid rod and reel, sit in your lap to "drive" the boat, encourage them to understand and be comfortable handling fish, etc...).

So many children will never have a great outdoor experience, if you can expose yours to the greatness of the outdoors don't pass up the opportunity.

Blair

ShutUpNFish
Posted 9/23/2014 9:33 AM (#731464 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads





Posts: 1202


Location: Money, PA
Simple: Trips should ALWAYS be on their terms at that age....As much as we want to stay out there and fish, fulfilling our passion...realize they do not have it yet and will get bored easily and quickly. The last thing you want to introduce to them is a BAD experience....Start simple, with bluegills, bass or pond/creek stuff...let them frolic in the water and throw rocks in if they want. Be patient and have fun....And #1 rule is LEAVE YOUR OWN RODS AT HOME!

It won't take long before they will be begging you to go fishing....Good Luck!

Edited by ShutUpNFish 9/23/2014 9:34 AM
FISHFINDER101
Posted 9/23/2014 10:16 AM (#731474 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 345


Location: Poynette WI.
My daughter is 3 and everytime she see's a muskie she says "dad thats your favorite fish right". I love her, its the best feeling in the world watching her grow up and figure things out. When she comes with me, I let her help drive the boat, camera and the net. She has already netted a couple for me and takes great pictures. I make sure she knows how proud I am of her all the time. I'm pretty good at thinking ahead of things to keep her happy while out in the boat. I also teach her about having patience as well. When I can tell she has had enough, especially on the days nothing is bitting, I focus on just her until she is happy and content. I also have to bring the portable potty chair, which has saved me many trips back to shore.
sworrall
Posted 9/23/2014 10:42 PM (#731575 - in reply to #731474)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads





Posts: 32886


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
I raised a couple boys who love fishing and hunting, and both are passing the tradition on to my Grand-kids. Cole will hunt for his first trip into the woods during the Youth Hunt in October, and fishes with us regularly.

Keith now works full time for OutdoorsFIRST, and as a result gets some time on the water, but not as much as he'd like. Brian lives over in Ashland, and has a pretty active fishing based Facebook page.

I used to take the kids out of school to go hunting and fishing in October. The teachers questioned me (understatement), and each time I sent the boys back with cool stuff we picked up from the Wyoming prairie, a report from a visited museum, or images and a story of trips to national monuments and of the trophy antelope and mule deer they harvested. Never had an issue the next time I sent in a note they'd be gone for a week.

I introduced the boys to fishing from the bank, and they fished alot in local rivers, streams, and lakes getting there on bikes. Both took the first 'real' job they had at a resort on a lake about a mile away and both 'guided' part time just showing the lake to resort visitors and then more when they were old enough to acquire a license.

Neither had any issues transitioning to Muskies when they were 9 or so. Both still fish them now, many years later.

I still remember all the matchbox cars on the floor of the boat.

I'm not absolutely positive fishing and hunting made the boys stronger, better people, but they sure improved on the teacher.
Brad P
Posted 9/24/2014 12:31 AM (#731578 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 833


Great stuff in here. It's been said, but make it about your kid and when they have had enough, take them home. Keep it positive. Both of my boys have been in the boat since about 6 months of age. The 5 year is all excited to name 18" minnows and try to "catch a mom" this fall when it warm enough for him to be out. Daddy can't wait either.
Big Dangler
Posted 9/25/2014 9:11 AM (#731763 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: RE: Musky Dads




Posts: 59


check it




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qwert001
Posted 9/25/2014 10:40 AM (#731776 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: RE: Musky Dads




Posts: 25


my son has been musky fishing with me and my brother since he was about 4. have to agree with an earlier post, he is 19 and a freshman in college and he is already on the verge of being burned out. trips to LOTW every year, Vermillion in the fall Presque Isle in the fall, pelican lake musky league, he would rather take a walleye trip with me than musky. let them decide what they want to fish for. you have to expose them to other kinds of fishing then let them decide..... i enjoy fishing with my son so we go for what he wants to now, when we can.
Mike
MOJOcandy101
Posted 9/25/2014 11:09 AM (#731781 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads





Posts: 705


Location: Alex or Alek?
As a younger generation i grew up in a walleye house. I have many great memories of going out fishing with my dad and grandpa. taking trips to Canada and bringing all my hotwheels with. Reading this thread has brought some great memories back to growing up in a boat and all the things that my dad used to do to just get me on the water and actually enjoy my time out there. Everything i have read worked on me.

Now fast forward some time. My uncle takes me out Muskie fishing for the first time at age 20, we didnt catch anything but i had a follow that day, and saw 2 other fish and i have been a muskie fisherman ever since. I still go out for eyes with my dad, when there isnt a muskie option. He just laugh's and blames my uncle for "corrupting me" but im sure he's just happy that i am on the water.

Basically what im trying to get at is no matter what you try to steer them into, the biggest thing is have them enjoy their time on the water.
mnmusky
Posted 9/28/2014 8:28 AM (#732184 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




great day yesterday fishing with by 10 yo... trolling in 8ft of water he hooks a 53.5"giant, she was fiesty and ripped the rod out of my sons hands and pulled it into the water. thankfully, his rod crossed my line and we were able to get it before it sank or the fish took off with it. I eneded up reeling it in (at my boys request) with quite a fight and my boy netted her!
father and son tames the beast! freakin awesome times to remember!
brmusky
Posted 10/1/2014 7:07 AM (#732735 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 335


Location: Minnesota
My boys were casting baitcasters on their own when they were 6. Topwaters and cranks are mostly what they threw the first year or two. They love being able to do it. Once they figure it out and start casting well, they start to get bored unless there is something to keep their interest.
I got some advice a while back from a fishing guide/tournament guy - he told me that he spoiled his daughter on fishing and he thinks she isn't into it as much anymore because she got used to going out and catching 40 walleyes each time and a few big ones too. She started to not get excited about 26" walleyes and he knew it was coming to an end.

So from that, I am starting to believe that it doesn't always need to be about catching fish. It needs to be about having fun or making positive memories in the boat with the family and possibly friends. Some days that might mean catching lots of fish, some days it might be snacks and minnows, some days it might just be having fun goofing off with dad. And some days it might be some serious conversations about life shared between a son and his father.

At the end of the day, I believe that the kid has to have the impression that it was their day of fishing, not that they were along for the ride. They need to feel more important (loved) than a tag along.

My kids are still both under 10 so I don't know how it will all turn out but neither of them have ever said they didn't want to go with when given the chance. Good Luck Dads!
14ledo81
Posted 10/1/2014 3:53 PM (#732828 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads





Posts: 4269


Location: Ashland WI
My oldest son is 12. When I starting getting back into muskie fishing this summer (I had taken about a 10 year break), he wanted to try. He was starting to get somewhat discouraged when I kept catching the fish, but still wanted to go. Recently we hit a numbers lake and must have time it right. In 4 hrs of fishing, we boated 6 muskies. They were all 25''-30''. Best part is he caught his first two. He was pretty fired up.

I explained the difference between "numbers" lakes and "trophy" lakes to him. He still wants to hit the numbers lakes, so I made a deal with him. I told him we would alternate, one time he picks the lake, and the next time I do.
jaultman
Posted 10/2/2014 7:59 AM (#732921 - in reply to #732828)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 1828


I hate to wish time away, but all your stories are sure getting me pumped for my children's later years!

But these early years are a whole different kind of fun.
Chain Gang
Posted 10/3/2014 12:04 PM (#733141 - in reply to #730889)
Subject: Re: Musky Dads




Posts: 489


When I was 8 my dad started taking me on the familys "guys" fishing trip, which included my grandpa and his brother, my dad and his brother and my cousin and I of the same age. On this annual trip there was a big pike and big muskie contest that involved a $20 entry fee with cash prize and a custom yearly champion baseball cap. My cousin and I got spoiled on our first year by him winning the muskie contest with a 44" and me winning the pike with a 42". This gave us bragging rights for a whole year and set us up with an uncurable addiction for fish with teeth. I am now 27 and my dad is still my favorite fishing partner, but the addiction has caused me to buy a tuffy x190 and thousands of dollars in tackle (surgeon general warning: catching big fish may cause excessive spending). With that being said, for youngsters find a way to make it fun. Take them to lakes with both pike and musky, make up a contest, let them buy a new hot lure (my cousin and I picked out fire tiger for our first trip and they all laughed at us because no one had ever used it).
Many of my best memories I have are musky fishing with dad and grandpa. Makes me anxious to have one of my own so we can get three generations in the boat again.