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| I know how difficult it can be taking your kids fishing - trust me. Fortunately my five year old boy has become rather independent when it comes to casting, retrieving, removing weeds from baits, etc. He looks just like a little man - lol.
My question is for those that have guided or merely had experience taking kids musky fishing. What would be an ideal setup for a child (rod, reel, line, and bait)? Obviously, the bait is going to be whatever they are comfortable throwing and working. My little guy has boated one musky this year (22"), and did a swell job. We go together as much as possible, and I don't want to see him lose a nice fish by using the ultra-light rod with a light line.
Any suggestions?
Thanks much,
Chris |
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| My little girl is almost three and I love to get her out there. I do have a 12 yr old limit in my boat for clients and the kids. I do that for safety reason only.
But if when my daughter turns 4 I will start her out with a light bass rod, pistel grip and a Zebco 888 with 20lb test. That Zebco reel has some good gearing and will take a normal sized muskie. The rod should be no longer then 6 ft and be easy to cast. You want your child to learn how to load up a rod and let the rod pitch the bait. Use small mepps #5 and assorted bucktails and they will have a blast.
The most important thing is to have fun, take breaks and let them enjoy their day in the boat with dad. Stop and fish bluegills and crappies too, let them learn how to catch and handle fish. Take them to Canada and let them catch 8 billion pike, thats also a great way to learn.
Thats how a good fishing relationship is built. Thats how I plan to teach my daughter.[:bigsmile:] |
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| Among the most important factors in having kids enjoy their time on the water is to have quality equipment. Nothing can get them to dislike fishing more than a reel that can't cast. I started my kids out with a 48" graphite rod and a Zebco 33
reel. The set saw the lake water on more than one occasion,
(hint: it doesn't float!) The steel insides of the Zebco 33
clean up quite readily. I also recommend some sort of strap
to keep the rod from slipping out of their little hands. |
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| My son Brian got his first big Walleye, 7#, when he was 4, and his first Muskie when he was 10. Keith, his younger brother, git his first Muskie when he was 9.
I agree with Steve, equipment is key. I started my kids on spinning tackle, and graduated them to bass size casting reels at 9.
Jason's daughter talks fishing with the best of us, and may even give her 'old man' a run for his money someday. Jason has a great picture of his wife and daughter teaming up on a Pewaukee legal a few days ago, watch for it on site!!
By the way, Steve and Jason have a handle on kids and fishing, and both are excellent sources for questions from those of you that are just getting your kids started.[8)] |
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| Thanks for your replies guys.
I've tried the Zebco line of reels, but they tend to tangle quite a bit on me. What kind of lines do you suggest on these reels? I've been using Trilene mono lines, and having trouble with them after cleaning and lubricating properly. He is currently using an open face shimano reel with no problems casting or reeling. Would that be OK with a stronger rod?
Steve,
My boy is truly giving me a run for my money! Especially when it comes to Walleye fishing through the ice. He beat me last winter. He caught a couple last year with the largest being 22" - 4lb (Jenkins can attest, he saw the photos). I am amazed how apt he is at working his equipment at 5 years of age. He has his own tip-ups, ice poles, even his own shanty. It will be a little while before he beats me on the open water Muskies, but I know it's coming! lol.
Thanks again All... |
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Posts: 7
| I'm 12 and i started when i was 6 and i have caught 2, a 42 in. and 28 in. When i started i had a 6 foot St. Croix with a small silver Abu Garcia reel. Nolan |
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