Ideas for an 8 y/o boys first time fishing?
Mississippi Fishing
Feb 2, 2024 04:49:27 #
Hi, I'm just here hoping I can get some pointers on taking my 8 year old boy fishing for the first time. I haven't been in years, and I really want him to have a good time. Any suggestions on well, everything, would be so welcome! What's a good pole for a kid the first time around? Something sturdy because he's pretty rough, but easy for him to handle? Takes him a little to get coordinated and he gets frustrated easy. I thought we'd just go with basic liver and a 10 lb line and give Lake Mary a shot this weekend. Pic of me and my dude, if it's allowed. Thanks for any ideas!
Feb 2, 2024 06:22:31 #
Starsha wrote:
Hi, I'm just here hoping I can get some pointers o... (show quote)
Not sure where you are. I would check the area and asked what the fishing is like. Your local bait shops should be a good start. Asked all kids of information you like to know. Make sure the are is safe.
Feb 2, 2024 06:47:11 #
Geez location would probably help a lot, duh! I'm in Mississippi. Thinking about going to the lake in Lawrence county. Haven't seen too many bait shops around here, but that's a great idea. Thanks!
Feb 2, 2024 06:49:59 #
1Oldboat42
Loc: Kearney, Nebraska
Starsha wrote:
Hi, I'm just here hoping I can get some pointers o... (show quote)
I grew up in Mississippi and was fishing from very early in life. The good ole Zebco 33 rod and reel was the one for us, after we graduated from a cain pole. If you are confident that the catfish are very active then the liver might be ok, but you have a young man who wants results now. Last summer we took our 7 year old grandson and 3 year old granddaughter fishing for their first time using night crawlers. You will find that your boy will get and stay interested quicker and longer if he catches. Don't worry about the size of fish, just anything that he can pull out of the water. Yes, talk to locals and in all seriousness make sure you are not in an area where the alligators are an issue. A fishing dock would be a good place to be. Have fun and who knows, he could catch a keeper.
Feb 2, 2024 08:17:03 #
Wow, thank you! It's been so long since I've been fishing, I totally forgot about night crawlers! Hes totally grossed out by worms, so that'll be fun! 😆 He has severe ADHD, yes, you're absolutely right, he wants instant results. I guess I was hoping a really big catfish would just swim up and be so thrilled at getting some liver it would just jump right on the hook? This being a dad thing isn't going so well for me, is it? I actually don't know how any of the fish are biting, but I did hear that Lake Mary Crawford was drained a few years ago to get rid of the gators and there are docks for fishing. Thanks for mentioning the gators.. I hadn't even thought about that😳 wondering if this is maybe a not so good idea now... I'm from California, when people out here say "make sure you're safe" I'm thinking gangs and drive-by shootings.. not alligators. You guys are awesome, thanks so much for the replies!
Feb 2, 2024 08:26:34 #
1Oldboat42
Loc: Kearney, Nebraska
My wife just said that the local Game Warden or the local Fish and Game Commission, or Game and Parks who are usually really helpful in getting kids into fishing.
Feb 2, 2024 08:27:05 #
Starsha wrote:
Hi, I'm just here hoping I can get some pointers o... (show quote)
Welcome to the fishing stage Starsha and little dude. Keep it simple with Bobber and hook and fish worms for panfish. Keep it easy for casting his pole so maybe a Zebco 33 or 202. What kind of Pole can you cast to help him, open-faced reel, maybe a dock runner combo. Walmart has everything you guys need to get started, even panfish kits with jigs an plastics. Like Troy said talk to the local bait shops an other fishermen. Most will help others. You Tube is a great resource also. Good luck girl and little dude, yes we all love pics so show off them smiles 😃
Feb 2, 2024 08:32:59 #
Fishing Couple wrote:
My wife just said that the local Game Warden or the local Fish and Game Commission, or Game and Parks who are usually really helpful in getting kids into fishing.
That's good advice guys, also watch for them snakes water moccasins are a mean snake 😳. Starsha if you click on quote reply under the post your answering it will help us all understand everything better. Good luck 👍
Feb 2, 2024 08:41:01 #
Starsha wrote:
Geez location would probably help a lot, duh! I'm in Mississippi. Thinking about going to the lake in Lawrence county. Haven't seen too many bait shops around here, but that's a great idea. Thanks!
I am in NC on the crystal coast I saw where you were and just made a suggestion. This site is world wide. If you go into the search engine and put your location down you will people in your area. You can PM them and get all the information you need. Probably can hook up and tag along.
Feb 2, 2024 11:58:40 #
Starsha wrote:
Hi, I'm just here hoping I can get some pointers o... (show quote)
Starsha, Welcome to the Stage. Nice to have you and the little guy here. I'm sure he has a name !
Anyway, ALL beginning kid anglers have a short attention span. So, maybe you wanna put the catfish on the back burner and go after sunfish and perch first. Much more numerous and quite easy to catch. As mentioned, crawlers are nearly universally eaten by freshwater fish of all kinds, and produce the quickest results. For a beginner, a closed face spinner, ( spin caster ) is the easiest to learn and use. You can try it out at home on the lawn with no hooks, just something to provide a bit of weight. The less snag-able the better.
Zebco makes nice outfits, inexpensive and easy to handle. Recommend this type of gear for him, at least initially. By the way, he's a handsome little dude! Good Luck 🍀 .
Feb 2, 2024 12:09:20 #
bapabear
Loc: Blaine, Washington
Just remember kids get bored quickly. If they want to throw rocks in the water after 15 minutes, let them. It is all about having fun. My 40+ year old kids and teen grandson still remember how much fun they had trying to skip rocks after fishing. It was the highlight of the day. I highly recommend you do not take a rod for yourself to start. Make the time his. A treat on the way home never hurts. I also support the panfish idea. Kids do not care how big the fish are. In fact, most shy away from big fish. Patience and technique will come with time. Note: I required my young ones wear a life jacket whenever near water, on bank, dock and boat. I do the same thing. Nothing is better than lessons by example. Keep us posted. Thanks
Feb 2, 2024 12:46:31 #
You and the lad are in for a life time of good times! I would not buy him a kid's toy rod and reel. He is already big enough to handle a standard spinning rod and reel. Most box stores will have an assortment to choose from. It doesn't have to be expensive, just serviceable.
Do you know how to use one? If not both need to get in an open space and practice before you go fishing. I had the honor of teaching my great nephew how to cast. I want to tell you he was so attentive, much more than in anything else we ever did. He was so intent on learning he really paid attention and did a good job.
Be patient and you will help him make some lifetime memories! Just Sayin...RJS
Do you know how to use one? If not both need to get in an open space and practice before you go fishing. I had the honor of teaching my great nephew how to cast. I want to tell you he was so attentive, much more than in anything else we ever did. He was so intent on learning he really paid attention and did a good job.
Be patient and you will help him make some lifetime memories! Just Sayin...RJS
Feb 2, 2024 13:23:50 #
Starsha,
Welcome & my 2-cents.
Definitely agree with the suggestion of worms, bobbers and nightcrawler pieces (not the whole thing; just enough to cover the hook).
Though not a catfisherman, I think it is something like throw it out there and wait. This is what kids do worst.
They can have a blast just watching that bobber bounce around with the nibbles.
Keep it simple.
Lastly, and I think pretty important:
You want him to catch one on one of your earliest tries at it.
So I always recommend a scoping/scouting run before you go after them.
Pick you body of water and go there and observe what people are doing and using.
Talk to them.
This prep step can increase your readiness.
Note that Stagers thrive on photos. Don't forget that camera.
I expect you don't need me to tell you that you have one good looking young man there. Great picture.
Stephen
Welcome & my 2-cents.
Definitely agree with the suggestion of worms, bobbers and nightcrawler pieces (not the whole thing; just enough to cover the hook).
Though not a catfisherman, I think it is something like throw it out there and wait. This is what kids do worst.
They can have a blast just watching that bobber bounce around with the nibbles.
Keep it simple.
Lastly, and I think pretty important:
You want him to catch one on one of your earliest tries at it.
So I always recommend a scoping/scouting run before you go after them.
Pick you body of water and go there and observe what people are doing and using.
Talk to them.
This prep step can increase your readiness.
Note that Stagers thrive on photos. Don't forget that camera.
I expect you don't need me to tell you that you have one good looking young man there. Great picture.
Stephen
Feb 2, 2024 13:58:45 #
Wahoo lat 18
Loc: St Thomas USVI
Zebco closed face spinning rod n reel combo set is perfect,bobber,small hooks and worms n u r ready to catch panfish. A pair of needle nose pliers will b handy.everyone right it’s all about fun and the treat on the way home is a plus. My only difference is if u have a catfish setup I would bring cast it out n let it sit while u fish with him,if u hook one up let him reel it in .have fun send some pics
Feb 2, 2024 14:14:32 #
Starsha,
One last re-reinforcing comment as some of your commenters brought back some memories.
Skipping rocks at days' end can be a real highlight.
Go seek out some flat rocks before you go if they are not handy from your fishing point.
Stephen
One last re-reinforcing comment as some of your commenters brought back some memories.
Skipping rocks at days' end can be a real highlight.
Go seek out some flat rocks before you go if they are not handy from your fishing point.
Stephen
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