any advice for taking my little one fishing

[UphillHabit]

I’m thinking about taking my 5-year-old out to fish for the first time. I’ve seen some small rods at the local store, but I’m not sure if they’re worth it or if I need something better. I didn’t really fish growing up, so I’m looking for any simple tips or setups that work well for kids. I just want to make it a fun experience and hopefully catch a few fish!

 

[Dieselden454]

My suggestion is to go to Walmart's or Dicks & get him a spinning reel & rod combo to get him started, spool the reel with 6lb or 8 lb. line & take him fishing for small fish, like sunnies or bluegills & see if he likes it or not. If he seems to like it later as he gets a little older take him saltwater fishing on a party boat on a nice day & start him out on seabass which is a very easy fish to catch and will get him hooked forever. I did this with all my sons & they all love fishing & have their own boats & we are fishing all the time together. They taught their sons & we all fish together. Then when your saltwater fish you can enjoy the rewards of eating the fresh fish you catch!

 

[mattfish11]

5 years old is about the right time for bobbers and a tiny worm. Float them around brush, fallen trees, aquatic vegetation. You'll be busy reeling in the sunfish. It's perfect.

Some tips - bring snacks and his favorite juice. Don't plan on spending too much time fishing, chances are boredom will take over - then you know it's time to pack it up. Just the nature of a 5 year old.

Let me know where you live and what area of the state you are looking to fish and I'll make some more specific recommendations.

 

[mako7]

Get a cheap kid's rod like the Ugly Stik GX2 combo it's tough and easy for a 5 year old to hold. Use a bobber with a small worm for bluegills they bite fast and keep it fun. Take snacks definitely and keep the trip short like an hour or two. @mattfish11 where you fishing in your state?

 

[mattfish11]

Get a cheap kid's rod like the Ugly Stik GX2 combo it's tough and easy for a 5 year old to hold. Use a bobber with a small worm for bluegills they bite fast and keep it fun. Take snacks definitely and keep the trip short like an hour or two. @mattfish11 where you fishing in your state?

I'm fishing in North/Central Jersey. I'm lucky enough to have a boat so I get get out on some of the bigger water. Round Valley & Spruce Run and great for kids.

 

[mako7]

I'm lucky enough to have a boat so I get get out on some of the bigger water.

oo, yeah. I guess you caught some big fish out there, right?
It must be awesome with the boat.

 

[Brainyy]

I took my niece fishing for the first time when she was five. I grabbed a small, kid-friendly rod with a simple spin-cast reel, used worms for bait, and kept the trip short. She was thrilled when she caught her first bluegill, and the smile on her face made all the prep worth it. We kept it fun, let her cast as much as she wanted, and even caught a few more fish before packing up