Question

Jun 30 2012

Matt Clay

Fry

Member Since :
2010
Number of Posts :
4

I would like to see if any members have good suggestions for taking my 5 year old son fishing.  He has been really wanting to go, and I have taken him to a few neighborhood ponds, but would like to take hime to a club lake.  Any places where he can easily catch large numbers regardless of species would be helpful.  Any tips on baits used for these locations would be helpful as well.  As you can see, and many of you know, keeping him busy is the key.  Thanks for your help!!!

Posted By: Matt Clay

Jul 01 2012

Steve Alexander

Keeper

Member Since :
2010
Number of Posts :
415

Matt,

I’m sure others will chime in as well.

About 10 to 30 minutes of fishing, depending on the kid, is probably all you can hope for unless the action is off the charts. You are right, the species is not important, it is the experience. I would recommend Canton China Grove. It is a small lake, well maintained, has a couple of piers and catching bluegills is a blast. I took eleven 9 year olds to China Grove this past spring and most of the kids fished for more than an hour, in fact, some fished for several hours. Each kid is different, with different interests and degrees of attention span. I would plan to stay the night, hike around the property, cook burgers and hot dogs, roast marshmellows, get in the hot tub, let him sleep in the loft, and visit the Athens Fresh Water Hatchery. You can do all this for $150.

Bring tiny hooks, light line, small bobber, and the least expensive, most gummy white bread you can find. Make a dough ball the size of a pea and within 30 seconds, 100% of the time you will have a fish.

Other good lakes to do this are; Van Alstyene-Jer Mar, Martins Mill-Lake side, Cleburne-Six O Ranch. But I think Canton China Grove is the best for a 5 year old.

Jul 01 2012

Robert Lundin

Keeper

Member Since :
2002
Number of Posts :
371

I would like to add a 5 gallon white bucket.  Just let him watch the fish swim in the bucket.  I agree china grove is ideal.  I would recommend six o at this time of year as you have a covered dock.  But staying at china grove over night is a lot of fun for the kids. And you can fish early morning and early evening.  TFFC is a blast for the kids too.  If you decide to fish in their 3 acre pond don’t use stink bait but take some cooked shrimp (51-60 size) to use as bait.  Use a bobber and 4 feet of line to the hook.  He will catch some whopper catfish.  Plus the fish tanks are loaded with fish, up close.