Spring is the perfect time to start getting the youngest of lads and ladies (3 to 4 years old) introduced to the lifelong sport and hobby of fishing. Sunny, warm, calm spring days are the perfect chance to get the kids—and the whole family—out fishing. Shore fishing can be fantastic, which makes it easy to keep kids interested, plus they don’t feel trapped in a boat if they want to explore a bit. Always remember that it’s about the kids—not you! It’s more than doing what you as the adult want to do; sometimes, that can backfire, and the kids will never fish again—so be careful.

There are plenty of ways to start the process of getting kids “hooked on fishing.” Here are a few starting points that should help.

Take kids shopping

Take the kids shopping at the bait shop or tackle store. Let them look at all the fun, colorful lures; try to explain why and how they are different and what they might catch with the bait.

Let the kids pick out their own little tackle box and some lures to start filling it up. This gives them something to be proud of and a goal to “fill it up.” This also gives you great gift ideas going forward! Also, let them dig through your tackle box and snatch a few baits to keep; it makes them feel “grown-up.”

Get them child-sized gear

While at the bait shop, take it one step further and let them pick out a fishing rod/reel combo. Depending on the age of the kids, it could be anything from a 24-inch long “Barbie” pole, to a short, 5-foot spinning combo for the bigger kids. Be careful to stay away from cheap junk, though. It will only frustrate you and the kids when it fails.

Let them keep their fishing rod in their room (maybe take the hooks off) so they can see it daily. Show them how to carry it around so they don’t break the tip off their new prize.

Enjoy springtime bobber fishing

Take advantage of warm, spring days. Some of the best shallow-water bobber fishing for crappies or bluegills occurs as they invade the shallows, often within reach of shore. Who doesn’t like to see a bobber go down? I look forward to it every spring. There’s nothing like sitting on the dock, bobber fishing for crappies. It’s also a perfect time to teach casting skills. The shallow bobber setting, and the weight of the bobber, helps sail the bait a long distance—even with a short, kid-sized fishing rod.

Scout a productive spot

You may want to go scout around and find that spot before you bring the young ones. Once you do, remember that you’re the fishing guide and they want action! Action will keep them occupied. Big or small fish doesn’t matter—you need numbers! If you have a chance to fish and you get a bite, hand the rod over and let them catch it. Once again, it’s about the kids! Some kids will fish all day, while others will want to cash it in after only an hour—even if they are catching fish! When they are ready to quit, you have to quit.

Start this year. Kids grow up fast, and soon they will move out of the house. Take advantage of this time you have with them to teach them something they can enjoy for a lifetime.

You’ll find plenty of helpful spring fishing tips in the April and May issues of MidWest Outdoors. Subscribe on our website.