Bass Class: Getting started

The bobber miraculously disappeared from sight. Almost simultaneously, a squinty-eyed youngster let out a wallop. The excitement and anticipation generated by the bobber’s dance would not be matched for another dozen or more years when this same kid would sit behind the wheel of his first car.

With all the might a 6-year-old could muster, the rod jerked back in one swift awkward motion. Unbeknownst to this budding angler, the fish had hooked itself. But the delay between setting the hook and the disappearance of the bobber was of no consequence this day.

After the ensuing battle, which seemed to last for hours, a hefty 9-inch-long bluegill was hoisted onto shore. Smiles and pride filled the youngster – and his father. Thereafter, each subsequent fish solidified the bond between child and parent. It also instilled the angling adventure into this future bass fisherman.

Many of those reading this article were hooked on fishing in a similar manner. What we must do now is continue our fishing legacy by teaching youngsters about the sport and the outdoors. As part of the FLW’s commitment to youth fishing programs, this first in series of adult-oriented columns to help parents teach their children about fishing.

Getting started

Experienced anglers have several ways to pass their fishing knowledge to youngsters. Perhaps, the most basic teaching style is one-on-one with a daughter or son. Such parent/child fishing trips often provide quality time for discussions about life and other concerns.

Anglers may also take part in various fishing programs, like the Aquatic Resources Education Program. Every state now offers such a program, paid for by the Sport Fish Restoration Fund. These A.R.E. programs are designed to teach larger groups in both classroom and on-the-water settings.

The Boy Scouts and 4H groups also have well-defined fishing programs. With all the above programs, volunteers are needed to make a commitment. Teaching kids to fish is not a single-lesson ordeal. Instead, it is a long-term project of many lessons, numerous fishing trips and constant refinements – all of which will be remembered for a lifetime.

Gearing up

Over the years there have been plenty of articles urging parents to buy top-quality gear for their children. These purchases are fine for the older, more responsible student who has advanced beyond bluegills and perch. However, it is quite unnecessary for the very young or novice fisher. In future columns, we will discuss starter tackle for different age groups.

In the meantime, pushbutton Zebco 33 reels and matching poles make excellent children’s tackle. Kids, especially younger children, often have trouble coordinating fingers with spinning reel bails and baitcaster thumb bars. They find pushbutton reels very easy to master when learning how to cast. Such tackle, available at any Wal-Mart Store, is also easy on the adult’s wallet.

The only other tackle items needed are some small bait hooks and bobbers. As for monofilament line, don’t skimp on quality here. Lost fish can turn a good trip into a frustrating one. To prevent line tangles and breakage, pick a soft, flexible fishing line between 8- and 12-pound test.

Perhaps the best training gear an instructor can have is a livewell or pail. These water-fillable containers simply fascinate kids. Children enjoy watching their catch swim around in the water. They are even more intrigued by the assortment of aquatic life that is often found among the fish. Both the fish and the aquatic insects make excellent teaching aids. Plus, the livewell will reinforce our endeared catch-and-release ethic.

As anglers entrusted with the sport for this new century, we must reimburse our tutors by teaching the youngsters of today. I can still remember some of those early days of bobber fishing for perch. Since that time, I have always enjoyed the sport. However, if it were not for the patience of an experienced angler teaching me the ins and outs of fishing and the environment, you would not be reading these words now. Worse yet, I would have missed out on some of the best parts of living.

The next Bass Class column will help young anglers deal with impatience. We’ll help you answer the question, “Are we there yet?”

Frank McKane Jr. is a nationally known outdoor writer with over 4,000 magazine and newspaper pieces published during his 12-year career. He caught his first fish at 6 months of age and, ever since, has studied the ways of the outdoorsman. With a degree in environmental chemistry, he is dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting outdoor sports for children and adults.