JUNE 2017 • NEBRASKAland 47
W
ith summer in full swing many anglers
are heading to lakes and ponds across
Nebraska for a great day of fishing. When
you venture out, take your kids fishing,
too. To keep them interested, make the
day fun and adventurous.
Getting Started
Most young kids won't spend all day fishing, so allow
time for wading in the water, skipping stones, catching
frogs, floating sticks and leaves, playing ball and hide-and-
seek, collecting wild flowers and finding bugs. Join in the
fun as well. You may not get much fishing in, but you will
have spent quality time in the outdoors and you will spark
the interest in your child.
If you already fish, keep the simple basics of fishing in
mind when teaching kids. Children who have not fished
before will have the most fun and fewer tangles using small,
kid-sized rods with spincast reels – you will have fewer
problems fixing and untangling them, too. Spincast reels
allow casting by releasing a thumb button located on the reel
that is simple for kids to use.
Be prepared to tie the knots, bait the hooks and possibly
Taking Kids Fishing
...and keeping it simple
By Julie Geiser
Dillon Lorensen, left, Paislee Erickson and Lexus Erickson search for bait at a family fishing event at
Birdwood Wildlife Management Area in Lincoln County.
Spincast Reel
PHOTOS
BY
JULIE
GEISER