48 NEBRASKAland • JUNE 2017
even make the casts. You may have to take the fish off of
the hook when the kids land one, but let them know they can
lend a hand at any time. Be sure to let them reel in the fish,
as that's the fun part and it is a good learning experience and
confidence builder for the future.
Use simple baits – worms, grasshoppers, crickets or
minnows on a small hook with a bobber and split-shot
weight that are fished on the bottom. These allow the fish
to find the bait instead of the repeated casting required
when fishing with lures. However, older kids will like to
cast and reel; the constant casting and reeling keeps them
busy.
To keep kids' attention, fish lakes containing species that
are easily caught such as trout, bluegill, crappie, bass and
carp. Then, pack a simple sack lunch, snacks and drinks that
can be enjoyed by everyone in the group. An outdoor meal,
complete with a blanket for a midday picnic, may just be the
most exciting part of the day for a young angler.
Finally, make the trip short if needed. It is better to leave
when the kids start to lose interest so they remember the
fishing trip as a happy time. Don't have a set time frame. It
is better for children to leave wishing they could stay a little
longer than for them to wish they had left sooner. These
trips will cement relationships and introduce kids to nature,
the value of the environment, and the importance of fish and
game laws. They will learn about a sport that they can enjoy
their entire lives, and you will spend quality time making
memories together.
PHOTO
BY
DOUG
CARROLL
PHOTO
BY
JULIE
GEISER
Introduce young
anglers to fi shing
strategies,
including how to
properly bait a
worm on a hook
in loops.
Anglers participate in a Family Fishing Night at Bowling Lake in Lancaster County.
Lexus Erickson is pictured catching
large bluegill out of a small pond.
The bluegill were just short of master
angler status.
