Where would you take a 10 yr old for his first fishing trip? What would you bring?

Question

Southern California.

Answer 1

Good for you. I have read more than one study that shows that when kids grow up fishing or hunting (spending time outside with a parent or adult mentor) that they tend to get in less trouble at school, commit less crime and do less drugs.

For a first trip I would keep it simple, keep it focused on the kid (not so much the fish) and keep flexible. I have three kids. My eldest son could not care less for fishing. I used to take him out with high hopes that he would like it like I do, but no.
My two young daughters though love it and have hiked back to remote brook trout streams infested with deer flies and mosquitos without a second thought. try not to push your love of the sport too much. Let them try to discover their niche on there own.
I would plan for a shorter trip (but make time to stay longer if need be).
Bring SIMPLE tackle. If you bring a huge tackle box full of every thing, they are more likely to want to tie on every thing in the box after every few minutes! If the child is able, teach them a simple knot before going, on nylon rope (like the improved clinch http://www.netknots.com/html/fishing_knots.html)
Gathering bait is fun for kids, or even going to the bait store. when they get involved with the activities surrounding the fishing they get a whole picture and might enjoy it more.
Take snacks, band aids, buckets for collecting things, if you have an extra rod bring it....(more than one kid has lost or broken a rod getting to learn the ropes), don't forget the camera!
The more simple the better. Try to pick a body of water that you know will produce fish under lots of conditions. Even if it means fishing for dinky panfish.

Answer 2

For the first fishing trip it has to be fun, exciting, and adveturous. But most of all you need to catch fish. I would say take him to a creek and walk the banks. To a kid its so much more exciting to be walking and fishing, instead of sitting on the bank and waiting. Plus if he doesnt like the fishing part he will have plenty to do along side the creek. And if he is up to it, you can possibly try to wade the creek as long as you know it wont be over his head. That makes the trip that much more exciting

As for the Bait.... Always use live bait for a first fishing trip. You always get bites, even if it isnt the BIG ones. The best to use would most likely be crickets. They move around a lot in the water and attract a lot of attention.

Answer 3

In So. Cal, I'd recommend a half-day fishing trip in early summer when the sand bass are biting. These are good-sized fish (12-18 inches for the most part), easy to catch, and good eating. You can rent the tackle (adults will need a license), buy food and drinks on the boat, and the crew will clean the fish on the way in for a small fee.

This time of year, however, the bite is often slow. The fishing is mainly for bottom fish, and the weather can be chilly. However, the boats aren't too crowded, so if there's a decent bite, it can be very enjoyable.
(Boats can carry up to 40-50+ people on summer weekends, this time of year they may get out with 10-15 or so.)

As to what to bring: Jacket, sunglasses, camera. Wear old shoes (the deck can get wet). Money for lunch and tips. Dikes (or nail-clippers) for trimming your line (Don't use a knife for this). If you think you may need it, seasick pills.

Answer 4

Kids get bored of fishing real fast. So the best thing to do is take him to a place where he can catch a lot of small fish in a short time. Once he has caught a few fish he will be hooked for life. Then the next time he goes fishing he will be more patient and will wait for the bigger fish to bite. I would take him to a city park that has ponds that are stocked with fish. Or to a private trout farm that allows people to fish for a small fee. Than give the kids a inexpensive fishing rod and reel......make sure the reel has a drag on it. Use bait to catch the fish.

Answer 5

For a child's first fishing trip, I would strongly suggest you take him out on a private charter. There's quite a few up and down the coast. Focus on one that is designed for kids. I think the best Captain for that job is Captain David Bacon. He's a very well known Captain world wide. He's located out of Santa Barbara Harbor. He is really good teaching kids and showing them hot spots and keeping them in on action fishing, so they don't get board. They also do tournaments and at the end of the year whatever group catches the most fish, they will receive a 2 foot trophy. His telephone number is [phone]
Have fun fishing!!

Answer 6

My advice would be to take them fishing for a short time, and you will be able to tell if they like fishing straight away without even asking generally by the look on their face, in southern CA you will be best off hitting the surf as its simple and so long as you cast for them it would be fine, don't fish with a multiplier however as its not the best for a beginner instead a fixed spool would be more suited. try to make sure you take them to a venue that is fishing well at the minute as then their chances of success will increase, talk to the local tackle shop for information on the best places to fish with a young one in your area. Other options would be to take him on a fully licensed charter boat that wa the skipper will be able to offer advice and even lend you the gear needed
http://www.newportlanding.com/

Answer 7

Just make sure that the first fishing pole that you get for him does not have an open real. It takes practice to learn how to cast a lure with one and stop it before it hits the water. Other wise the reel will keep on spinning.

Answer 8

OK you wouldn't want to take him to a local pond because they are boring you got to take him to a place that will be fun for both of y'all. taking them to a lake near by or if you live by the sea take them there because you have a better chance of catching fish dint go out and get a guide because they can be pricey and you dint all ways do well. there might be a fish farm around where you live and those are all ways good for young fisher men
what you would need to bring is a pole and bait live worms or minnows. PS i can guarantee that if you go down to your local out door store and ask them they are always good help

GOOD LUCK AND I HOPE I COULD HELP YA

Answer 9

One important thing ta' mention is what Dave G pointed out, that kids get bored! I might suggest bringing something that will hold their attention ~ something they have preference to other than fishin' ie., toys, books, games etc., just in case the fish ain't bitin'. Trust me I've taken kids many a' many times, howwwever the first time I could have kick myself in the "tush", for not knowin' what I'm conveyin' to you now ;(. Have added a link that'll give good basics of fishin' for both adults and kids. Go through entire site and you'll find a lot of interestin' pointers ie., bait, tackle, fishin' line, species of fish, how to clean fish and the list goes on ;). I've been fishin' for quite a FEW years (goin' on over 50) and there ain't anything that is not more cherish-able in this life-time, than seein' a kids eyes get the size of cue-balls and light up, landin' his/hers first fish. Good luck ta' both of ya', ESPECIALLY the 10 year old ;) ;)...

http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/fishing/kidsnfishin.htm
(there be a pop-up on this site so just be patient ~ it'll be worth it)

A few links of fishing areas in S. Cal., ya' might want to check out ;)...

Irvine Lake:
http://irvinelake.net/irv/vt.php?t=3

Big bear Lake and other areas in San Bernadino Moutains:
http://www.bigbear.us/fishing.html

Just found this link, that mayyyyyy just do the job for ya' ;)...
http://www.fishinglakes.com/

Edit: Yup, IIII's a' back ~ just thought ya' might want to check this link out ~ easiest way ta' tie needed fishin' knot's, mainly because it be animated ;)...
http://animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

Answer 10

1/2 trip on a head boat, no need to bring anything except maybe a game-boy in case the kid gets bored.