3) Target fish that are
easy to catch.
Teaching
Your Kids to
Many of Western New York’s wa-
ters are full of smallmouth bass, walleye
and other exciting gamefish. However,
these fish are typically smart, warry and
shy — that’s part of the reason they’re
so celebrated by advanced anglers. But
your kids will have a much better chance
of catching some of the bolder and more
abundant species, such as the various
sunfish, perch, and catfish in the state’s
waters. These species — particularly
bluegill and other sunfish — are often
very aggressive feeders, who can be
caught with a variety of baits.
4) Use real or live bai ts.
in Western New York
— by Jon Sutton
W
estern New York is
home to some of the
most beautiful vistas
and scenery in the country, and outdoor
recreational opportunities abound. Fish-
ing is a great way to enjoy some of these
beautiful landscapes, and it is a fantastic
way to spend the day with your family.
Most children love learning how to fish,
and it can often become a lifelong hobby
for them.
But, it is important to ensure your
kids have a good time while learning the
basics. You don’t need to go to any great
lengths to do so — teaching your chil-
dren to fish isn’t brain surgery. You’ll
just need to employ a few helpful tips
and tricks.
1) Set your youngsters
up with age- and size-
appropriate equipment.
One of the most common mis-
takes parents make is providing their
youngsters with equipment that is ei-
ther too large for them to control or too
8 WNY Family June 2018
complicated for them to use. So, don’t
hand them your old 7-foot-long bait-
casting rig. Instead, buy or rent them a
5- to 6-foot-long spinning or spincasting
combo. Most big box retailers and sport-
ing goods outlets have beginner fishing
kits, which contain everything they’ll
need – including the rod, reel, fishing
line and a handful of lures — for less
than $20.
2) Pick a kid-friendly
fishing location.
Ideally, you’ll want to teach your
kids the basics of casting, reeling, and
hook-setting in a wide-open area that
isn’t cluttered with overhanging trees
and other hazards. Fortunately, there are
a number of such locations at most of the
major local waters, including Lake Erie,
Lake Ontario and the Niagara River.
However, you’ll often find even better
fishing spots if you check out the small
ponds in public parks. It’s also wise to
seek out a place with a bathroom, for
convenience sake.
Serious anglers often use artificial
lures to catch fish, but in the hands of
beginners, artificial lures rarely work
very well. Many artificial lures require
significant skill to animate in a manner
enticing to fish, and they’re likely to be-
come snagged on the myriad underwater
hazards in most lakes and rivers. Instead,
tie a hook to the end of your youngster’s
line, and thread a worm, leech, or cricket
on the hook. Tie a float about 1- to 2-feet
above the hook if you are fishing for
perch or bluegill. However, you’ll want
to swap out the float for a sinker if you
are chasing catfish, as they prefer feed-
ing near the bottom.
5) Fish alongside
your kids.
While you can never guarantee that
your kids will catch fish, you want to do
everything possible to maximize their
chances. One of the best ways to do so
is to keep your own line in the water, as
you are more likely to get bites than your
kids are. Then, when you get a nibble,
you can set the hook and pass off the rod
to one of your kids. This will allow them
to battle the fish to shore and enjoy all of
the glory. Be sure to alternate between
your kids so that everyone has a chance
to reel one in and take plenty of photos
of your kids holding up their trophies.
Above all else, just try to maintain
a positive attitude. Provide plenty of
encouragement when times are tough