Flounder Season is official anglers will hit the beaches and party boats alike this week. Over the next few weeks we should get a good feel on winter flounder results in the Garden State. Anglers are also pursuing keeper bass. From Little Egg Harbor South reports are slowly coming in. Cliffwood and Keyport Beaches are starting to show signs as well. As ocean temperatures begin to rise in April so should the activity. Log onto NJSaltwaterfisherman.com for real-time reports all week long.
I wanted to share with you some tips on how to get the kids into this great family sport of fishing. When I was a kid my dad slowly introduced my brothers and I into fishing from fresh water to saltwater with these beginner techniques. You will truly be hooked if you have a good first time experience. Theses tips will improve those chances 10 fold.
The first thing you need to decide is where to fish. I know from my own experience fresh water is the best place to start. There are so many great public parks in NJ with ponds and lakes stocked with fish so utilize them, they are yours to use.
I suggest if you don’t have a pole go to a local Sports Authority, Wal Mart and get a push button cast reel and pole. Kids under 12 will do just fine with a $15 combo rod and reel some even come with hooks and tackle. My son caught more fish with his Spiderman Wal Mart combo and my daughter with her Barbie doll combo than we could count.
Get some small hooks the smaller the better, Eagle Claw size 10’s will do. Next buy a few red and white bobbers the bigger the better. I highly recommend you also bring along a bucket, rag, a pair of small needle nose pliers and don’t forget a camera. Next you will need bait. Don’t worry worms are not necessary. Trust me, for fresh water pizza dough or a hotdog will work like magic. Simply tie the hook to the end of the line, clip on the bobber about 3 ft above the hook and a pinch of dough on the hook and you are ready to cast your line. Children under 14 usually don’t need a fishing license but you will if you plan to fish with them. Not a big deal you can get one at most bait shops, Sports Authority, Dicks and or the concession stands at the park.
Sun fish and Blue Gills are your most likely target and usually will hit the line when it first hits the water within a few feet of land. When the fish hits and pulls the bobber under your kid will have the time of their life fighting his or hers first fish and memories that are priceless for both of you. Now that you landed your trophy you need to remove the hook. Grab the fish with the rag to avoid the sharp spines on the dorsal fin. Gingerly remove the hook with the pliers and release the fish back into the water. Don’t forget to take a picture first. Don't forget always clean up before you leave.After a season or two of fresh water fishing you will be ready to convert to salt water fishing.
This is how I learned from my dad and I have passed this information on to co-workers and friends over the years. The success stories from so many families that have tried these methods are incredible. I have actually made a difference in families who would never think about taking there kid’s fishing are now doing so every chance they get. I hope this article makes a difference in your family fishing adventure and you too pass on your experience to others. Thanks dad.
Fish On
