by Mike Newell

One of the best parts of my job with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation was teaching thousands of kids to fish. I learned a few things when conducting these fishing clinics, and it paid off when it came to fishing with my son, which was my most enjoyable trip!

Keep it simple. My very first fishing class was a disaster. I wanted to teach about different kinds of fish, different kinds of tackle and lures and different methods of angling – way too much to expect of kids. I forgot the real reason that kids like fishing--it’s FUN!
Remember the cane pole or stick, with some line, a bobber and a hook? We caught grasshoppers or dug a few worms or grubs from the ground and away to the creek we ran. That is what beginning fishing is all about.

The equipment. A simple rod and reel are perfect for a child. The Zebco 33 is the best reel for beginners. It is a great, dependable reel with all metal casing, which makes it sturdy for a multitude of fishing trips. There are other good reels on the market, all for around $20. Just make sure the housing is metal and the rod is about five feet long.

Getting started. You should begin teaching your kids about fishing before you ever head to the water. Get a practice casting plug and tie it on, then teach them how to cast in the driveway or back yard. Make a game out of it. Place a target (a hula hoop works great) out on the ground and have them practice casting to the target. Short casts are best since most fish live close to the shore. My son used to pretend with his granddad that they were fishing from the back of the pickup bed.
Stress safety, accuracy and the correct way to make a cast. Practice will make the time at the lake more enjoyable.

Bait. When it comes to bait, simple is again the best plan. Almost every fish likes worms, so they are the perfect bait. Cartons can be purchased at the sporting goods counter of most stores, or if you prefer to go old school, dig them yourself.

Kids love action. We live in a fast-paced world, so choose a spot where they can catch fish quickly. Size doesn’t matter to them, so find a spot where the bobber will “dance.” Children aren’t looking for a “wall hanger,” just action, so think small.
If fish can’t be found in one spot, move. Don’t let the kids get bored. They can develop the patience that fishing brings later, but when they first start they need success.

Kids will be kids. Fishing should be fun, so think like a kid–short attention span, taking in the sights and sounds, the whole experience. Don’t get upset if all they want to do is play with the worms or throw rocks in the water. If they don’t have fun, they won’t want to come back.
Find other ways to enjoy time at the lake. You can look for frogs, dangle your feet in the water and both of you will enjoy the experience.

Keep it short. Going along with keeping it fun, keep it short. Set a time limit and keep them wanting more. I’ve always felt it was better to stop while the action was still going and they will want to come fishing again. An hour is plenty of time for the first couple of trips.

Celebrate success. Fishing is all about reliving memories. Telling fish stories and looking at pictures of your trip is a great way to ensure your kids want to go back out.
It isn’t all about the catch either! Praise them on their casting, how great they are at baiting their own hook, or how they took a fish off by themselves. Let them know how great it was just spending time together.

Have fun. This is the most important thing. Make going fishing a fun experience and your children will be begging to go again. The time you spend together can never be taken away, so get away from the phones and the video games and have a good time together. You’ll be glad you did!



Freelance writer and proud dad, Mike Newell, is a Lawton native and graduate of Cameron University. He has been a biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and a biology teacher.