Kid-friendly fishing

So, you're going to take the kids fishing. Here are some tips to keep them occupied:

Fish for fish that are easy to catch (perch, panfish and bass seem to always be eating). If the kids are casters, I suggest having them cast Scum Frogs in the lily pads one calm morning. See how excited they get when a bass comes blasting up after one of these baits.

Keep a few fish that you catch and put them in the live well, if you have one. This will keep them busy throughout the trip.

Bring snacks and drinks (no Cheetos).

Pick a nice day.

Leave when they want to leave so they will want to keep fishing with you for years to come.

Bring some fish home to clean and eat. My kids like to watch me clean fish and especially look to see what is in their stomachs.

Bobber fish.

Take them relatively early in the morning, before they get too cranked up. Mellow anglers are good anglers.

I have had quite a bit of experience fishing with kids, and if you follow some of these general tips, I think you might have a fisherman/woman for life. You don't absolutely need a boat, either. Some fun fishing can be done from the shoreline if you pick the right lake.

Bring the kids out July 10 for Kids Fishing Day. They will get to experience a lot of neat stuff.

WALLEYEDAN Eigen may be reached at (218) 839-5598, walleyedan@brainerd.com or www.walleyedan.com.