Basic Tackle Setup for New Fishing Family

[NoviceFishingDad]

Hello all,

I am a newly registered member, although I have been reading this forum for several weeks now. I have decided to get me and my whole family into fishing as our "Family Hobby". We have just recently taken delivery on a new boat and now need to make sure we have the right basic tackle.

I will be getting a whole set of Rapala crankbaits from a promotion from the new boat purchase, but need to get the basic stuff for a family of four (wife, and two boys - ages 5 and 2). Any recommendations on what type and size of basic hooks, jigs, bobbers, sinkers, lindy type rigs I should have to allow us to fish for the basic species here in MN (panfish and the larger game types).

I have looked at various tackle kits, but the quality seems inferior to the single package stuff - It may not matter, but I want to make sure I have the right basic stuff to make us successful enough to keep the boys interested in the sport.

I also wanted to mention that I have really gained a lot of great information from this site and all of the member posts. It helped tremendously in purchasing the boat and also to make the first few outings smooth and uneventful. I am so excited getting the family into fishing and this site will help us get up to speed quickly.

Thanks for any advice you care to provide!

ps - If this post is posted twice, I apologize, it seems my first attempt may not have worked so I tried it again.

[Slim Pickens]

Basic rod reel combos for the kids, and for you and the wife a medium action rod reel combo will do just fine to get you started possibly with trigger action on the reel if you're unsure about open face reels. Then after you get into the swing of it purchase some ultra-lites for pan fish, you have a medium action for eyes & bass, then medium heavy to heavy for northerns. A mid sized tackle box to start and grow from there.

[Guest]

Not really much to add.

These guys hit the nail square on the head.

Yep;
get basic, simple rod/reel combos.
Light line (4lb) for panfish.
6lb for walleyes
10lb for pike.

For sunnies:
light float
little jig
waxies/chunk of crawler/magot is all it takes.

Crappies:
light float
red hook/simple light jig head/ tiny twistertail/tube jig
minnow

Walleye:
Lindy rigs are soo easy for anyone to use.
6'6" medium graphite spinning rod (Berkley Lightning rod is great choice and cheap)
splip sinker
6' mono leader
red hook/red bead
crawler/leach/minnow

Pike: (you can use the same berkley rod or even go with a MH rod)
spoon
rapala
bass spinner baits
sucker/bobber

Bass: (same rods listed above for pike and walleye)
spinner bait
rapala
topwater (jitterbug, zaraspook)

keep it simple.
you can purchase boxes of jigs through Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's of various colors and weights.

Mostly keep it simple.
A bobber will catch panfish year around, as well as walleyes, pike and even bass!

------------------
Let 'em go so they can grow!!!

[Sliderfishn]

I live 15-20 minutes from you, I will help as much as I can. These guys are right on the money. START SMALL AND KEEP THEM BUSY.

[This message has been edited by Sliderfishn (edited 05-14-2004).]

[NoviceFishingDad]

Hello all,

I am a newly registered member, although I have been reading this forum for several weeks now. I have decided to get me and my whole family into fishing as our "Family Hobby". We have just recently taken delivery on a new boat and now need to make sure we have the right basic tackle.

I will be getting a whole set of Rapala crankbaits from a promotion from the new boat purchase, but need to get the basic stuff for a family of four (wife, and two boys - ages 5 and 2). Any recommendations on what type and size of basic hooks, jigs, bobbers, sinkers, lindy type rigs I should have to allow us to fish for the basic species here in MN (panfish and the larger game types).

I have looked at various tackle kits, but the quality seems inferior to the single package stuff - It may not matter, but I want to make sure I have the right basic stuff to make us successful enough to keep the boys interested in the sport.

I also wanted to mention that I have really gained a lot of great information from this site and all of the member posts. It helped tremendously in purchasing the boat and also to make the first few outings smooth and uneventful. I am so excited getting the family into fishing and this site will help us get up to speed quickly.

Thanks for any advice you care to provide!

ps - If this post is posted twice, I apologize, it seems my first attempt may not have worked so I tried it again.

[Skeets]

Hello, and welcome to FishingMN.

For Bluegills, all you really need is small jigs and or plain hooks rigged with bits of bait such as crawlers, waxies or leeches.
A small thin float and a bag of small sinkers and you are set.

For crappies, try using plastics. Small twisters, paddles and tubes all work good.
Expierement with different colors till you find a pattern that works best.

Panfish will keep your boys busy if you put them on fish. Spring and early summer is a great time to get the kids invloved in the great sport of fishing!

Good Luck!

[Wave Runner]

Welcome to the world of fishing and your boys are gonna love it. Start simple, as the previous poster indicated.

Get a selection of jigs in various sizes, learn to tie the proverbial "Lindy" rig and learn to rig a "slip bobber." For most of Minnesota situations these set-ups will get you a long way. None of this stuff is particularly expensive.

Always use fresh bait and keep moving if you're not finding any action. Have fun...

[This message has been edited by Wave Runner (edited 05-07-2004).]

[soldoncass]

Good basic info.
Go with an experienced fisherman a couple times if you can would really help your confidence.
Almost any tackle will work. go with the best quality you can afford(no snoopy rod and reels).
Learn about WHERE to fish- by or in the weeds or other cover. Small fish will be there for protection and big fish will be nearby looking for lunch.
Learn about setting your DRAG, very important for landing bigger fish. Helps to keep the heartbreak to a minimum.
Most of your kids will LOVE it , and you, for taking the TIME .
GOOD FISIN
I forgot to add, spincast(pushbutton) reels are more user-friendly for kids. Second would be open-face spinning reels. LAST would be baitcasting reels.
Enjoy the sport.

[This message has been edited by soldoncass (edited 05-08-2004).]

[Jarrod32]

I was going to make a comment on the reels, and soldoncass is right. I tend to like spinning reels, but at least for starters, use the closed/push button reels. Also, heed the comment on setting the drag correctly. Some of the standard reels here are the Zebco reels...the 33, the 202, the 404. I have a buddy who still uses his old Zebco 202 reel as a 'backup'. It's always with him, and it always works when he needs it.

[This message has been edited by Jarrod32 (edited 05-08-2004).]

[NoviceFishingDad]

Wow, what great info. I appreciate all of the input. I will probably print out this thread and go shopping the next day or so.

The family and I went out to Minntetonka today - Black lake or Bay I think. It seemed to be a good spot as there was 8 other boats there by the time we left. Unfortunately, no fish for the boys today. They did great though.

The five year old is already baiting his own hook. I tried a couple different snoopy rods and as they broke before we got to the lake I got him a micro spincast by shakespeare. It has a great feel and is the perfect size for him. He does pretty well with it, we have only had a few bird's nests to deal with. Although the best was when I got the tap on the leg and the sheepish voice telling me he dropped his rod. Luckily we were only in a couple feet of water so we got that one back.

I really appreciate all of the info provided to my questions. I am very excited about getting into this sport. Now I just need to get the boys into some fish.

If anyone has any lakes they could recommend in the Rogers area, I would greatly appreciate it. Sliderfishn, I may give you a call as I have a lot of family in your area and would be interested in what lakes to hit out your way. Perhaps, we could get out together some time if you ever have time.

I will keep everyone posted upon how the boys react to their first fish.

Thanks again!

[Slim Pickens]

Try Eagle lake in Maple grove 15 min drive, MAple lake in Maple lake 25min, Clearwater. I would goto some of the lakes NW of you to get out of the cities a little. Pleasent Lk in annandale is also good (30 mi.). GOOD LUCK

[Sliderfishn]

Please do call. I would love to get you and yours off to a good start. I have a 4 year old (girl) who begs to go fishing all the time. Lots of good lakes in this area to keep the kids busy and a few to keep the big kids busy as well

[Doonbuggy]

Medicine was hot for sunnies yesterday. I probably caught about 40-50. Pink jig, white plastic body, tipped w/ a waxie. 4-8'.

Access is thru French Park and on the west side there is a boat tieup that is near portapotties and a play area if they need to stretch their legs for a bit.

Plus the lake is big enough to fire up the engine and enjoy the new boat.

DB

[engr693]

I didn't read all the posts thoroughly, but I have just one recommendation for panfish. Buy the long shank hooks, it makes it easier to get the hooks out for releasing the fish cause they don't swallow the whole darn thing.

Fish On!
The Fishin' Engineer

[chief]

To All Posters On This Thread:

What a great thread, and what great, simple, and sensible advice!! This is what this site is all about.

NoviceFishingDad, a trip to a tackle store with any of these posters will save you, hassle, heartbreak, confusion, and a bunch of money. Good luck.

[NoviceFishingDad]

Another update.

Went out to Medicine yesterday - Doonbuggy - we love the lake - perfect for the boys and their potty breaks. Unfortunately we got blanked again. I fear I will have a mutiny on my hands if we don't get some fish soon. Although, we went withoug live bait as the goal for the trip was to explore a new lake (at least for us) and to put some time in on the new motor. As it took us 15 minutes from launch to the garage I think we will be back their often -especially for water and beach activities.

SliderFishn - thanks for the offer - you will hear from me soon.

Chief I agree with you - anyone live near the Maple Grove Gander Mountain who would be willing to take a look at what we got and help me round out the gear? I would be happy to host you on the new boat too.

Although the fishing has been slow (for us), I have already caught the fishing bug. I can hardly wait until we start landing a few.

Thanks again to everyone for the great advice!

[Sliderfishn]

I can be there in 20 minutes Anything to get the kids hooked on fishing. There is not a better feeling than when they ask, dad can we go fishing today? My dad always had time to take me and I want to return the favor for my kids or any kids for that matter. I still don't know who was more excited when I caught my 12-12 walleye, me or my father. You will happy when they start pulling in the sunnies or crappies. And just think how much fun they are going have. I think that all parents will understand this. If the kids are having fun so are mom and dad!! Sorry for the long post.

[tadpole]

beetle spins are easy to fish and will catch about anything. Try trolling. My wife loves to fish spinnerbaits in the weeds and reeds, easy to fish.

[ozzy]

If your fishing for panfish 2 things I wood look for 1 6-8 feet of water and 2 weeds and weed lines. set your depth so your bait is just above the weeds, dont be afraid to move until you find them. 20 mn each spot.

If you see a crowd or group of boats go the other direction, not all the fish are in one spot on the lake!!!!!!!!!! When you find some fish on your owe PRICE-LESS

good luck

------------------
crazy about fishing

[Bushwacker]

Great advice on the the gear!

I recently went shopping with my buddy who wanted to get some gear for his wife and their little boy. We got all of the stuff and went back to his place. I got him and his kid to go out in the back yard and have a casting contest. We used those little rubber casting weights and we cast at a simple rolled up hose from different spots in the yard and the kid had a blast. Anything that can keep a 4 year old entertained for a hour has to be fun. It might be a way to work on the kids' skills and make them even more excited about fishing.

[IFallsRon]

I'd avoid anything with a treble hook. I figure on getting caught at least five times on opening weekend.

[psegriz]

One thing I learned is to keep the kids interest high. I like to take kids off the lake while they are still having fun that way they can't wait until the next time. I made the mistake of staying out on the lake with one to long and she still doesn't want to go more than 1-2 times a year. The other one wants to go all the time, but I've kept the trips to a shorter lenght and they always want to stay longer than we do.

GRIZ

[Sportfish1850]

Novice Dad:

If you're having trouble getting fish while in the new boat, it could be because your concentrating a lot on the boat control and not so much on the fishing or locations and the kids are unused to a boat and its movement to pay attention to lines in the water. I'm a new boat owner myself but lifetime fisherman from shore or wading creeks. I've caught lots of fish in creeks, wading rivers, and from shore but the first couple of times in the boat this spring we did terrible because I was too focussed on the boat and its "toys".

So to get your kids that first fish experience I'd recommend taking your kids to a lake with lots of public shoreline and lots of fallen trees. Fish near some cover from shore (those fallen trees are great ambush points) with some live bait (wax worms, pieces of night crawlers, crappie minnows) on a slip bobber with the hook down about 24-36 inches below the float with a small split shot 8-12 inches above the hook. Keep the hook size reasonable for panfish and if they are really active, go barbless for easy release. In that type of location at this time of year its pretty hard NOT to catch a few small panfish of some type. For float types on panfish, use the slim line type float (pencil floats) as they go under with much less resistance than the bigger fat bodied types. Panfish strikes are often not very strong relative to a larger fish so a more sensitive float works best. Also remember some panfish feed up on hanging baits (crappies) and a strike is often indicated by the float coming out of the water and laying flat rather than going under.

A few tugs on the line and the excitement for the kids of seeing those first pan fish sets the tone for a lifetime love of fishing. I have 2 kids, one 11 and the other 8. Started both this way fishing near fallen cover on shore when they were 3 or 4. Small sunnies by the scads. Barbless hooks so we could toss em back and catch them again a day later. Years of shore fishing, wading, boat renting have followed. The other nice thing about being on shore is if the fish aren't co-operating, you can always break out a frisbee or enjoy a picnic lunch to make the outing a postive one. The guys who say keep it fun and keep the kids busy are right on. If they are bored, they'll associate fishing with the same excitement as a shopping trip for new shoes.

Now that we have our own boat every weekend since the ice out I've heard "Dad can we pleeeeze go fishing this weekend". My older son and I spend the most time fishing although my daughter loves it too and is out there casting every chance she gets. Its great to see an 8 year old girl lipping crappies to unhook them and baiting her own hook (my wife can't even do that). We've had good crappie luck on our two most recent trips this spring and even unintentionally caught three 2.# lb largemouth bass while in crappie locations. We released all 3 bass safely but the look on my son's face after catching the largest fish he's caught so far (a 2lb 4 oz bass) made it all worth it. He can't wait to catch his first northern and walleye this summer.

Good luck ! Getting your kids into this is an admirable thing. Take opportunity to teach the kids about nature on other species you see on the water and the value of conservation of the resource that is our lakes and fisheries. It not only is fun but they learn something too. Families that fish together do have closer ties and fishing kids are less likely to be troubled teens so I tip my hat to you on trying to get the family into this.

If you want to hook up sometime I'm keeping my boat on Mille Lacs this summer and will hopefully learn the good spots quickly.

[This message has been edited by Sportfish1850 (edited 05-13-2004).]

[Sportfish1850]

NoviceDad:

Thats great report. I loved the part about your boy telling anyone who would listen about his weekend. I am certainly willing to meet up with you at Mille Lacs. Here's the thing though, I am not a new fisherman, but I am a new boat owner and fairly new to fishing Mille. I have the electronic lakemaster maps and a GPS to help me find some of those spots that look so good on my PC but who knows if they hold fish or like my presentations. So I want to make sure I have a chance to check some places out before we do it. Lets think about a day on the lake later in June when the fishing is more predictable, I have narrowed down what look like good spots to a smaller list of truly productive spots, and the small mouth season is in full swing (Smallies are my favorite game fish for catch and release action after getting a couple of walleyes in the well for dinner). Hopefully by then I'll know a few places to hit for good success. You can e-mail me at [email protected] and we can work out details etc.

[This message has been edited by Sportfish1850 (edited 05-17-2004).]

[Sliderfishn]

GREAT to hear you and the kids got into some fish!! I have two little kids so I know how they can be at times. Anytime we can work it out I will show you how to use that locator better. If you have any other questions I will try to help. Thanks for the update.

[NoviceFishingDad]

Opener Update ---

First of all, I want to thank everyone again for all of the great advice.

A special thanks goes out to Sliderfishn - He and I spoke on the phone a few times prior to opener and talked through a lot of issues and tips. Then on Friday - the day before opener - he took the time to meet me at Gander Mountain to help get me and the boys get geared up for the opener. I really appreciate all of the time you were willing to share to help us get into some fish. I only hope the boys did not scare you off from going out some time. They really do well in the boat.

Now for the update :

My oldest son (5) and a friend of mine hit Medicine Lake at about 8:00 am. Stayed until 11:30 and only got one Pike about 2 1/2 pounds.

My boy and I then went to Green Lake in Chisago to meet his grandfather. We got on water at about 2:30 and left at 7:30. Well, we did not get any of the bigger game fish, but we did get into sunnies and crappies. My son landed 14 fish himself and got another 5 right up to the boat. Overall we left with thirty fish. Needless to say he was having a great time as he ended up being in the boat for over seven hours that day.

when I dropped him off at day care today, he was telling anyone who would listen about the trip and how many fish he caught.

I plan on trying some shore and dock fishing with him soon as Sportfish suggested. Also, Sportfish, I would love to hook up with you on Mille Lacs some time this year. Let me know how to connect with you if you are still willing?

Thanks again to everyone who responded and a special hats off to Sliderfishn - You're a real class act! Thanks again.