I remember my first fishing trip so vividly, it brings tears to my eyes. One of my older cousins took my siblings and me, on a fishing trip. Actually it was more of an afternoon at the creek but it made a great impression in my book. I will never forget that first, ugly, little, yellow bullhead, I pulled out of the water. It was creepy looking and made some strange, grunting noise and, I was afraid to touch it but, I was instantly hooked on fishing. That was my first fishing experience and the one that made me fall in love with the sport. There were three little girls fishing that day and one boy and I know that three of the four of us still enjoy a good day at the lake, creek, river or anywhere we can catch some nice fish. Now that I am older, I also like to take the little ones fishing. The impression it leaves can sometimes last a lifetime.

Most small children do not mind if the fish they catch are little. They do not care what kind they are either. They just have fun with catching the fish. They usually want to keep them and they most often do not care to clean and eat them. The float going under and reeling in the catch is what it is all about for a child. Children do not require super expensive equipment for a day of fishing. The old fashioned cane pole is probably the easiest to teach them on. That is especially true if the kids are under seven years old. Trying to figure out a rod and reel is a serious distraction from the objective at hand. I always suggest using a cane pole for the little ones. Avoid the cartoon character models that are sold at all cost.

The Cartoon Poles Are Cute BUT......

I have found, from much experience, that these poles do not function very good and they tend to create frustration. You are out to have fun with the children so do not hamper their fun with a piece of commercial, low quality equipment. Buy them a cartoon T-shirt instead and use a rod and reel that will function properly. You can pick up a cane pole cheap, buy some fishing gear at a used sporting goods store, purchase a less expensive new pole or let them use some of yours. We always keep extra fishing gear for company to have and use when they go out with us. Most of the extras we purchase run about $20.

Make sure they are all wearing a life vest. You do not want to have any accidents that could be fatal. Water can be very dangerous and kids can become quite careless when they get excited about having a fish on their line. It is always better to be safe. Speaking of safety, it is important to talk to the youngsters about the use of fish hooks and poles around other people and each other. It does not hurt to show them how sharp the hooks are and to remind them about poking eyes with the poles. I probably spend most of my time telling them over and over during each trip. "Watch the tip of your pole." "Be careful with that hook." "Keep that life vest on." I know that they get sick of it but we seldom have accidents.

There are always a few things you should have when you take the kids out near the water. Below is a list of recommended items you should consider having especially when the kids go too.

• Life Jackets that fit properly
• A first-aid kit

• Insect repellent
• Plenty of refreshments, especially water or fruit juice
• A hooded jacket or sweatshirt if the weather is cool
• Old shoes, kids can't help getting there feet wet
• Sunscreen or sunblock
• Handy-wipes
• Hand-sanitizer