Teaching a child to fish is all about two things, catching fish and comfort. Catching fish keeps it fun and comfort makes it worth it.  I pick my battles with my son by choosing a day with the right weather, choosing the right species of fish, and bringing lots of his favorite snacks.  When he’s ready to be done, we are done.  He gets to call the shots and I take on the cheerleader/coach role (you should see me in spandex shorts and pom-poms paddling a canoe). 

I find that bluegill are one of the best species for kids to catch.  They are in most suburban ponds and are widely dispersed across the US. The kids get to watch a bobber, and bluegill are fairly predictable and relatively easy to catch.  I also like using a bobber because the hook will set naturally with just reeling in when it goes down.

 I like to take kids out in a boat or canoe. Kids enjoy the whole boat experience and because you are away from bushes and trees, it allows for bad casting skills.  I always stay encouraging and excited throughout the process and I try and divest myself of the need to “do things right.”  Much more praise than correction or criticism.

 My oldest, Jaken, just had his best outing ever.  He landed five bluegill and three bonus bass in a pond not far from home.  We used a fly below his bobber, but worms were working well also.  We studied the bugs in the moss and had fun taking in all that was around us.  Catching the fish was obviously his highlight, but the whole experience was good.

 I fished the pond before I took him out, just to make sure it was going to be a good experience.  I advise you do the same.  Kids don’t have the patience to hang out while dad figures out the magic fish catching recipe—you will loose them before the fun starts.

If you pick your opportunities and plan well, you will ignite the fisherperson in your child.  The flip side will be a kid who doesn’t want to leave.  If you have any questions of me feel free to do so in the comments. 

Have fun and good luck.