SUMMER VACATION & FUN IDEAS

Does your family already fish?  If they do,  then they know the thrill and excitement of the first catch. If not, maybe you, your children or grand-children have considered giving it a try but were overwhelmed by the amount and variety of equipment at the tackle shops.  
Basic freshwater fishing doesn't require a huge tackle box the size of a mechanics toolbox. A rod, reel, line, hook, bobber and some worms will do just fine. Of course what would fishing be without a few secret tips and techniques?  We will turned to a handful of experts, some of whom are big-time anglers, others taught us when we were kids.  The first tip we got, nearly every time, was to find a pond where you're sure you can catch something--kids don't fish for the scenery or for relaxation.  They want to catch something!

Much more than just time spent together enjoying nature, fishing is a bonding experience and it helps develop strategies and patience.  All the way home, passersby will ask, "Catch anything?"  This site will hopefully help you answer "YES" to that famous question.  The exchange is tradition. It connects all those who know the joys of leaving the busy world behind with a tackle box in one hand and a rod in the other.

 Fishing, requires some basic equipment.  For Beginner's it is prettty simple and less expensive to start than if you were  gearing up a fisherman that has been doing it for awhile and fishes differnt channels.  Here's what you'll need to get started:

ROD AND REEL
New anglers can often borrow a fishing pole or find one at a garage sale. If you're ready to buy, here's what we recommend.

FOR ADULTS: We're partial to a six-foot graphite or fiberglass spinning rod with medium to light action. Action can be described as flexibility; lighter rods let you feel smaller fish when they're on the line. You should also purchase a spinning reel, the kind with a bail. Expect to spend between $40 and $70. Have the merchant show you features such as the drag, which lets the line slip out under pressure so it won't break.

FOR KIDS: Look for a four- to five-foot rod and push-button reel package (Zebco is one popular brand name) for $15 to $25. Don't spend much less, as a kid's equipment has to be even more foolproof and durable than yours or he may simply give up.

NET
A net helps you land a fish, but it also lets your youngest child catch frogs while everyone else is fishing. Be sure to choose a spot that's a safe distance from anyone who's casting and make sure they are supervised by an adult. Nets come in different lengths and styles, get one that fits your needs.

BAIT
Earthworms still rule for your average sunfish. Buy them at a tackle shop, dig for them in your compost pile or garden or search the lawn after a rainstorm. Store them in the refrigerator in a plastic tub (with a perforated top) filled with moist dirt. Other baits to try include:
• Mealworms--sold at any bait shop, these are much less slimy and easier for kids to use.
• Plastic worms (two or three inch) or grubs--keep these in their bag or they'll melt into your plastic tackle box.
• Artificial fish bait, such as PowerBait--looks and feels (but doesn't smell) like Play-Doh.
• Bits of cheese, balled-up bread, kernels of corn or chunks of hot dog--these all work just fine.

BASIC TACKLE BOX
Your tackle box should be light and waterproof with latches that fasten securely. Basic equipment includes:

BOBBERS: These are used to keep your bait dangling where the fish will see it, rather than lying on the bottom. They also lend weight for casting. When the bobber goes under, you know you've got something.

HOOKS: As a rule, match the mouth of the fish with the hook: too small and the hook can be swallowed; too big and it won't catch fish. For sunfish-size fish, use #8s, first pinching flat the barbs to make them safer and easier to remove. Store hooks in an old cork. Until a child is ready, parents should attach, bait and even cast and remove the hooks.

KNIVES AND NAIL CLIPPERS: Knives are used for cutting tangled line and other repairs (adults only). Kids should use nail clippers.

SNAP SWIVELS: These clips let you switch hooks or lures easily; the swivel reduces line twisting.

SINKERS: These prevent your bait from floating. Be sure to get the safer, nonlead sinkers.

HOOK REMOVAL TOOL: Use this if the fish swallows your hook. You can also use needle-nose pliers or fishing forceps.

FIRST-AID KIT: This is an often overlooked but extremely important part of any good tackle box. Accidents will happen, especially with kids around, and you should be prepared for minor cuts, scrapes and bruises.

FISHING LICENSES: These are usually required for any fishing. Get one (along with local fishing regulations) at a tackle shop or from your state fish and wildlife office. Wear the license where it can be clearly seen. Most states don't require kids to be licensed, but they still need to follow all the rules.

Next we will move on to some basic techniques for beginner fishing.

Half the fun of fishing is just being outside, on or near the water. Of course the other half--actually catching a fish--is a lot of fun, too. Here are some basic techniques that will help you and your child land your first fish:

TYING THE FISHERMAN'S KNOT
Whether you're tying a hook or a swivel to your line, use this slip-proof fisherman's knot. Tie your hook directly to the line or tie on a swivel, then snap on a snelled hook (the kind with a leader). In either case, attach a bobber further up the line.

HOW TO BAIT A HOOK
Once you get past the slime and wriggling, the tricky part of baiting a hook is getting the worm to stay on. The advanced technique--threading the hook lengthwise through the worm--does just that. Still too icky? Remember: you don't have to use earthworms to catch sunfish.

HOW TO CAST
Everyone casts a bit differently, so don't be too concerned about form. An over-the-shoulder cast is traditional, but a sidearm cast keeps the swinging hook farther from the angler's face. The point of any cast is to get your bait where you want it. Practice in the yard with just a bobber on the line. Tip: Throw a hula hoop onto the lawn and have your kids aim for it.

STEP 1: Hold the pole in your right hand (or left, if you're a lefty, as pictured) and let the bait dangle a foot from the tip of the rod. With a spinning reel, hold the line under your pointer finger and flip over the wire bail. With a push-button reel, push in the button with your thumb and hold it down firmly.

STEP 2: Draw back the rod, being careful not to tangle the line around the rod's tip. Now cast the line toward your target and simultaneously lift your finger (or, with a push button, your thumb) so the line is free to unravel off the reel. Tip: Have kids give a warning call of "Casting!"

STEP 3: When the bobber lands, crank the reel's handle to flip back the bail (with a spinning reel) or engage the reel (with a push button). Reel in any slack. Note: It's easier to reel in your line if it has some tension on it, so hold the line taut as you first crank the handle.

Find everything you need right here to hook that big one.