Cane Pole Fishing for Kids

The other day I wrote a page on our website on teaching kids how to fish.  I emphasized patience, spending limited amounts of time, dedicating the initial trips only on teaching the child, and so one.  One aspect I mentioned was the advantages of starting them off fishing with a cane pole.  So, I thought today I would discuss some of the ins-and-outs of this pure form of fishing.

A quick search just now produced numerous results for buying cane poles and they were all in the $5 to $10 range.  So there is one hugely important factor right there.  I know when my kids were little, we were counting the pennies.  Heck, with one in college, and the second headed next year, we are REALLY counting pennies! You just cannot go wrong on a purchase of a fishing pole in this price range.  That is as long as it will catch fish!

The great thing about teaching kids to fish, is at least at first, they do not care how big the fish are that they bring in.  The key thing is action.  Kids have a very limited attention span that very gradually lengthens over time.  My assertion is that hunting and fishing can help children to adopt longer and longer attention spans.  However, I digress.

Using a cane pole can and will provide the necessary action for kids with short attention spans.  Your job as mom or dad is to assist with hook baiting and fish removal.  Keep in mind that due to kids not really knowing when to lift their lines there will be many-a-fish who will swallow hooks.

Assuming you will be releasing most fish (this does not apply for those keeping them), for fish that are hooked deeply, cutting the line about 6" above the fishes mouth and releasing them in this condition is the best option.  Also, keep in mind that assuming you are primarily fishing for perch, bluegill, and other panfish, these little critters are more prolific than an Australian rabbit!  If a few don't make it, that's ok.  (please no comments from overly sensitive animal rights folks...)

Baits
Baits you might consider, going from easiest to most difficult are worms, crickets, grasshoppers, minnows, and crawdads/crayfish.  All of these can be obtained naturally, and can be part of the fun if you so choose.  On the minnows end of things...if you buy from a tackle store, please don't release the extras in the body of water in which you fish.  This can create problems.  The best option is to seine your own minnows from the body of water you will be fishing.  Kids will love this process.

Tactics
Essentially, there are two tactics with kids and cane pole fishing you will consider.  One is a bobber and a hook with perhaps a small split shot weight.  The other is the same rig minus the bobber.  When using a bobber, assuming you are panfishing, use a fairly small one.  Get several at the tackle store or wherever you buy fishing gear.  Try ones until you find the right size that keeps itself out of the water, but not by a bunch.  The thing is, with too big a bobber, little fish will keep stripping bait and you might not know.

Use the advantage of a cane pole.  Cane poles are used by experienced fishermen to access areas that are hard to reach and weedy or covered with other structure.  Make sure you reach out into those areas with the cane pole.  Clearly you will not want to get too tricky where they will be getting hung up a lot.

Kids fishing is a great way to spend time with your family.  Cane pole fishing is an easy, unstressful, and inexpensive way to start.  et out there and enjoy a pleasant day with your kids.