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Take A Kid Ice Fishing
by Bruce Mosher

Ice fishing with a child. It does require a certain amount of patience (actually in most cases, a large amount of patience) but with the right mind set and a few simple tips, chances are it will be a great success.

No doubt, it does require some work but the rewards in return will be worth it. Imagine the look on a 3 year olds face when they reel in their first fish. It is priceless! Or imagine your 7 year old at school showing off the picture of his 6 pound walleye and him telling his little friends about the great time he had with his Dad.

That is just the beginning of the art of telling fish stories. Trust me, even at the young age of 7, this ability comes naturally. The fish story gets better each time it is told and the fish seems to get a bit bigger and the fight a little tougher. And that is how fish stories should be.

There are several important tips to help make a fishing trip with a child a success.

1. Keep it interesting. Catching fish is the ultimate goal so I suggest starting out with fishing for Crappies or Bluegills. In most cases, the chances of catching something - anything- are much greater with these species than say -Walleye or Northern. Eventually, you will be able to graduate to larger species that require more technique and patience.

For beginners, quantity seems to matter much more than size. Give the child age appropriate jobs. For example, helping mark where the hole will be drilled, cleaning ice out of the holes after drilling or scooping minnows from the minnow bucket.

Keep rules and instructions short and simple. Nothing deters interest faster than long explanations and constant nagging.

Set realistic time goals. For example, 1- 2 hrs. of actual fishing time is about as good at it can be expected for first few trips. Don't be discouraged, the time span grows with age and experience.

The key is to make the first ice fishing trips memorable and positive. Hopefully, fun will be an element and they will be begging to go again.

2. Snacks. Don't ever leave home without them! ! !

Many a fishing trips have been saved by a snack during a slow period. I can fish all day without eating but children seem to get hungry, cranky and tired. The same is true of my wife! It is amazing how a little food enhances the attitude and mood of a child or spouse. Make sure to pack plenty of lunch and a drink. There have been occasions where I have allowed a small toy.

3. Safety. No matter how many times you remind a child of the dangers of a 10" ice hole, it does not seem sink in until they experience it first hand. Both my sons took a step in the icy cold lake water during the cold winter months within the first minute of drilling the holes. Fortunately, neither of them experienced any harm other than wet feet and cold toes. A constant and watchful eye is a must.

A life jacket is a good idea for 3 year olds and under if they are walking around on the ice. Warm clothing is essential. Remember, while you are busy working getting everything lined up, a child is more apt to get cold much quicker than seems possible.

An extra pair of mittens is also a good idea. It is inevitable that every pair of mittens a child wears will some how end up wet.

4. Take pictures. Bring a camera and don't forget to use a flash. These photos will be treasured forever. You can only imagine how many times a child will want to see a picture of themselves holding their prized catch. It is a source of great pride and it keeps the adventure alive in their minds.

5. Equipment. The first and most important piece of equipment in my opinion is an ice fishing rod with a reel. This will provide lots of entertainment -opening the bail, sending the lure down, jigging and reeling the fish up.

This does cause an occasional problem because some children associate a rod with casting. You can only imagine the scene of a 2 1/2 year old in a 4,x 8' ice house, with 3 other people, trying to cast his lure into a 10" ice hole.

There was a look of terror in the eyes of his fishing companions, not to mention several loud suggestions flying out of their mouths. And so the saying applies, always expect the unexpected.

The second item of equipment needed is a bobber. I recommend the ICE BUSTER BOBBER for many reasons. It is the only Bobber designed specifically for ice fishing. It will not freeze to the line, which allows you to keep jigging and reeling up fish even in the coldest conditions.

Even the youngest fisherman can reel in their own fish with ease. Using a bobber is also the simplest way for a child to know they have a fish biting.

The ICE BUSTER BOBBER is hassle free and sensitive to even the lightest bites.

Remember, when you take a child fishing, it should be all about them. My wife reminds me of this constantly. Keep them happy and don't over do it. When they are done - they are done.

My biggest disappointment has been training my oldest son to be a great fishing buddy only to lose him when he went off to first grade.

Wow! School sure cuts into the fishing time. We do manage to find time on weekends, vacations and an occasional short trip on a school night.

Be patient and you will help them to develop a true interest in the sport of ice fishing and hopefully a life long hobby they can in turn share with their family.

Hopefully in the years to come, that family will ask Grandpa to come with.

[ Editors Note]: Bruce Mosher manufactures the Ice Buster Bobbers and other innovative new tackle. Find the Ice Busters at your favorite bait shop or visit his web site at www.todaystackle.com
Telephone # 218-926-5682.

You can also check the bobbers out by clicking here.

GoodFishin : )
Rick Paquin

Red Pine Resort
Ice Fishing on Kabetogama.