Starting Family Fishing

Question
Dear Mr. Smith,

We are a family of five with one newborn, a two-year old and a teenager. Recently I have become interested in turning our family's interests to that of canoeing, camping, and it would then follow, to fishing, as a means of satsfying an eclectic crowd. However, the sport of fishing is a complete unknown to me and I am interested in any advice you may have as to how to get started. We live in central Ohio, so water is limited for us, but are planning a lovely canoe trip next summer in Minnesota. I would love for us to have the ability to catch some fish along the way to prepare at the campsite. Specifically, I am keen to know the right equipment to get, especially for the toddler, as well as for the adults, and the most economical way to outfit ourselves in case my family's interest in the outdoor sports is short-lived. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Elizabeth Douglass

Answer
Dear Elizabeth,

So you want to take up fishing?  How fun!  I jokingly tell everybody that I am the oldest living, longest running novice fisherman in the world.  Which is a joke since I have been the Angler Education coordinator in Nevada for eight years now. (I'm the one who's supposed to teach people how to fish.)


Let me answer your first question by directing you to get in toucvh with the nearest Ohio DNR (wildlife) office and find out when the next beginner's fishing clinic will be held.  Having someone on-hand to show you the finer points, coach you along in your practice and give you tips for success will be a lot more useful and a lot less frustrating than having me do it by e-mail.

As for economical, be glad you're not taking up hunting, perhaps the most expensive and over-regulated of all outdoor pursuits.  For the adults and the teenager, I would recommend a Shakespeare Ugly Stick with a Qantum Optima spinning reel (about $25 for the rod and $20-$30 for the reel) or something equivalent by another manufacturer.  You want a virtually indestructible rod with medium flexibility (best for beginners) and a reel with ball-bearings and a solid, metal construction.  You can tell about the ball bearings because when you give the handle a quick flip the reel will continue to "coast."  For the toddler, you may want to share a rod.  When I took my kids fishing as little guys, I never got to fish anyway.  If temper tantrums are involved, just get a cheap combo that you can get for ten bucks at any WALMART.  Then, when one of you hooks up, you can hand the rod off to the little guy and let him reel it in.  Plus, you never know, when the fish are biting, the little guy may get the most fish on his little "Snoopy Rod."

For information about specific techniques, baits and/or lures, wait until you get where you're going and check in at the local watering hole for anglers, usually a small bait and tackle shop on location.  These old gaffers guard their secret fishing spots pretty closely, but they can be very generous with beginners - trust me, they'll be able to tell at a glance you're beginners.

Good luck with your fishing.  I hope you have a great time!

Les Smith
Nevada Department of Wildlife