So You Want To Take The Kids Fishin'...

So you decided to take the family with you on your big day of fishing...Well, at least the kids are probably excited to go. Here are a few hints/tips to make this day enjoyable for everyone:

• Set up some ground Rules and Stress Safety--no running around with the poles and hooks flying, always look around before you cast--you know that type of stuff...let them know the dangers of these sharp little hooks...
• I used to take my two small boys fishing with me alone--I wouldn't recommend any more than one or two kids per knowledgable adult. Remember Safety first...
• If your children are young--you can pretty much forget about getting any fishing in yourself--Don't worry, you will still have a great time. Remember you are trying to show them the joys of this great sport. Between baiting hooks and taking the fish off the line you will have your hands full...
• Keep it as easy and simple as possible--try not to confuse the issue with any long, drawn out explanations--stick with the good ol' hook and bobber method--Kids love the visual aspect of the bobber, especially when the fish start to nibble and the bobbin' starts. Using livebait(worms) is probably the easiest way to insure a lot of action..
• I found it best to stay in the shallows for now-even just off the dock there usually is an ample enough supply of panfish to keep the youngsters excited-At this time, quantity outweighs quality--children tend to have short attention spans, and the constant hits will keep them drawn to their poles.
• I probably should have put this up a bit farther on the list, but you want to make sure it is a nice moderate day out--bad weather will certainly but a damper on the youngsters spirits, and too hot is not good either...and do not forget the sunscreen!
• I like to bring along a tape measure and camera on the trip. The kids enjoyed measuring their catch, and it brought a little competiton with it. This also helped them stay focused on fishing. Children will love to have a picture of their "big" catch--you know, to show their mom when they get back home, since she suddenly came down with a headache moments before you were due to leave for this big adventure...
• I always brought a large(5 gallon) bucket with me. I would let the kids decide if they wanted to keep their catch. Since they usually decided to keep them at first, I put them in the bucket. By the end of the day, most times they would change their minds. To insure the fish weren't harmed while confined, I used the bucket instead of a stringer. If your boat has a live well, you need not concern yourself with this point.
• Always show patience and have a great time!!!

Unique New Product! Perfect for that Rustic Bathroom!

In my quest to search out all things fishing/boating, I stumbled upon a most unique product. Personally, I have never seen anything quite like it, and I figured if you are an avid fishermen/women, you just might get a kick out of this. It most definitely would be a perfect addition to any cabin or rustic loghome. For more information on this cool seat, just click on the picture...

Got Custom Rods?

Hi, I just had to bring this to your attention. I have found perhaps the best rods made in the entire world. If you haven't tried these, you are doing yourself a terrible injustice--to put it lightly! You owe it to yourself to at least check them out--if these fishing rods are good enough for the pros, I think they might just suit you as well....


Kistler Rods are preferred by the best pros in the world.

You can find Kistler fishing rods in the hands of the best on and off the tour. For serious fishermen at all levels, it is easy to recognize the superior design, quality, and service offered by the staff at Kistler.

Check them out here!!

Jet Skis(PWC) vs. the Fishing Community

While on the subject of the Jet Ski(or PWC-personal watercraft, if you prefer), I have something to add. --not much of a segue, but I am new to this whole blogger thing.

A real pet peeve of mine while out on the waters trying to land that elusive bass are the multitudes of Jet Skiers. Don't get me wrong, I personally love these little machines. They really are a blast, and I could ride one for hours at a time. The problem lies with the few that have no respect for anyone else out on the lakes at the time. They come whipping in, no matter what little secluded area you happen to be in at the moment. They have even gone so far as to spray me, knowing that I would never be able to catch them. I understand that some think this is relatively funny, but believe me, it most certainly is not at the time.-at least if you're the one being soaked... I have had many outings become a bust due to these mischevious creatures, and it seems to be on the rise in recent years. I understand that most of these stunts are being done by the younger generation, and no, I am not so old as to forget being there myself. So have your fun, but respect the rights of others. In addition, the increase in accidents have been steadily increasing with these watercrafts. Please be careful out on the water, do you really want to hurt yourself or others as a result of one of these foolish stunts?

Many states have passed several laws that are specific to just the PWC. Each state and region have their own laws, and it is your responsibility to know what these are. All owners and operators should review the local laws prior to going out on the water--that includes you teenagers as well. There are pretty steep fines for breaking these laws, at least around my area. One should take a safety course(no matter what your age) prior to operating these machines. With a simple online search, you can find out what laws pertain to the area in which you plan on operating your watercraft.

Please be respectful of others and ride safe. There is no reason why we all can't enjoy the lakes together this season.

Michigan Anglers and Boaters: You are an important partner in preventing the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic nuisance species

Anglers and boaters can take some easy steps to prevent the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic nuisance species such as zebra mussels by taking the following steps to help prevent the spread of the virus:

• Clean boats, trailers, and other equipment thoroughly between fishing trips to keep from transporting undesirable fish pathogens and organisms, from one water body to another with special care to clean fishing equipment when you are done fishing known locations of the fish diseases. A light bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant for cleaning your equipment.
• After cleaning allow boats, trailers, and other equipment to fully dry for 4 to 6 hours in the sun.
• Do not move fish or fish parts from one body of water to another.
• Do not release live bait into any water body.
• Handle fish as gently as possible if you intend to release them and release them as quickly as possible.
• Refrain from hauling the fish for long periods in live wells if you intend to release them.
• Report unusual numbers of dead or dying fish to Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division offices.
• Educate other anglers about the measure they can take to prevent the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic nuisance species.

I found this article on the DNR website. With the fishing/boating season quickly approaching, I thought it might serve as a good reminder to all of us.

Spring is in the Air!

Attention all of you anglers, sportsmen, and just plain old nature lovers!

Spring is beating a fast path to our front door. The birds are chirping, squirrels are running about, even my dog seems to have an extra bounce in her step. The clouds have parted and gave way to a most glorious sun-filled afternoon. The ice will have melted off the lakes around here soon, and that means it is time to go fishing.
I know some of you hardcore anglers haven't missed a beat all winter. You faithfully bundled up each day, grabbed your gear and trekked on down the frozen tundra. Well, there's no more of that(at least until next winter)--for now we will focus on the more enjoyable aspects of this wondrous sport. Hopefully, with some help from all of you, we can share experiences and spread the good word about fishing. I know a lot of people have mixed feelings on the subject or think that it is just flatout boring. Well, we are here to change some minds and get families out there enjoying nature while forming closer bonds with everything that is.


Until next time.....