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!!!

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.....