I started taking my son out fishing this Spring and we really haven't had much success. We caught 1 catfish from our canoe, but not much else. We haven't been out a lot because the Texas summer came on early and strong, but I am hoping to get out with him again this Fall. I kind of feel bad because he's getting discouraged and I just don't know what I am doing.

I've considered selling our canoe and buying a Jon Boat to get to different fishing spots, but so far the money to buy a boat that actually has a title has been out of reach.

I could really use a little help/suggestions on how to have a successful shore fishing trip with my son (Central Texas). I can't hire a guide at $300+ for a day of fishing.

You are in a saltwater thread. You might want to post in the open fresh water discussion area.

I realized that after I posted it, sorry about that.

Moved from Salt Water Fishing Forum.

keep tryin. get some small worms and small hooks for jr. use little pieces of earthworms, when he starts catchin little brim/perch put them on a larger rig you have and hang on! good luck!

Using the bait mentioned above, or even some small pieces of shrimp, bread, or hotdogs, then fish around any type of structure such as docks, reed beds along the shore, rocks, stumps.
Fish around anything that we call structure, and it doesn't have to be very deep. Tiny baitfish hang around structure, and thus attract larger fish.
Your canoe should be fine and allow you to get on some fish to keep him busy!

Try going for panfish instead of catfish. If you have a canoe, try launching and paddling into a protective cove. Bring some nightcrawlers, crickets, etc and small size 6 aberdeen on light line (like 2lb test mono). Put a tiny split shot and even a bobber if you want on the line, keep the split shot like a foot above the hook.

Cast that sucker into 4-6 feet of water and let the magic happen. If you don't get a strike within 20 minutes after casting the area a few times and letting the bait work, move on down the bank. Target stuff like downed tree, or try to find some vegetation and cast to the edge of it.

Lake Tawakoni has good catfishing from the bank.