My 2-1/2 year old daughter and I went to my parents' land near Palestine on Thursday. I spent the majority of the day making her a new bed. After dinner, though, we grabbed a cane pole and went down to the dock with some worms to do some perch-jerkin'. Well, after about 10 seconds, her bobber violently shot under, and, with my help, she was lifting her first fish from the water. It was a beautiful little bluegill, about 6 inches long. She was so excited and proud! After I removed the hook, she wanted to touch it, and, after a few photos, she even gave it a goodbye kiss before we released it (I don't know where she gets such ideas! ). We fished about 45 minutes, and she caught several more. It was a really amazing time for me! She was fascinated by the fish, the worms (which she kept trying to release!), and the whole event. I have been brainwashing her since she was a baby, so much so that one of her first words was "bass", and she even likes to watch fishing shows on TV with me. I can't wait to get her out again. I'm expecting a son on Wednesday, and his brainwashing has already begun. His entire room has a fishing theme, decorated with the fishing collectables that used to adorn my office (which I now no longer have, due to this little guy!).

A few tips for anyone taking a little one out the first time:
Don't bring your own equipment--focus on
the kiddo.
Keep the outing short--attention span
is usually not synonymous with toddler!
Go for the easy stuff--bluegill are
perfect.

By the way, do you think it's too early to buy her a baitcaster? After all, she'll be 3 in September!

I've got a little girl and i've been taking her fishing now for about 8 yrs and she'll
be 10 in 8/7/03 .She loves it ,she also hase all her own tackle .whether it's hot or cold raining or snowing she'll stay all day long
watching your kids catch fish is pricless
you can't but a dollar amount on that

That is an awsome story! I have a 7 month old niece and I already bought her a rod and reel (Winnie the Pooh) set! I plan on making her my youngest fishing buddy!
Dosxx

Warning!!!!!! At 46 yrs young, I started with a cane pole, (still one of my favorites) in Arkansas, catching massive bream and look where I am today!!!!! Still fishing. You guys have so many great times ahead of you, my parents, thank God still living love to hear about what I have caught and how many. Sharon

Great Story!!!
I bet your heart exploded with pride.
Before long she'll be skunking you, and giving you tips;D
Was it on Lake Palestine??
If so, where bouts?? I would love to put my five year old son on some.

------------------
JC

I agree good story, and good advice about not planning to fish yourself with youngens. I have 2 duaghters and a 3 yr old boy. My 10 yr old daughter has spent the day fishing with me while not catching a thing. Never complained...., that's the mark of a true fisherman.

Fishbrain,

I'm proud of you. Too many times Dad wants to catch fish and the kid associates fishing with boredom and never wants to go back. You have your priorities right, and you will have a fishing buddy if you stick to your plan.

I have a video on one of my daughters at my pond when she was still in diapers, catching bluegill and putting them into a bucket. She too would kiss and pet the fish. Today she is almost 16, and one of the things we still have in common is fishing. It's a bond that will last a lifetime, and it is really important for us to have during her teenage years. Only problem is she wants to take boys on the boat with us now.