Kid Friendly Fishing in the Thumb
by Ryan Walker

“Dad, what kind of fish is that?”

“Dad, how does the worm stay on the hook?”

“Mom, what’s the net for?”

“Mom, why does dad have that hook in his hand?”

Questions such as these may try a parent’s patience if they are asked over a hundred times in one afternoon. However, those questions may keep your kids on the path to becoming productive citizens. It may not be so much the answers to those questions as the opportunity to ask them. In fact, the answers to those questions aren’t really that important (except maybe the last one). What is important is the quality time spent with kids because it allows them to ask the questions. Some of the best quality time adults can spend with kids is fishing. You and the young people in your life can create bonds that last forever through fishing. The formula for success is simple: one patient adult plus one eager child plus water plus time spent equals a loving, nurturing relationship.

Even though fishing is a great way to spend quality time with your kids, there are some key ideas to keep in mind. First, fishing has to be fun for kids. We can’t expect young children to enjoy fishing if they sit for hours on end without as much as a bite. Those of us who fish a lot realize that sitting for hours without a bite occurs often in fishing. Before we introduce those cold, hard facts to young fisherman, let’s get them hooked on fishing (pun intended). Second, kids have to want to fish. What’s a better way to make fishing enjoyable than catching fish? Finally, kids should feel a sense of accomplishment when they fish. They should enjoy increased self-confidence because they can catch their meal if need be.

It seems pretty obvious that catching fish is important to kids when they begin their fishing careers. As fishermen know, that can be easier said then done. We have all enjoyed success at some point in our fishing lives. Here are four fishing adventures that are kid friendly. These adventures combine success and enjoyment, and they are all located in Michigan’s Thumb region.

Spring Perch Fishing on the Sebewaing River
It is always easy to tell when the perch are running because the Sebewaing River will resemble a small city. Anglers by the hundreds will line the banks to try their luck at a wild perch dinner. During this time of the year, you will often hear fishing reports that a lot of small fish are being caught. Fish that are not big enough to keep for a meal, but are still fun to catch, are caught on a regular basis. Often, young anglers don’t care how big the fish are they catch, as long as they are catching fish. That makes spring perch fishing on the Sebewaing River a great place to introduce youngsters to fishing.

Spring Sucker Fishing on the Pinnebog River
Sucker fishing can be hit or miss during springtime in Michigan. When the fish are biting, they are usually really biting. Large numbers of suckers can be harvested using hook and line. Kids love to catch suckers because they put up a great fight. Kids can land suckers on their own because the fish are often hooked well. What kid won’t like the idea of setting the hook hard and fast on a fish that will provide them with a chance to play tug-a-war? Not only does it give you a chance to answer the worm on the hook question, you also get to spend time having a blast with a young person. This spring grab your poles, hooks, sinkers and night crawlers and introduce a kid to fishing.

Early Summer Catfishing on the Saginaw Bay
Fishing for catfish on the Saginaw Bay offers young anglers a chance to fish from shore or from a boat. Either method of fishing can provide hours of action and excitement. Kids can fish these tasty feline fish with sinkers on the bottom or bobbers on the surface. The down time that occurs between the battles can be used to open up positive lines of communication between adult and young person. Valuable outdoor lessons can also be learned while fishing for cats. Kids learn how to unhook catfish without being impaled in the process. They can also learn how to make their own stink bait, and not get into trouble for making it. Another valuable lesson that can be learned is how to deep fry fish!

Summer Smallmouth and Rock Bass Fishing on the Cass River
The mighty Cass River is unique for several different reasons. One reason the Cass is so unique is its depth differs greatly from one section to another. Some parts of the river are deep while other parts are very shallow. The shallow sections of the Cass can provide a great opportunity to introduce a kid to fishing. Obviously, you want to know what areas are deep and which are shallow. Rocks and submerged structures provide ideal locations to find rock bass. Throw in an ultra light rod and reel combination and it feels like you’re fighting a king salmon. Smallmouth bass can be taken out of weed beds and gravel bars that litter the Cass River.

Regardless of the location, each adult angler should make it a goal to take at least one kid fishing this spring or summer. The lasting impression will stay with the adult as well as their guest. The Thumb area offers many great opportunities to get out and get fishing.