Seven steps to get young anglers on the line
LITTLE ROCK — According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Fishing Education coordinator J.J. Gladden, the best partners the AGFC has in recruiting new anglers are adults willing to take the time to visit one of the great streams, lakes or other fishing destinations in The Natural State.young boy bank fishing
“We can put on derbies and fishing events for kids through schools, scout groups and other organizations to give the kids a taste of fishing fun, but it’s ultimately up to a parent, grandparent or other mentor to take up the reins when that child comes home excited about the experience,” Gladden said. “But fishing alongside a youngster is much different than going with an adult. You have to keep it fun. That’s why we fish in the first place.”
Gladden offers these tips to keep kids casting and building a lifetime of outdoors memories:
Go Where It’s Good
Nothing helps build a new angler better than giving them a taste of success quickly. Try to talk to friends who fish and learn about places where catching fish is a little easier. Better yet, take a look at one of the AGFC’S stocked locations to increase your chances even more. The AGFC stocks hundreds of locations with catchable-size catfish grown in the agency’s hatcheries for fishing derbies, in addition to regular stockings at ponds in the agency’s Family and Community Fishing program. Stocking dates are updated regularly, and all public fishing derbies are listed with contact information to discover how to be a part of those events. Some of the ponds will have bream, bass and even a few crappie in addition to the catfish stocked, but rigging up for catfish is simple and the fish fight hard to make it fun for a new angler. A list of FCFP ponds is available at www.agfc.com/familyfishing, and a list of fishing derbies throughout the state can be found at www.agfc.com/en/education/onthewater/fe/fishing-derbies.
Use the Right Rig
At its core, fishing can be as simple as a hook, line and cane pole, but Gladden says a better way to get new anglers engaged is to introduce them with a spincasting combo like the ubiquitous Zebco 33 and a medium-powered rod.
“That simple push-button reel gives a youngster something to practice with and feel like they’ve achieved some success in casting without really needing good coordination,” Gladden said. “It also lets them get their bait away from the bank so they can move their lure around from time to time to keep them engaged.”
A Zebco 33 combo that includes the rod, reel, some line and even a few hooks, bobbers and split shot weights can be found for about $30 at most sporting goods stores. For people who still want to try it before they buy it, the AGFC’S Tackle Loaner Program offers rod-and-reel combos at select state parks, marinas and libraries to let people check out a fishing rig much like checking out a library book. You supply the bait, and you’re ready to go fishing. A list of loaner locations is available at www.agfc.com/en/education/onthewater/fe/tackle-loaner-program.