Beginner's Tips???

[RussH]

Figured I'd put this here. My turning 4 tomorrow kid has expressed interest in fishing. When I'm putting together my salt water stuff she likes to "help". She has even asked me when I'm taking her fishing.

I have no interest in taking her all the way down the shore to see if the interest will hold in action. However we have a few very nice lakes up here in Bergen County. What would be the most cost effective way to allow me to take her fishing at one of the lakes to see if it will hold her attention.

Obviously I'm loaded up on gear for Fluke/Striper/Blackfish/Etc. But I have NOTHING that would be considered fresh water gear. So I'm starting from scratch. Let's say I had a $200-$300.00 budget to buy what I needed. Also I imagine I need to get a license? If I don't intend to keep anything is a basic freshwater license good enough or do you need a stamp for the target species regardless of intent?

Help me out gents/gals. Cause while I can talk about fluke for hours, on this... I know nothing!!!

[PCO]

Go to your neighborhood tackle shop (not Walmart)and get set up ! :)

[RussH]

"Local Tackle Shop"???


Who would that be in North Jersey? Aren't they all out of business? There's Ramsey up in Ramsey, but I've never known them to be helpful. The one in Paramus was great, but it was put out of business by Dicks. Dicks has good stuff, but there's also nobody there to help you. That's why I was looking for advice here. I can buy whatever I need at Dicks, but I was looking for specifics.

[NJ Dave]

Russ small hooks bobers and worms is all you need. a basic $20-30 pole is more than sufficient for what you plan on doing I do believe 4 years old is a little young. problem being kids get bored very easily. took my nephew till about 7 or 8 years old to really catch on that it's more of a waiting game and not a constant catching game.
I would suggest a local pond that is full of sunfish and other panfish which will keep you busy.
Well I agree support local but there is no more local. unfortunately the big box stores have taken over and they really have no knowledgeable help there.
Don't break the bank go basic if she likes it expand from there

[shrimpman steve]

Russ
Your in Garfield if I remember. Go to the shop that rhymes with feltcherse.

Ask for mark. Tell him Hanstein sent you.

[Castaway]

Russ small hooks bobers and worms is all you need. a basic $20-30 pole is more than sufficient for what you plan on doing I do believe 4 years old is a little young. problem being kids get bored very easily. took my nephew till about 7 or 8 years old to really catch on that it's more of a waiting game and not a constant catching game.
I would suggest a local pond that is full of sunfish and other panfish which will keep you busy.
Well I agree support local but there is no more local. unfortunately the big box stores have taken over and they really have no knowledgeable help there.
Don't break the bank go basic if she likes it expand from there

Best advice you can get! I started taking my kids when they where around 3. I picked up a few zebco push button combo's at walmart for around $15. as dave said, very small hooks, worms and bobbers. Tie a bright orange big Styrofoam bobber to the line and have her practice casting in the back yard first. she will have a ton of fun doing it, and you'll be shocked at how fast she will pick it up.

[NJ Dave]

Russ
Your in Garfield if I remember. Go to the shop that rhymes with feltcherse.

Ask for mark. Tell him Hanstein sent you.

After 101 years in business the best local tackle shop in New Jersey has closed its doors a couple months back very very sad.
It's a shame there's no more local

[Esox Luciano]

I totally agree with all Nj Dave shared. Go cheap/catch big, try to keep them busy. Can't fail with small hooks and worms. Carp are also in many waters as well so bring some bread or bait. Meltzers shop in Garfield has closed down sad to say. I believe there's a local owned shop on Ringwood Ave near the Wanaque Res., but a little bit from here & there after you know if you'll continue with the freshwater.

[acabtp]

Russ
Your in Garfield if I remember. Go to the shop that rhymes with feltcherse.

Ask for mark. Tell him Hanstein sent you.

Meltzer's went out of business last November
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdRBNinz-XA
:'(

[acabtp]

Figured I'd put this here. My turning 4 tomorrow kid has expressed interest in fishing. When I'm putting together my salt water stuff she likes to "help". She has even asked me when I'm taking her fishing.

I have no interest in taking her all the way down the shore to see if the interest will hold in action. However we have a few very nice lakes up here in Bergen County. What would be the most cost effective way to allow me to take her fishing at one of the lakes to see if it will hold her attention.

Obviously I'm loaded up on gear for Fluke/Striper/Blackfish/Etc. But I have NOTHING that would be considered fresh water gear. So I'm starting from scratch. Let's say I had a $200-$300.00 budget to buy what I needed. Also I imagine I need to get a license? If I don't intend to keep anything is a basic freshwater license good enough or do you need a stamp for the target species regardless of intent?

Help me out gents/gals. Cause while I can talk about fluke for hours, on this... I know nothing!!!

freshwater license for dad $22.50 (you can skip the trout stamp if you aren't trout fishing, but you can't keep any trout incidentally caught)
ugly stik spinning combo from dicks or walmart $20
box of worms $3
baitholder hooks & weighted bobbers $5

cast that into any of the ponds you have around (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishplc.htm#bergen) and you'll catch all sorts of fish. respool the spin combo with new 4# line and she'll have a much better time trying to cast.

thanks for taking the time to try and pass fishing on to the next generation. i can't wait until my girls are old enough. tight lines!

[PCO]

WOW,what a shame that you have no small tackle shops in your area that you and your daughter can get some knowledge and help.Everyone is correct with the advise above but include some Eagle Claw L181BG hooks which are a barbless bait holder hook so if your daughter happens to hook herself it won't be a horrible trip to the wellness center. GOOD LUCK

[RussH]

All good stuff. It's a shame Meltzer shut down. I guess they didn't want to sell and the kids weren't into it. I'm gonna take the advice and buy a super cheap setup, respool with light test and let her practice in the yard first.

When you use a bobber you put it like a foot behind your hook right? And can you just dig up some garden worms for bait?

[PCO]

It would depend on the length of her fishing pole and the depth of the pond,but I would think closer to two feet ? The problem is her range of motion with a short kids outfit might make it difficult with setting the hook.

[shrimpman steve]

Wow. Can't beleive Meltzers closed! First I heard of this. That is sad:(

[shrimpman steve]

Ringwood ave. the store is franks, but not close to Garfield.

[Bruce Litton]

I started my son with a bobber at age two. By age four, he was catching largemouths on plastic worms. Lots. Since you're starting her at four, I agree with all the guys, start with a bobber and worm, say size 8 plain shank Eagle Claw hooks. But pretty soon, have her fish baby or full-sized nightcrawlers without the awkward, annoying bobber, so she gets tactile. At first, a bobber is the coolest thing in the world--when it goes under, especially if a bullhead or bass takes a crawler. But even a big bluegill. After she gets feel with weightless, bobberless nightcrawlers, she can even advance to weightless plastic worms for bass...so long as you find a pond with bass in it. Don't know of any in Bergen. I used to take my son to Sunrise Lake near Mendham.

[RussH]

The closest Lake with anything good might be Sheppard Lake and I'm nearly certain you need a boat to fish it. Maybe Ramapo Valley? Here in Waldwick we have whites pond which I know is stocked with trout in just not sure when.

[Wilson]

The closest Lake with anything good might be Sheppard Lake and I'm nearly certain you need a boat to fish it. Maybe Ramapo Valley? Here in Waldwick we have whites pond which I know is stocked with trout in just not sure when.
Check out the pdf of fish allocation for Trout stocking. The other link is the main NJ fish and game site. Both are very informative.




http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/

http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2016/trt_allocation16_nodays.pdf

[ScowardNJ]

Hey Russ, I'm a fellow Bergen County guy. Our freshwater Bait and Tackle store options have been whittled down these places..

Dicks in Paramus. Probably your best bet for a starter set up for you daughter.
Here's a coupon to help you get started https://myscorecardaccount.com/crmcdn/getoffer.aspx?offer_entity_code=O231YW5J&token=x18b0aKlX1UjN7TWVqkVOYx-ZXhUUFjIJgltz9zpPHqY31qW5w1XjP7zeXbuzil0zjRSXOLR22 JqDWHfAqwzmg2

Then you got Ramsey Outdoor Rt 17S in Ramsey,
Tackle and Field on Ringwood Ave. Wanaque
Davis Sportshop up in Sloatsburg
Greenwood Lake Sports Center in West Milly

Whites Pond is great place to get your daughter started. They do the spring trout stocking there, but it also holds good bass and panfish. It does get choked up with weeds as it warms up. Consider taking a ride to the Closter Nature Center pond. Marc is the director who lives on site there. He does a great job maintaining that pond while keeping the bucket brigading riff raff out. Plus you can let her look at all the fish tanks, bird cages, and other animals that are residents there. He's a hardcore salt water/rod builder guy also.

[RussH]

That place in closter looks great. I don't know how I live here for 31 out of the last 35 years and don't know these things exist!

[jimmythegreek]

as said get a cheaper light action combo (or 2 for you too) and some small hooks/bobbers and start w panfish, the perch are in full swing along w other panfish. you can also try some basic spinners but a worm on a bobber or a small shiner will catch anything that swims small and large alike. another good option if you think she gets into it is go on a boat with a freshwater guide, or take her to a pay to fish lake like the few in PA. a 5+ pund trout will put a smile on any kids face, worth the 40 bucks IMO. I just got my stepson into fishing this past season hes 4 also, and didnt care about fishing he wanted to play in the boat and goof off. I brought him striper fishing and he landed a few hybrids pretty much on his own and hes hooked, he just doesnt understand you gotta wait sometimes, they wanna keep catching them back to back

[Skunk City]

as said get a cheaper light action combo (or 2 for you too) and some small hooks/bobbers and start w panfish, the perch are in full swing along w other panfish. you can also try some basic spinners but a worm on a bobber or a small shiner will catch anything that swims small and large alike. another good option if you think she gets into it is go on a boat with a freshwater guide, or take her to a pay to fish lake like the few in PA. a 5+ pund trout will put a smile on any kids face, worth the 40 bucks IMO. I just got my stepson into fishing this past season hes 4 also, and didnt care about fishing he wanted to play in the boat and goof off. I brought him striper fishing and he landed a few hybrids pretty much on his own and hes hooked, he just doesnt understand you gotta wait sometimes, they wanna keep catching them back to back

That's why you send him out with Uncle Rob and Uncle Mikey in The Hornet :p.

[shrimpman steve]

Russ give me a shout. I live on skyline lake in Ringwood. If your considering shepherd lake I will invite you to fish skyline lake. It's private (I'm a member) and you can fish from shore. Franks is less then 1/2 mile away.

201 78& 0060

[briansnat]

Most 4 year olds don't have the coordination to cast so you'll most likely just be dropping a worm off a dock, rock or bulkhead. For that all you need is one of those cheap Zebco combos. Or perhaps a 5' UL Ugly Stick with a small Shimano Sienna if you want something your kid can grow into.

Until your kid learns how to cast you'll largely be using bait. Dough balls, worms and perhaps shiners. In light of that you don't need much in the way of tackle. Some hooks, swivels, split shot, bobbers, pliers and to keep dad busy, some inline spinners, spinnerbaits, Rapalas, and plastics.

Of course dad will want some slightly better equipment, so a spinning reel like a Pfleuger President or Shimano Sedona combined with a medium/light or medium rod in the 6'6" to 7' range. The Berkley Lightning Rod and Lightning Shocks are very good rods for the money (about $40). Moving up in price Fenwick HMG, Shimano Clarus or Garcia Vendetta combined with the President or Sedona will give you a very nice outfit for under $130 or so.

All of this should bring you in well below your budget.

[reely]

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/peqoh.htm

[Rickhem]

Help me out gents/gals. Cause while I can talk about fluke for hours, on this... I know nothing!!!

Maybe a bit late getting a response on here, but here goes.
For a kid that young, you need to keep it simple and you need to catch fish. Along with some of the other places mentioned, the Duck Pond in Ridgewood makes for a nice quick trip, and there are abundant sunnies there that'll eat your worms. She'll get to see and hold them and kids don't care what the fish is, as long as there's fish. The side benefit is that there's also a big playground too so when the fishing isn't working, you can play on the playground to save the trip. It's a small lake and you can walk around the whole thing in less than 15 minutes, even with a 4-year old.
For equipment, let her help pick one of those kiddie-combos. There are Barbie rods, Dora the Explorer, Punguins, and probably 6 or 8 others. Yeah, it's disposable equipment, but it's hers, and that matters. Plus, at less than $20, you can replace it easily enough if/when she steps on it or whatever. At 4 years old, no need to invest in more until she expresses a definite interest. Those little combos are safer too since they're so short. Use small circle hooks so you can release the fish unharmed. Maybe even bring a cooler or something to let them swim around in a bit before releasing them, kids love that. My kids used to name the fish, even the minnows in the bait-well.
As for where to buy, I used to work at Ramsey Outdoor in Paramus, and I appreciate that positive mention from the other poster. A couple of the guys from the Paramus store still work at the Ramsey Outdoor Store in Ramsey, and I've met a few of the other guys that work in fishing in Ramsey and they're good guys. They've helped me a few times.
In any event, definitely get your license, and if you're planning to fish in April at anyplace that the state stocks with trout, the trout stamp is a good idea.

[jimmythegreek]

That's why you send him out with Uncle Rob and Uncle Mikey in The Hornet :p.

yeah but I always have to show uncle Mikey and uncle Rob where the fish are so they can catch em instead of me!

[RussH]

Just wanted to pop back here. I received a ridiculous amount of advice in both PMs and here. I ended up taking her to dicks today. It was weird the Barbie type fishing poles were a no go she knew they were a toy and wanted something real. I ended up buying a pair of rod/reel combos with 6# test on sale for 40 dollars. Ultra light spinning. She can't cast it that's for sure but she's able to hold it. I also got some number 4 hooks, assorted bobbers, split shot and gulp tiny nuggets in a few colors. All of that and the license was around 100 dollars. I'll take her to the lake next week in Waldwick to see of it holds her attention but hey dad likes to fish also so I'm gonna go online and buy some small I guess rapala jigs to cast around with. Thanks again to everyone public and private this is a good start!

[Wilson]

Just wanted to pop back here. I received a ridiculous amount of advice in both PMs and here. I ended up taking her to dicks today. It was weird the Barbie type fishing poles were a no go she knew they were a toy and wanted something real. I ended up buying a pair of rod/reel combos with 6# test on sale for 40 dollars. Ultra light spinning. She can't cast it that's for sure but she's able to hold it. I also got some number 4 hooks, assorted bobbers, split shot and gulp tiny nuggets in a few colors. All of that and the license was around 100 dollars. I'll take her to the lake next week in Waldwick to see of it holds her attention but hey dad likes to fish also so I'm gonna go online and buy some small I guess rapala jigs to cast around with. Thanks again to everyone public and private this is a good start!

Just a friendly reminder that Whites pond.will be closed to all fishing at 12:01 AM 3/21 as will all Trout stocked waters until. April 9 at 8:00 AM;)
Getting a ticket for fishing would not set a good example for your daughter! lol

[shrimpman steve]

Russ. Reach out if you want. I can take my 10 year old daughter and the two of you to our lake anytime. No closure. Let me know

[RussH]

Just a friendly reminder that Whites pond.will be closed to all fishing at 12:01 AM 3/21 as will all Trout stocked waters until. April 9 at 8:00 AM;)
Getting a ticket for fishing would not set a good example for your daughter! lol

I'll assume there's a posted notice, but THANKS!!!... Passaic River it Is.

And steve she's still a bit young for a whole day trip. Next year though... You and me are taking the kids fishing. :D Mostly You.

[shrimpman steve]

You got it. Just say when

[Bergen Angler]

That place in closter looks great. I don't know how I live here for 31 out of the last 35 years and don't know these things exist!

If you are in Closter, I can help you out. I should know every water 3 miles radius of Closter. :)

I should be able to spare any lures your kid needs.

[calbo]

Looks like you have more than enuff tips on tackle - one suggestion that helped with my kids and grandkids at that age - bring snacks. They get bored easily and are usually hungry.