Kids and headboat fluking

[maxifsc]

Thanks Tropics wasnt really sure about it

[Striper80]

My friend, my wife, and I took my daughter,2, and his son, 3, out this past Saturday on my boat. We went crabbing near the oceanic bridge. It was both kid's first trip out. They weren't bad and enjoyed it but I wouldn't have tried a party boat yet. It would be too hard to keep them interested for even a half day trip.
I picked up a cheap Barbie fishing pole for her. I'm trying to teach her to use it but she's more interested in chasing the lure than using the rod.

[shrimpman steve]

I think two is a little young myself. Just my opinion. Too much to go wrong. Pond fishing or crabbing are a great alternative

[Sharkyispy]

Originally Posted by shrimpman steve

I think two is a little young myself. Just my opinion. Too much to go wrong. Pond fishing or crabbing are a great alternative

Agreed, I have brought my girls up on boats since birth between trips in Florida and here in NJ. Need to make sure they are enjoying it vs. just you wanting it.

[JOHN D]

the problem is her being able to see over the rail. i was 5 when my dad took me on bluefish boats and i had to stand on a milk crate to see over. i dont reccomend that tough, it never made the capt happy hahaha.

[Cuz]

I pushed my sons too hard taking them fishing with me every time I went. Now my one son is burnt out and refuses to go anymore since he was in his late teens. Backfired. My other son became a trout fisherman.

I would highly recommend just keeping the little ones at a lake or pond fishing for bluegills with a bobber until they are around six or seven.

And the previous post are correct. The Dorothy B has become my favorite half day boat. I fish with him when I don't want to start my own boat up.

[Scrubby]

I am going to definatly start her on the bluegil and some trout outings next year.. I was just thinking that maybe next year she may enjoy a 1/2 day headboat ride.. When I do decide to take her I have absolutly no plans to fish for myself.. I just hope to keep her busy with some action.. I will play it by ear and decide next year.. Hopefully I can take her to the Navy pier next year even if its for a couple of hours.. I want to start intoducing her to fishing so she'll have fun even it is only for an hour or 2..

[bunker dunker]

the most important thing is to do what they want to do.my sons wanted to go with me so I took them.they now still love fishing at 25 and 23 and we still fish
together almost every weekend.

[BCinerie]

see pics, My girls were 7 and 9, did the afternoon on the Robin!! Drift and dream girls had a blast!! Mates are second to none!! Was very affordable also. memeories are priceless. Just look at those smiles!

[Harpoon]

Took my daughter on the following trips to work her way up:

WW back bays in a dinghy at 5 and 6 years old so we could crab
Floated the Shark River Inlet with a guide for a 1/2 day when she was 7
Took her on the Cock Robin blue fishing for pee-wees when she was 8..and on this we picked the perfect weather day to go out front for the first time.

Safety and stamina was a concern of mine so I worked my way up with her. I remember my dad took me out a few times when I was 7 and I got sick both times. I didn't start fishing again until I was in my mid-20's. No need to rush it as it could have the opposite effect of what you were intending. You would be surprised the gratification you get when you watch your kid pull in some pan fish, and not get hurt in the process!

You can even try those big pontoon boats for fluking in Brig/AC...there is one more I think its in OC area but could be wrong. No waves, 4 hour trips, and usually good action.