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Sports March 27, 2008
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From one generation to the next, fishing is a constant
RON NUZZOLO Fish On
Iwanted to share with you some tips on how to get the kids into this great family sport of fishing. When I was a kid, my dad slowly introduced my brothers and me to fishing from fresh water to salt water with these beginner techniques. You will truly be hooked if you have a good first-time experience. Theses tips will improve those chances tenfold.

The first thing you need to decide is where to fish. I know from my own experience fresh water is the best place to start. Their are somany great public parks inNew Jersey with ponds and lakes stocked with fish, so utilize them, as they are yours to use.

Kids under 12will do just finewith a $15 combo rod and some reel come with hooks and tackle.My son caughtmore fishwith his SpidermanWal-Mart combo andmy daughter with her Barbie combo than we could count.

Get some small hooks, the smaller the better,EagleClawsize 10swill do.Next, buy a few red and white bobbers, the bigger the better. I highly recommend you also bring along a bucket, rag, a pair of small needle nose pliers and don't forget a camera. Next, you will need bait. Don't worry, worms are not necessary. Trust me, for fresh water, pizza dough or a hot dog will work like magic. Simply tie the hook to the end of the line, clip on the bobber about 3 feet above the hook and a pinch of dough on the hook and you are ready to cast your line.

Sunfish and blue gills are your most likely target and usually will hit the line when it first hits the water within a few feet of land. When the fish hits and pulls, the bobber under your kid will have the time of their life fighting his or her first fish and memories that are priceless for both of you. Now that you landed your trophy, you need to remove the hook. Grab the fish with the rag to avoid the sharp spines on the dorsal fin.Gingerly remove the hookwith the pliers and release the fish back into the water. Don't forget to take a picture first.

This is how I learned from my dad and I have passed this information on to coworkers and friends over the years. The satisfactions I get fromhearing success stories from somany families that have tried thesemethods are incredible. I have actually made a difference in familieswhowould never think about taking their kids fishing are nowdoing so every chance they get. I hope this article makes a difference in your family fishing adventure and you too pass on your experience to others. Thanks dad.