New to bass fishing with young kids, tips, what rig etc? 2025
bitsandbass reply :
Hi everyone. I hit Google looking for info on bass fishing and found this forum. First time here or even seeing this forum! Nice to meet you all.
I was hoping you could help me. I have young kids, 3 and 5. I took them fishing for the first time this past weekend. Our town had a derby. It was a blast. Little guy caught a small largemouth bass. He was mind blown. This was the first time I had every bass fished myself. I couldnt believe it. The town supplied all the rods and gear. They gave us earthworms (which I now understand are nightcrawlers). Little guy had a bobber with a live worm on it. It worked!
I'd like to go back to the lake and it give it a shot on our own but I need to get educated on what rig to get. I was thinking the bobber rig really worked to hold the little guy's attention (kids have the attention span of an ant). It gave him something to focus on. The trout rig I had setup didnt get much attention (I had fished for trout plenty 5+ years ago, before kids......, and been successful, I actually caught 2 on the same day). But I would cast out the trout rig (fish finder rig, powerbait eggs), give them the rod to hold, they would hold it for a few min then put it down and go find some mud to play in. Wasnt exactly fun fishing.
However, the bobber really held their attention (for my 3 year old girl too), so I would like to do it again. The kids are also too young to actively jig (they cant even cast yet, this was their first time fishing), so I think thats out (crankbaits/swimmers too). So the bobber rig I think is my best bet, but I dont want to buy live worms, or collect them myself, and I'm not a fan of killing stuff just for sport (the fish I catch we eat).
So I guess my questions are:
1) Is the bobber rig the best for young kids and if not, any recommendations for what rig to use?
2) If so, what bait cant I buy that will be effective in replicating the worms (Berkley Gulp etc)? Does this actually work or is it a waste of time? Is it durable (power bait eggs last for years)
3) And how would I rig it (I see the hook is set in the middle of the worm for the best action etc, but wanted to confirm)
4) Would the worm require jigging to be effective or would the wind/ripples in the water be enough?
5) And for the hook, same ones as my trout rig, Gamakatsu circles size 8 octopus, would this be ok?
Thanks guys. Glad to be here. Cant wait to get back to the water next weekend!
papajoe222 reply :
My passion is getting folks hooked on fishing, especially little ones. Using a bobber is a great way of not only holding their attention, it give you a visual indication when something is going on down under. For now, you can set the hook for them, but it won't take much until they learn what to do when it goes under or takes off to the side.
I'm a big fan of small jigs with a split tail grub, or a Beetle Spin suspended under a bobber. You can dip the plastic in JJ's or SpikeIt for added scent. If they get antsy because there isn't any action, having them slowly reel the rig back will often result in 'fish on' Either of these will catch a number of other species, too.The other bait I'd recommend is a 4in. straight tailed plastic worm. Hook it through the middle ad don't add weight. It will fall slowly beneath the bobber and often times the bobber will go under before the worm settles under it.
bitsandbass reply :
On 5/8/2017 at 11:25 AM, papajoe222 said:My passion is getting folks hooked on fishing, especially little ones. Using a bobber is a great way of not only holding their attention, it give you a visual indication when something is going on down under. For now, you can set the hook for them, but it won't take much until they learn what to do when it goes under or takes off to the side.
I'm a big fan of small jigs with a split tail grub, or a Beetle Spin suspended under a bobber. You can dip the plastic in JJ's or SpikeIt for added scent. If they get antsy because there isn't any action, having them slowly reel the rig back will often result in 'fish on' Either of these will catch a number of other species, too.The other bait I'd recommend is a 4in. straight tailed plastic worm. Hook it through the middle ad don't add weight. It will fall slowly beneath the bobber and often times the bobber will go under before the worm settles under it.
Thanks for info papa. HAHA they will have to set the hook themselves! Losing a fish will only make it more addicting (well at least for my son, he is extremely persistent when it comes to wanting to succeed).
Thats why, wouldnt the circle hooks size 8 work? Wont they basically set themselves particularly if the kids dont really know how to set a hook? Bobber down, reels son, and as soon as the line gets tension, the circle should grab the lip no?
If I went with a 4 inch worm, what brand do you recommend? Thanks,
On 5/8/2017 at 11:25 AM, papajoe222 said:I'm a big fan of small jigs with a split tail grub, or a Beetle Spin suspended under a bobber.
Papa, also, Im planning to cast the bobber, hand the rod to the kids, and tell them to watch the bobber and sit tight! Having them retrieve any type of Beetle Spin etc would be pain as I would be casting 24/7 haha.
Would the worm be my best bet?
bitsandbass reply :
Here, would a 6inch Gulp Nightcrawler work?
Darren. reply :
Welcome aboard!
I started my sons out with live nightcrawlers,
crickets, mealworms, grubs, etc. The joy of
watching a kid go crazy when their bobber goes
under is awesome. Live bait is best, IMO, in these
circumstances given they'll almost always produce
a fish.
Don't overthink it. Keep it as simple as possible
with kids. It'll be easier on you, too 
bitsandbass reply :
Any bobber recommendations? I've got the usual plastic Walmart cheapos, but I was looking at Bass Pro, and saw this one?
I was thinking something with height that sticks up on the water more may be better for kids as they're so low to the ground? Do you know if these have weight to them that I can cast out further?
What do you guys use?
Mike L reply :
I know you said you'd rather they use a bobber instead of retrieving a worm...I started my grandkids out doing the same thing but that lasted all of 10 min. You're lucky that your 3 yr old was happy doing it.
Mine just lost interest sitting there watching the bobber bouncing around until I put a ribbon tail worm on and have them reel really s l o w.
When they were about 4, I had them casting with an old Johnson 100 spincast reel I had and they were hooked. They are now 12' 8 and six and they still remember doing it.
So if and when they start getting bored give it a shot.
I know it can be a pain for you because you'll always be casting it out but if you make a game of it, it may keep thier interest longer..At least it did for mine.
Have Fun and make some memories!!
Mike
mbtharp1 reply :
I recently took my little one to a local pond after some casting practice and let her throw a wacky rigged senko around. On her first cast, she landed a 4lb bass on 4lb test.. needless to say she's having trouble being patient now. I'm thinking about having her throw a senko under a bobber next time we go to keep her attention.
bitsandbass reply :
I got to say. My 3 year old girl. She just had her bday two weeks ago. I got her one of these. Her 5 year old brother grabbed it first, tried to cast a bunch of times, was unsuccessful. She picked it up while standing on the dining room table, and nailed 3 casts in a row (I got two on camera, the little rubber fish ended up in the kitchen). We couldn't believe it. I think she's a natural.
Anyway Im sure I can get them to practice around the house and maybe get them to jig down the road. But what rig do I get for this weekend??? Im lost in all this.
Im planning to dead stick some powerbait eggs for trout, thats kind of a guaranteed catch on the side. But I want to give them another rod to hold at the same time.
I'll start off with a bobber and once they learn to cast at home, I'll switch to a jig.
1) So guys, with a bobber, if no live bait, what do I use!!!!??
2) And when I switch do active retrieving, what do I use? Thanks!!
Oh an please keep in mind Im totally new to this. Jargon like wacky Senko is lost on me until I YouTube it haha!
5fishlimit reply :
Why the reluctance to use live bait (nightcrawlers)? For kids it the best way to go!
bitsandbass reply :
On 5/8/2017 at 11:34 PM, 5fishlimit said:Why the reluctance to use live bait (nightcrawlers)? For kids it the best way to go!
No stores near me sell them. Bit a pain to buy. They also come off the hook pretty easily with kids trying to cast (stuck in bushes etc). Also not a fan of just killing stuff for sport, even if it is a worm haha. If I could buy an artificial worm that works just as well, that is durable and last a long time, that stays on the hook etc, then thats a win IMO. But as long as it works like the real thing!
hunterPRO1 reply :
well if your against killing worms for sport then keep the bluegill and then its not "sport" its for a reason
ive never used any fake live bait, what i have done is put a crappie jig and a 1" grub underneath a bobber and slowly bumped it along, caught alot of crappie doing it and my grandad who taught me to do it, once caught a 7lber doing it (about 50 yards away from where i caught my 12 lber)
bitsandbass reply :
If live bait is my only option, what about catching some shiners while the kids fish? I have a live bait bucket. I assume I could string up say 5 hooks and tip with bread?
What size hook would I need?
Crestliner2008 reply :
I have 5 grandkids and have started them a bit differently based on what species they were most likely to catch on the pond I take them to. First and foremost is "action". They need to be constantly "bit", if their attention span will last. So, my first choice is a 1/16 oz. marabou jig suspended under a bobber a couple of feet. You'd probably have to do the casting as a bobber is not the easiest thing to cast for a youngster.
If there are numerous bass of various sizes, then I'd highly recommend a wacky rigged 4" Senko - again.....UNDER a bobber. You'd be amazed at how effective bobbering a Senko can be. 
bitsandbass reply :
On 5/9/2017 at 12:35 AM, Crestliner2008 said:I have 5 grandkids and have started them a bit differently based on what species they were most likely to catch on the pond I take them to. First and foremost is "action". They need to be constantly "bit", if their attention span will last. So, my first choice is a 1/16 oz. marabou jig suspended under a bobber a couple of feet. You'd probably have to do the casting as a bobber is not the easiest thing to cast for a youngster.
If there are numerous bass of various sizes, then I'd highly recommend a wacky rigged 4" Senko - again.....UNDER a bobber. You'd be amazed at how effective bobbering a Senko can be.
Im going to do this. 4 inch Senko with bobber it is, thanks!!!
Plan B is to catch some shiners on the side. What size hook shook I use? Im using size 8 gamakatsu circles for trout. Would these work?
Another dumb question, sorry. What size hook should I use with the 4 inch senko bobber rig? I know bass hook differently, but I still want to go with circles for nearly guaranteed catch and release. Thanks.
bma3 reply :
When I fish with my little brother, I start off by catching bluegill with him so he gets interested and stays interested, then I tie on a Ned Rig and let him work it any way he wants!
bitsandbass reply :
1) Guys, what size circle hook do I use with the dead stick senko/bobber rig?
2) What size hook shall I use for catching shiners (can I use the gama circles size 8 I already have?)
3) What size hook should I use for using shiners as live bait?
Thanks!
CTBassin860 reply :
Young kids,the worm and bobber does the trick every time.They get excited when that goes under.When i give mine that setup,i spend more time unhooking bluegill than i do fishing myself.Thats ok though,its worth it.
Mtlgrlie reply :
Night crawler/worms and bobber have been the way I've fished forever - until age 44. It has ALWAYS kept my attention watching that plastic Walmart bobber. 
It is simple. It's just as much fun at times getting my worm nibbled off by tiny tiny fish. Why make it harder or more complicated for a kid? Only if I'm letting them know they might have a reason to be bored are they bored. They are outside, not in school, not doing chores, so....slowly catching lots of little fish is exciting! It becomes a game.
Oh, and there's also the same small hook and hotdog chuck trick. That worked growing up too.
Good luck and remember to keep it simple. They're kids and catching lots of tiny fish are FUN! (Even now I must admit).
Angry John reply :
For live bait for gills i am guilty of getting a lot of them for my kids on hot dog. Seems very low class and i will never let the guys here know i did it but i always have them around the house and they worked. If you want to use plastics the squirt tubes that are trout and crappie size have got me a bunch of fish with the kids and wet flies work well to. These are the best i have found.
P.s. The big nerd at the fly fishing section will talk your ear off about what is currently working so i grab a few and roll out and have a blast.
fishnkamp reply :
Lets start with some simple things. Do you have a Dicks Sporting Goods nearby. Go look at a kit like this one
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/lelands-lures-crappie-magnet-kit-15lllubstfllndscrlur/15lllubstfllndscrlur?&color=
It is a complete small tube kit complete withjig heads. You can add several of the small round red and white bobbers. I like to use the longer ones like you showed but is tougher to cast. Stick with the small round ones, about the size of a golf ball or a tad smaller. Now add some hooks about the same size as the jigheads and pick up a pack of split shot and a pack of swivels. Do not try to complicate this it is easy basics. I recommend the small zebco 33 or an ugly stick combo similar. BY the way the jar of tiny white worms is called Berkley Gulp "waxies" available fro m lots of places like Cabelas, and Bass Pro. These are imitation wax worms( tiny maggots sorta) another great panfish bait. The Angleworm is sorta like an imitation garden sized worm. All of thee baits work and are not that expensive,
Take a look at this video.
Crestliner2008 reply :
On 5/9/2017 at 1:20 AM, bitsandbass said:1) Guys, what size circle hook do I use with the dead stick senko/bobber rig?
2) What size hook shall I use for catching shiners (can I use the gama circles size 8 I already have?)
3) What size hook should I use for using shiners as live bait?
Thanks!
For Senko/bobber fishing, I'd recommend a size #1 circle hook, but it's got to be an "IN LINE" circle hook to be effective in lip hooking any fish you catch. The "off-set" circles hook just as many bass deep as any other kind of hook.
For other bait applications, I'd still go with the circles, but here a smaller, off-set circle is fine (mainly because few if any hook mfgr's make a small in-line circle). I use #6 or #4 with the kids.
bitsandbass reply :
On 5/9/2017 at 6:45 PM, Crestliner2008 said:
For Senko/bobber fishing, I'd recommend a size #1 circle hook, but it's got to be an "IN LINE" circle hook to be effective in lip hooking any fish you catch. The "off-set" circles hook just as many bass deep as any other kind of hook.
For other bait applications, I'd still go with the circles, but here a smaller, off-set circle is fine (mainly because few if any hook mfgr's make a small in-line circle). I use #6 or #4 with the kids.
Gamakatau makes inline circle #8s.
Looks like I'm going down the rabbit hole. I'm going to buy some new zebcos now. That escalated quickly......
NYWayfarer reply :
On 5/8/2017 at 11:11 AM, bitsandbass said:
1) Is the bobber rig the best for young kids and if not, any recommendations for what rig to use?
2) If so, what bait cant I buy that will be effective in replicating the worms (Berkley Gulp etc)? Does this actually work or is it a waste of time? Is it durable (power bait eggs last for years)
3) And how would I rig it (I see the hook is set in the middle of the worm for the best action etc, but wanted to confirm)
4) Would the worm require jigging to be effective or would the wind/ripples in the water be enough?
5) And for the hook, same ones as my trout rig, Gamakatsu circles size 8 octopus, would this be ok?
1) Bobber rig is perfect for young kids. It's like a real life video game. When the bobber goes under reel in a fish! Kids love it.
2) Berkley makes great bait to substitute for real worms. I like the Gulp 1" minnows, Pinched crawlers, Maggots and Crickets. They come in jars with stinky juice, don't let them spill or you will regret it.
3) Hook them anywhere. Try and hide the hook as much as you can.
4) Cast the worm out, leave it for a bit. If no action reel in a bit and leave it for a bit. Once you have reeled all the way back to you cast it out again and repeat process.
5) That hook is fine. The smaller the hook, the more likely a panfish will swallow it. Nothing ruins an outing more for kids than a fish that dies from a swallowed hook.
HeavyDluxe reply :
My youngest (4-year-old caught) his first fish this past weekend.
Simple is good... We use the cheap, Stuffmart bobbers above a decent-sized aberdeen hook. The long shank of the abderdeen gives me something to grab when the fish swallow the hook or take it deep. Since the kids are sometimes late on the hookset, this helps.
My kids moved from the bobber quickly to a split-shot rig... Same hook with a split-shot sinker a foot or two above the hook. They let it sit a bit (with a finger hooked on the line), the jig it lightly, and repeat. It's more effective, especially for bigger 'gills and the occasional juvenile bass.
I'd just add how mad I am about the quality of kids fishing gear. Most of the spincast rods in the kids' kits are trash. I'm spooling an ultralight spinning reel for my littlest to use our next trip.
snake95 reply :
You have super advice here, so just a few other thoughts. I get the issue of not being able to get bait quickly, and for that reason I gravitated to lures even for the little guys pretty quickly. I teach kids 5 and over to use plastic worms.
Gulp for me has been a lifesaver and it all works well, sometimes better than live: the nightcrawlers, minnows, and worms.
All you need is a baitholder hook and you are good to go. (Or any of the other zillions of hooks mentioned).
I like the thill bobbers from Walmart.
One tip about hook size: once my kids caught a few bass, I quickly realized that the small (6,8, etc) hooks that are so effective for hooking panfish and small bass are also deadly to bass when fishing with small kids. They often get gut hooked or gill-hooked and you have a challenge on your hands to keep the bass alive. I moved the kids to 1/0 and 2/0 circle or other round hooks and found that while hookup ratios dropped for the little kids, bass lifespan went way up. I found it was a completely worthwhile tradeoff to make.
Hog Basser reply :
Don't forget since you're new to all of this, even if you don't plan to fish yourself, buy a license! If you just cast it out for the kids, they will nail you for not having a license. Get it while you're buying the gear at the store.
bitsandbass reply :
On 5/10/2017 at 4:25 AM, Hog Basser said:Don't forget since you're new to all of this, even if you don't plan to fish yourself, buy a license! If you just cast it out for the kids, they will nail you for not having a license. Get it while you're buying the gear at the store.
HA good point thanks!
On 5/10/2017 at 4:04 AM, snake95 said:You have super advice here, so just a few other thoughts. I get the issue of not being able to get bait quickly, and for that reason I gravitated to lures even for the little guys pretty quickly. I teach kids 5 and over to use plastic worms.
Gulp for me has been a lifesaver and it all works well, sometimes better than live: the nightcrawlers, minnows, and worms.
All you need is a baitholder hook and you are good to go. (Or any of the other zillions of hooks mentioned).
I like the thill bobbers from Walmart.
One tip about hook size: once my kids caught a few bass, I quickly realized that the small (6,8, etc) hooks that are so effective for hooking panfish and small bass are also deadly to bass when fishing with small kids. They often get gut hooked or gill-hooked and you have a challenge on your hands to keep the bass alive. I moved the kids to 1/0 and 2/0 circle or other round hooks and found that while hookup ratios dropped for the little kids, bass lifespan went way up. I found it was a completely worthwhile tradeoff to make.
Im planning to use:
1) #8 inline circles for trout if I can find who makes these!? Otherwise Im just going to get some #6 Gamakatsus inline circles
2) 1/0 Gamakatsu inline circles for bass
3) #12 hooks of whatever brand to try catch some shiners on the side while the kids fish (any recommendation for brand?)
Its freshwater and its trout/bass! Gamakatsus seem like an overkill but I cant really find alternatives easily (need to scroll through pages and pages on the web). If anyone has recommendations for manufactures, cheaper hooks etc, please let me know.
Jaderose reply :
I'll give my advice....whatever you decide to give your kids to fish is up to you....but.....1)Do NOT plan to fish yourself. TRUST ME!!!! It will only frustrate and irritate you. It is about them when they are with you. 2.) Do NOT get discouraged if they want to leave after 20 minutes. Kids do not have the patience to sit for hours not catching fish if the bite isn't on. Even if it it is, they get bored after an hour. Welcome to fishing. Have fun with your kids but explore this great sport on your own, too.
snake95 reply :
On 5/10/2017 at 7:14 AM, Jaderose said:I'll give my advice....whatever you decide to give your kids to fish is up to you....but.....1)Do NOT plan to fish yourself. TRUST ME!!!! It will only frustrate and irritate you. It is about them when they are with you. 2.) Do NOT get discouraged if they want to leave after 20 minutes. Kids do not have the patience to sit for hours not catching fish if the bite isn't on. Even if it it is, they get bored after an hour. Welcome to fishing. Have fun with your kids but explore this great sport on your own, too.
X2 ^^
@Jaderose probably just gave you the best advice on here. I've been hard at it for 3 years fishing with kids. The first year was very frustrating when I tried to make it about me and me catching fish. Here's the thing: if you hang in there and work to put them on the fish and don't get discouraged, it will pay dividends in the long run, big time. My kids now love to fish and once over 6 they've become very independent. As a testament to that, at age 7 last year by son fished on his own to catch the winner in a pond tourney and after landing that fish, a sports photographer caught the action as he worked a whopper plopper (topwater lure) by himself and fought a wildly jumping bass. It was awesome. Make it about them and their fish when you are together and then take some time for yourself later.
Pro Logcatcher reply :
Use the bluegill for catfish or 8 lb largemouths! That'll get them hooked on fishing for sure
Hog Basser reply :
On 5/10/2017 at 7:14 AM, Jaderose said:I'll give my advice....whatever you decide to give your kids to fish is up to you....but.....1)Do NOT plan to fish yourself. TRUST ME!!!! It will only frustrate and irritate you. It is about them when they are with you. 2.) Do NOT get discouraged if they want to leave after 20 minutes. Kids do not have the patience to sit for hours not catching fish if the bite isn't on. Even if it it is, they get bored after an hour. Welcome to fishing. Have fun with your kids but explore this great sport on your own, too.
I'll second this as well. When I take my kids fishing, all I have time for is re-baiting hooks and removing fish. You just can't fish yourself. Some days they will fish longer than others, don't force them to stay longer, let them decide and make it fun.
the rod tosser reply :
On 5/10/2017 at 7:14 AM, Jaderose said:I'll give my advice....whatever you decide to give your kids to fish is up to you....but.....1)Do NOT plan to fish yourself. TRUST ME!!!! It will only frustrate and irritate you. It is about them when they are with you. 2.) Do NOT get discouraged if they want to leave after 20 minutes. Kids do not have the patience to sit for hours not catching fish if the bite isn't on. Even if it it is, they get bored after an hour. Welcome to fishing. Have fun with your kids but explore this great sport on your own, too.
This is the most valuable advice that anyone can give you . It is hard to help a kid learn to love fishing if you are constantly frustrated by there needs. or getting angry with them. It ruins both of your enjoyment . Another good tip is try to find a place with a restroom near by .Take time to enjoy your time together after all this is really the main goal. I have chased frogs, skipped rocks ,feed fish, watched eagles catch fish .
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