Spent the last hour “fishing” in the staircase of our spit level home. The kids were on top with their new spincast combo’s dropping sinkers down to the basement level. We started out just bouncing the weight off the floor in our living room and then moved to the staircase. The stairs was harder for them because they couldn’t see the weight, and the depth changes with each stair. It was especially fun when I grabbed onto their line and gave it a big jerk – “FISH ON” they yelled.
Fun time. I was amazed at how quickly my 6 year old was able to “walk” the sinker up the stair case, bouncing it along and reeling in as she went – my 4 year old did alright too!
I’ve had the kids out in the boat with me on Lake Pepin trolling cranks many, many times. This activity only lasts about an hour before they lose interest. We’ve also been at the pottery pond countless times bobber fishing – that is better because the little bluegills are very willing, but they want to be busy all the time.
I’m thinking of trying some lindy rigs and jigs out on Pepin this summer with them. At least they’ll stay active, and maybe be able to keep at it a while longer. It’s just that I don’t have much confidence in live bait since I’m always trolling cranks. I’m sure, though that if I put a crawler or leach on a circle hook and have them fish some of the points and edges something will bite – even if it’s sheepies.
Can’t wait for all the outings to come where I might not do much fishing helping the kids. A very different kind of fun.
Any tips from all you moms and dads out there that were successful getting their kids to love fishing would be great! 
Scott
Can I come over to your house?
