1st boat ride

Hey All! Wonder if I could get some advice from any of the Dad’s out there. My 3 yr old son wants to get out in the boat this weekend! I tried last year but it didn’t go so well. (he was a little intimidated and wouldn’t let me get away from the dock so we ending up fishing from a docked boat! Luckily it was @ my bros cabin and not a public ramp!) Question is, does anybody have any suggestions on lakes down Prior Lake way that would be a good candidate for the little guys’ first ride/fishing trip? (obvious choice is Prior but NO WAY, NO HOW on a weekend , especially a holiday weekend!) I was thinking Fish, Cedar, Spring etc but have no experience with them as far as ramps/traffic/hazzards etc. I know that the weekends are tough anywhere but would welcome any input that would make the outing as enjoyable/stress free for him as possible. (would like him to become my permanent fishing partner in the future!!) Also any advice/success stories on handling similiar situations with your youngsters would be welcome. I’ve been visiting this site for a couple of years now and have been very impressed with the willingness of you all to help a guy out. Thanks in advance

Spring has a decent ramp if the water isn’t too low. You can beach to the west of the ramp and park the truck.

My biggest suggestion would be to try any of the above lakes before 10 am. This will decrease the traffic load considerably. Spring does have more than it’s share of pleasure boaters though.

I don’t know the other lakes mentioned. Good Luck!! He’ll have a blast with his Dad .

It may be worth a trip to Pool 2. Relatively light traffic, lots of smallie and drum action.

I have had my 3 year old out and she seems to like it. There is always lots to see on shore (people, birds, critters), not very intimidating since she can easily see shore on each side of the river.

When I bring her, I run one rod w/ a rod holder and hold a 2nd. Both w/ cranks. She can sit there and eat treats, play and help w/ the fish when they bite. Plus, you dont have to travel fast to get to fishable water-just launch and start fishing.

Ceder Lake by fairbault has four island with lots of small panfish that are real easy to catch. Just cast out a small bobber and split shot hook and small piece of worm. Lots of action on small fish but kids love it. You are not going far in the boat and then anchoring so he should feel safer. If possoble take some other adult along or to help him feel secure while you are driving the boat. Good luck and let us know where you go and how you did. Thanks, Bill

I remember those days, be soon enough and we’ll be repeating them with the little one. Here’s my “lessons learned” list from the first one:

1. Don’t push fishing too much.
2. Bring a cooler with water/juice
3. Snacks & treats are also a must
4. Pack some toys, coloring books, and entertainment
5. Spend some time at the beach first with a lifevest on (confidence builder)
6. Don’t expect to spend more than about three or four hours fishing, even if the action is hot

Oh, one more thing:

7. Don’t get mad when he/she outfishes you
8. Don’t get frustrated untangling lines, etc…

Gianni,good reply.
#7 is a hot topic in my boat anymore.I have 3 boys.The 2 oldest boys spend alot of time in the boat with me,also ice fishing.Anyway we have always had to count fish to see who catches more.Well this year they have finally started to beat ‘ole’ dad a few times.Passing of the torch I guess.It’s been fun.Gianni makes some very good points on little ones in the boat!Make it fun.
Ryan Hale

Thanks to all for the advice! We hit Spring lake in the AM and all went great!!! (he wants to go again next weekend!! ) A couple of ‘gills, chocolate donuts, and a nice slow ride around the lake was the ticket for us. He lasted for just over an hour until he got a little fidgety and then we headed in. Again, thanks for the input!!!
ps; Lesson Learned! Chocolate Donuts w/Sprinkles + 3yr old = stained boat carpet!! (What was I thinking???)

That stain will be the best reminder of the great day you had out on the water. I can’t wait for my daughter to be that age so I can take her out and we can enjoy the day on the water. I can only pray she leaves a “reminder” in the boat of the first day she has on the water. It will constantly bring a smile to my face.