thanks for the tips. i took my youngest boy (6) and my baby girl (2) to that pond thursday afternoon. it was storming when we got there, but at around 8:30, it slowed to a sprinkle and we fished till dark. didnt get many bites but my girl caught 3 bluegills that measured about 8 inches and my boy had 2 that went over 7". when i say my girl caught them i mean i set the hook and she brought them in. need to get her a dora pole so she can handle it better, but it didnt take away from her excitement. anyway, ill try the tips you guys suggested the next chance i get to go. later