Advice on introducing my niece to fishing

[BurleyDog]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I can't wait for warmer weather. She already thinks her uncle is a wild man (I have taken her coon hunting, etc) and I am looking forward to spending the time with her. I really hope to get her interested in the outdoors.

Thanks again!

[leakinwader]

bluegill for sure, from May-July they will either be on the nest or eating fry, 4lb test line bobber about the size of a dime, the smallest Popeye they make, a 0 or a 1, fish 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 foot deep,when they are really on fish just the Popeye, when it slows tip it with a wax worm, kids want catching, and once there hooked they will learn to fish. JMO

Gary

I agree 111%. Has my 8 and 4 year olds hooked.
Also, dont go in for the kids type gear, just a regular (my experience) spinning reel and rod. My girls had more trouble with the kids type "crap" that are sold at Wally World. With a twelve year old, small adult, you wont have that problem.
Just be prepared for the "why can't I go" times. My girls aren't real happy right now that I wont buy them cold weather gear for fishing (kids grow too fast, and they want double to triple price).
Best of luck.

[harryprocraft]

as others have said go for bluegill and crappie! i take the wife and daughter and i don't fish while they have ball. good luck

[kygorski]

I took my kids fishing with me a lot when they were young. My daughter still baits worms, but not leeches or minnows. Biggest mistake is buying that cheap kids crap packages. A zebco 33 and soft rod will make them pros casting in a few minutes. I cracked up watching her trying to teach one of my grandsons how to take a bluegill off the hook.