Beginner's Tips???

[RussH]

Figured I'd put this here. My turning 4 tomorrow kid has expressed interest in fishing. When I'm putting together my salt water stuff she likes to "help". She has even asked me when I'm taking her fishing.

I have no interest in taking her all the way down the shore to see if the interest will hold in action. However we have a few very nice lakes up here in Bergen County. What would be the most cost effective way to allow me to take her fishing at one of the lakes to see if it will hold her attention.

Obviously I'm loaded up on gear for Fluke/Striper/Blackfish/Etc. But I have NOTHING that would be considered fresh water gear. So I'm starting from scratch. Let's say I had a $200-$300.00 budget to buy what I needed. Also I imagine I need to get a license? If I don't intend to keep anything is a basic freshwater license good enough or do you need a stamp for the target species regardless of intent?

Help me out gents/gals. Cause while I can talk about fluke for hours, on this... I know nothing!!!

[PCO]

Go to your neighborhood tackle shop (not Walmart)and get set up !

[RussH]

"Local Tackle Shop"???


Who would that be in North Jersey? Aren't they all out of business? There's Ramsey up in Ramsey, but I've never known them to be helpful. The one in Paramus was great, but it was put out of business by Dicks. Dicks has good stuff, but there's also nobody there to help you. That's why I was looking for advice here. I can buy whatever I need at Dicks, but I was looking for specifics.

[NJ Dave]

Russ small hooks bobers and worms is all you need. a basic $20-30 pole is more than sufficient for what you plan on doing I do believe 4 years old is a little young. problem being kids get bored very easily. took my nephew till about 7 or 8 years old to really catch on that it's more of a waiting game and not a constant catching game.
I would suggest a local pond that is full of sunfish and other panfish which will keep you busy.
Well I agree support local but there is no more local. unfortunately the big box stores have taken over and they really have no knowledgeable help there.
Don't break the bank go basic if she likes it expand from there

[shrimpman steve]

Russ
Your in Garfield if I remember. Go to the shop that rhymes with feltcherse.

Ask for mark. Tell him Hanstein sent you.

[Castaway]

Originally Posted by NJ Dave

Russ small hooks bobers and worms is all you need. a basic $20-30 pole is more than sufficient for what you plan on doing I do believe 4 years old is a little young. problem being kids get bored very easily. took my nephew till about 7 or 8 years old to really catch on that it's more of a waiting game and not a constant catching game.
I would suggest a local pond that is full of sunfish and other panfish which will keep you busy.
Well I agree support local but there is no more local. unfortunately the big box stores have taken over and they really have no knowledgeable help there.
Don't break the bank go basic if she likes it expand from there

Best advice you can get! I started taking my kids when they where around 3. I picked up a few zebco push button combo's at walmart for around $15. as dave said, very small hooks, worms and bobbers. Tie a bright orange big Styrofoam bobber to the line and have her practice casting in the back yard first. she will have a ton of fun doing it, and you'll be shocked at how fast she will pick it up.

[NJ Dave]

Originally Posted by shrimpman steve

Russ
Your in Garfield if I remember. Go to the shop that rhymes with feltcherse.

Ask for mark. Tell him Hanstein sent you.

After 101 years in business the best local tackle shop in New Jersey has closed its doors a couple months back very very sad.
It's a shame there's no more local

[Esox Luciano]

I totally agree with all Nj Dave shared. Go cheap/catch big, try to keep them busy. Can't fail with small hooks and worms. Carp are also in many waters as well so bring some bread or bait. Meltzers shop in Garfield has closed down sad to say. I believe there's a local owned shop on Ringwood Ave near the Wanaque Res., but a little bit from here & there after you know if you'll continue with the freshwater.

[acabtp]

Originally Posted by shrimpman steve

Russ
Your in Garfield if I remember. Go to the shop that rhymes with feltcherse.

Ask for mark. Tell him Hanstein sent you.

Meltzer's went out of business last November
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdRBNinz-XA
:'(

[acabtp]

Originally Posted by RussH

Figured I'd put this here. My turning 4 tomorrow kid has expressed interest in fishing. When I'm putting together my salt water stuff she likes to "help". She has even asked me when I'm taking her fishing.

I have no interest in taking her all the way down the shore to see if the interest will hold in action. However we have a few very nice lakes up here in Bergen County. What would be the most cost effective way to allow me to take her fishing at one of the lakes to see if it will hold her attention.

Obviously I'm loaded up on gear for Fluke/Striper/Blackfish/Etc. But I have NOTHING that would be considered fresh water gear. So I'm starting from scratch. Let's say I had a $200-$300.00 budget to buy what I needed. Also I imagine I need to get a license? If I don't intend to keep anything is a basic freshwater license good enough or do you need a stamp for the target species regardless of intent?

Help me out gents/gals. Cause while I can talk about fluke for hours, on this... I know nothing!!!

freshwater license for dad $22.50 (you can skip the trout stamp if you aren't trout fishing, but you can't keep any trout incidentally caught)
ugly stik spinning combo from dicks or walmart $20
box of worms $3
baitholder hooks & weighted bobbers $5

cast that into any of the ponds you have around (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishplc.htm#bergen) and you'll catch all sorts of fish. respool the spin combo with new 4# line and she'll have a much better time trying to cast.

thanks for taking the time to try and pass fishing on to the next generation. i can't wait until my girls are old enough. tight lines!