Beginner's Tips???

[PCO]

WOW,what a shame that you have no small tackle shops in your area that you and your daughter can get some knowledge and help.Everyone is correct with the advise above but include some Eagle Claw L181BG hooks which are a barbless bait holder hook so if your daughter happens to hook herself it won't be a horrible trip to the wellness center. GOOD LUCK

[RussH]

All good stuff. It's a shame Meltzer shut down. I guess they didn't want to sell and the kids weren't into it. I'm gonna take the advice and buy a super cheap setup, respool with light test and let her practice in the yard first.

When you use a bobber you put it like a foot behind your hook right? And can you just dig up some garden worms for bait?

[PCO]

It would depend on the length of her fishing pole and the depth of the pond,but I would think closer to two feet ? The problem is her range of motion with a short kids outfit might make it difficult with setting the hook.

[shrimpman steve]

Wow. Can't beleive Meltzers closed! First I heard of this. That is sad

[shrimpman steve]

Ringwood ave. the store is franks, but not close to Garfield.

[Bruce Litton]

I started my son with a bobber at age two. By age four, he was catching largemouths on plastic worms. Lots. Since you're starting her at four, I agree with all the guys, start with a bobber and worm, say size 8 plain shank Eagle Claw hooks. But pretty soon, have her fish baby or full-sized nightcrawlers without the awkward, annoying bobber, so she gets tactile. At first, a bobber is the coolest thing in the world--when it goes under, especially if a bullhead or bass takes a crawler. But even a big bluegill. After she gets feel with weightless, bobberless nightcrawlers, she can even advance to weightless plastic worms for bass...so long as you find a pond with bass in it. Don't know of any in Bergen. I used to take my son to Sunrise Lake near Mendham.

[RussH]

The closest Lake with anything good might be Sheppard Lake and I'm nearly certain you need a boat to fish it. Maybe Ramapo Valley? Here in Waldwick we have whites pond which I know is stocked with trout in just not sure when.

[Wilson]

Originally Posted by RussH

The closest Lake with anything good might be Sheppard Lake and I'm nearly certain you need a boat to fish it. Maybe Ramapo Valley? Here in Waldwick we have whites pond which I know is stocked with trout in just not sure when.

Check out the pdf of fish allocation for Trout stocking. The other link is the main NJ fish and game site. Both are very informative.




http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/

http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf...n16_nodays.pdf

[ScowardNJ]

Hey Russ, I'm a fellow Bergen County guy. Our freshwater Bait and Tackle store options have been whittled down these places..

Dicks in Paramus. Probably your best bet for a starter set up for you daughter.
Here's a coupon to help you get started https://myscorecardaccount.com/crmcd...2JqDWHfAqwzmg2

Then you got Ramsey Outdoor Rt 17S in Ramsey,
Tackle and Field on Ringwood Ave. Wanaque
Davis Sportshop up in Sloatsburg
Greenwood Lake Sports Center in West Milly

Whites Pond is great place to get your daughter started. They do the spring trout stocking there, but it also holds good bass and panfish. It does get choked up with weeds as it warms up. Consider taking a ride to the Closter Nature Center pond. Marc is the director who lives on site there. He does a great job maintaining that pond while keeping the bucket brigading riff raff out. Plus you can let her look at all the fish tanks, bird cages, and other animals that are residents there. He's a hardcore salt water/rod builder guy also.

[RussH]

That place in closter looks great. I don't know how I live here for 31 out of the last 35 years and don't know these things exist!