Take a kid fishing

Many of you have not been fishing since your father took you to a local pond. Some of my fondest memories growing up are my dad taking my brothers and me to one of the piers down in San Diego. Sure we’d catch fish. But feeding the pelicans or walking the pier looking at everyone’s catch were as much of the experience as catching them ourselves. The stop at the donut shop for donuts and hot chocolate before the sun was icing on the cake. To this day I have to start my fishing mornings off with donuts and hot chocolate.
Taking the kids fishing isn’t just about catching fish. In some cases you probably won’t catch a thing. It is about being out in the fresh air, showing a youngster how to appreciate the beauty around us. Fishing can be the catalyst to a lifetime of memories. The first fish caught, the big one that got away or Dad losing his hat to a stiff breeze. All this makes up the lifetime of fishing memories.
Of course the big question for us in Sonoma is, “Where?” Well, unless a close friend owns a stocked pond, our public options in Sonoma are limited to the sloughs south of town, which is hard to access with the little ones. However, a short drive out of town brings us opportunities with easy access and quick alternatives if the fish don’t come out to play.
The first is Helen Putnam Regional Park in Petaluma. Now the official information County Parks doesn’t show that there is fishing, but a short hike on the path brings you to a small pond that is loaded with small blue gill and bass, perfect for the youngest to experience the tug of a fish. All you need to do is keep the night crawlers coming. If the fish aren’t biting, then the playground by the parking lot is the perfect way to save the day.
Another spot is Roberts Lake in Rohnert Park. Blue gill and bass again are the catch of the day. Fishing pressure is minimal and the only obstacle can be the overly friendly geese who may offer a memory or two of their own. Other places to try are Spring Lake or Lake Ralphine in Santa Rosa for stocked rainbow trout. These also offer alternatives when the fish don’t feel like joining in the fun.
So where do you start? First is getting the right equipment for the kids and yourself to make a memorable day. For the little ones, a spin cast combo will do the trick. A few hooks, some split shot and a couple of bobbers and you are good to go. Check out Rite Aid or FKS Sports next to Broadway Market to get the tackle you’ll need. Keep it simple to start. Just use night crawlers. Artificial lures are fun, but won’t catch as many fish. Little ones get bored quickly if they aren’t catching fish.
Next is rigging the rod. The hook goes at the end of the line with a small weight a few inches up from there. The bobber should be a foot or two from the hook. If you need help with the knot, then go to animatedknots.com to learn how. Start in your yard and practice casting so when you get to the water you aren’t spending all your time untangling yourself from shoreline obstacles.
Any fisherman will tell you there is never a bad time to go fishing. However, early morning or late afternoon are when the fish tend to be most active. When you get to the water, make sure you are near something. Rocks, grass, even a tree. Fish like to hide in the shadows around these things. You want to cast as close as possible to your target. You may need to cast the first couple times to show the little ones how it’s done. Once this is all under control, the rest will be some of the best times you’ve ever spent with your kids. Need more information? Go to takemefishing.org. Or call me, and I will be happy to help you.
John is a Sonoma Valley resident. He is the manager of Carpet One Floor and Home in  Napa and is an avid bass fisherman.