Fast action keeps children interested in fishing

Cooler (relative to what it has been) weather has dropped the water temperature a couple of degrees and fishing has improved significantly (especially if you use live shrimp for bait). This week, I fished with my friend Hugh and his grandsons Roman and Nico. We have been fishing together for many years. As a matter of fact, two of my prize possessions are pictures that Roman and Nico drew after one of our fishing trips. They are great kids that are growing up very quickly. It makes me happy that they want to fish every time they visit Hugh.

We met at the boat landing late in the afternoon. It was very windy and off in the distance dark clouds were looming. So we decided to stay in a small creek and fish with live shrimp. The tide was low and it only took a few casts to top off with bait. We then moved to a wind sheltered creek and pin anchored the skiff in a shallow channel between two oyster bars. Roman and Nico cast shrimp (on lead head jigs) into the channel. Trout, Redfish and Black Drum provided steady action throughout the afternoon. We never caught a really big fish but it did not seem to matter to the boys (or Hugh).

In my experience, when fishing with children, fast action keeps them interested. Now is a great time to take kids fishing. Shrimp are abundant and the creeks are full of fish that will readily eat them. So look for a late afternoon low tide and take the kids fishing after school. You will be rewarded with memories (and pictures) that will last a lifetime.