FOR THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME TEACH OUR KIDS TO FISH

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I spent some time each week last summer fishing with my 4 1/2 year old grandson. I'd forgotten how much fun it was to panfish or to fish for bass. I've gotta tell you - if you have any kids around, there's nothing better than a few hours on the water with them for pure outdoors fun. With 1300 lakes and ponds in Viias County, not to mention the trout streams, you can always find a place to fish.

Start with some simple tackle - no fancy graphite rods for young kids. For younger kids a "bream pole" is perfect. Rig the pole with 6 pound test monofilament line just a little shorter than the pole and you're ready to fish the weeds. That's one of the great things about this - you can ALWAYS find some perch or bluegills in the shoreline weeds. As your kids or grandkids get older, that's the time for a spinning rod and reel. The newer closed-face spinning reels are perfect for 5 -8 year olds, as they get them ready for open face spinning reels as they get more experience.

Get a county map, with the fishing piers clearly marked on it if you don't have a boat. If you want to use your boat, pick a lake with a lot of shoreline weeds for panfish. Rig slip bobbers to fish in the weeds and around piers for both panfish and bass. Most kids, when they are just starting, can't use a "cast and retrieve" method. They're really happy watching that bobber for bites. Perch are perfect, because you can always get some. They don't have to be big - just enough to provide some action for the beginner. It's also a good way to teach catch and release to young anglers.

Lakes like Lake of the Hills, Boot, Muskeliunge and many more are perfect for these kids. For these kids gaining experience, lakes such as Buckatabon, Found, South Twin and many more are perfect for bass. Nightcrawlers or leeches with slip bobbers are perfect for this fishing and will work all summer. Fish the piers and weeds for these bass also. If you want some help with directions and suggestions for lakes for kids, just stop by and we'll be glad to send you in a productive direction with your kids.

Another idea for a great day is to float the Wisconsin River in canoes. There are rental agencies on the river. The smallmouth bass fishing is great all summer on the river, along with some northerns and panfish. Every once in a while on the river you're also surprised by a big musky.

Don't forget out many "bog lakes" for both panfish and bass also. These lakes are quieter and more like wilderness, and provide a great summer day. Crawlers will work for both fish. What the heck, we'll probably see you and the water with our grandkids.

Good luck and good fishn'

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