Fishing lessons

Are there any teachers at heart who give pier fishing lessons April 11-14? My 6-year old wants to go fishing since she got to try it at GSP's Kids Wilderness Event. I see online where to purchase a license and on the pier where to rent a rod & reel. However, I really don't know anything about fishing and would like to let my kid have a real life intro to it if there is someone or a group you may refer me to for about a two hour lesson (I may buy the license and try it also if you're willing to teach an adult) and show us how to bait, cast, maybe even clean a fish? I can purchase her a junior rod/reel so she won't let go of yours off the pier.

I appreciate the help. I'm new to any type of online forum, but I've searched around and don't see any leads on this type of opportunity; we're nowhere near the ranks of joining a charter fishing tour yet--just something reasonably priced or volunteer to teach us informally about your passion. Thank you --Murray

Welcome to the forum Murray.
In the past (and maybe the future) i could help you, but circumstances will not allow me now.

Call the pier house and ask them if they are still offering their Pier Fishing 101 series...
251-948-7275

IF not, there are plenty of good hearted folks on this forum and even more on the pier, that may be able to assist you in your quest...

I won't be down at that time, but I would like to offer one piece of advice. At the age of six a child mostly wants to go catching, not fishing. Start her off with a small hook in shallow water. Shallow water is where the small fish hang out in large numbers to avoid being eaten by the larger fish.

This way she will have a lot of action and not be tested by long periods of waiting that are so hard on small children. If she notices that the fish are small then you can work up in stages to a larger hook and longer waits between bites.

For a six year old you might start with a #12 hook (gold colored and shiny) about 18 inches below a small float and with a piece of split shot lead a few inches above the hook. Bait with small fingernail sized pieces of fresh dead shrimp and drop or cast them in shallow water where the bait will be on or just off the bottom. You will catch dozens of small pinfish with only a minute or two to wait between bites. These are not "keeper" fish to clean and eat, but are for entertainment.

IF she wants to try for larger fish put a 1-2 oz egg sinker (depending on the current that day) on 10 to 12 lb. line above a swivel with a #1 or #2 hook about 18 inches below the swivel. Again using fresh dead shrimp, but slightly larger pieces (thumbnail sized) throw this into deeper water between the beach and the first bar and wait for a bite. This is called a "Carolina Rig" (Google it for pictures and instructions).

Of the fish you catch this way, some might be "whiting" or "Gulf Kingfish" (google that). These you can keep and eat. You will also catch ladyfish and hard tails (blue runner). Some eat these, but they are not eaten by most.

If you catch a catfish, handle with extreme care, the fins will stick and can cause infection. The cloudier the water on a particular day the more likely you are to catch catfish. You will want needle nosed pliers and a good terry cloth rag. You might ask for help handling a catfish. As a last resort just cut the hook and re-rig (the hook will rust out) - you really don't want to get a fin in your hand.

Look online for knots. You will want to use a clinch knot, improved clinch knot, or uni knot. They are similar and you only need to learn one. I recommend the uni knot.

There are good books available with pictures of rigs. For a novice I would recommend Baits Rigs and Tackle by Vic Dunaway.

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book.../dp/0936240148

Good post frednic and are dead on about the catching part and young children, reminds me of #r's story about "the best fisherman on the pier". Murry, hopefully when you get down the baitfish will be here and all you need is a multi hook rig called a sabiki with 8mm hooks and a 3/4oz bell sinker, these can be purchased at the pier when you rent your R&R. The day before you want to take her, spend a couple bucks on a sightseeing pass to see what's going on and what to expect. BTW, the first few hours of daylight is the least crowed time.

One thing I like to do to help the youngsters is pull a cooler up against the rail (NOT on the end 'octi') so they can stand on it and use as a casting platform and see OVER the rail like the adults...
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...tid=5938&stc=1

it makes fishing (and catching) so much easier for them...
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...tid=5939&stc=1

My advice is to skip the pier and fish from the beach. That way when she gets bored, you can go swimming, buld sand castles, etc...
She does not need a license and as long as you are just helping her, you really don't either. But if there is a hot whiting bite, you will want to be fishing too!
All you need is a light rod with 8# test line, a few 1/4 to 1 oz egg sinkers, swivel, short 12# leaders (mono, not wire) and #4 hooks.
I recommend Uni-knots, very easy to master.
FishBites or small fresh shrimp chunks for bait.
Cast out anywhere from right in the surf to 20' out, you will catch something! Very good chance of catching some nice whiting, maybe even a pompano.
Bring a small knife, needle nose pliers, an old towel and a 5 gallon pail.
Sunscreen, lots of water & your hats.

Man I can't resist a request like that !! I'll be happy to help I'll help you with Pier or Surf whichever you want or both I can have you fishing like a pro in 30 min to an hour I may be out of town on the 11th but will be available on the 12th Will send you a PM for the particulars to get something set up if you like

I have always been a fan of helping the youngsters catch fish!
http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8pjvmoxz.jpg

http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/...-5-2012006.jpg

http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/...uly2012027.jpg

The group on this forum and on the pier are some off the most help and nicest people you mayever meet. Helping the youth learn is by far better then doing it yourself. Hope you get your kid out and wish i was there to help.
Good luck and enjoy the moments.

I won't be down until the 14th and not sure what time of day, otherwise I would loan your baby girl a rod and reel and some bait. I would take Dan S II up on his offer since he is not only a pier regular but a local as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by edmurray

Are there any teachers at heart who give pier fishing lessons April 11-14? My 6-year old wants to go fishing since she got to try it at GSP's Kids Wilderness Event. I see online where to purchase a license and on the pier where to rent a rod & reel. However, I really don't know anything about fishing and would like to let my kid have a real life intro to it if there is someone or a group you may refer me to for about a two hour lesson (I may buy the license and try it also if you're willing to teach an adult) and show us how to bait, cast, maybe even clean a fish? I can purchase her a junior rod/reel so she won't let go of yours off the pier.

I appreciate the help. I'm new to any type of online forum, but I've searched around and don't see any leads on this type of opportunity; we're nowhere near the ranks of joining a charter fishing tour yet--just something reasonably priced or volunteer to teach us informally about your passion. Thank you --Murray

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I'm going to have my hands full with my own grandkids then. Good times a'comin'.

Maybe get a ribbon rig. They have kept many busy. And she could always give them away.

Thanks. I saw a Fishing 101 & 102 schedule.

Immensely helpful. Nail on the head: she's more interested in catching than fishing. I'll look up the equipment you mention and I think I'll be able to pull it off myself. Thanks for covering the bases of what is most likely for her age, but also if she has an affinity for the sport. I appreciate the link and tips on knots and catfish.

Alright, I'll keep in mind your sabiki tips and hopefully it is that simple. Thanks for the sight seeing and early rising tip; sunrise will be memorable, regardless.

I appreciate the input, fellow Midtowner (originally from the Columbia River in Washington state, though). Wasn't even thinking about bringing a cooler, yet!

Appreciate the succinct directions and what to get. I'm looking to keep in simple and not invest in too much because you never know when sandcastles become more appealing to a six year old.

I appreciate your help and enthusiasm. Will look for your PM. Precisely what I'm looking for--local fishing hospitality so my kid can get some hands on experience with a whole lot more knowledge than I can feign. Before she fell asleep tonight, she talked more about wanting to catch and release. I'm looking forward to learning, and who knows, may be cooking a fish dinner for us camping next week.

I'm finding that out--most the folks seem real sincere giving pointers to a novice so a kid can get a new experience (and at this point, her dream, fulfilled). I'm not technical, so I'm liking the simplified advice these guys share and their knowledge fishing with the nature of young kids.

Thanks for the willingness to help, we'll be headed out the 14th and appreciate your referral of Dan as well.

Appreciate it. Will look into a ribbon rig.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by edmurray

Before she fell asleep tonight, she talked more about wanting to catch and release.

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When she notices the hook in them you might mention that a fish's mouth (parts of it anyway) are like fingernails - and don't really hurt if they get stuck or cut. That's stretching it a bit, but it helps them get over that part of it.

You can explain that they evolved / were created (which ever way you lean) that way because they eat such prickly things like other fish (with their fins), crabs, and shrimp and they would not be able to eat their natural food if their mouths hurt all the time.

This brings back memories from a few years ago. I took my five year old nephew to Fairhope Pier at sunset (beautiful sunset as a bonus). A down facing light, small hook with fishbites and a Iron Man rod. Next thing I knew was an excited kid and a Iron Man rod doubled over with a large croaker. It would be nice to give you such a memory. If only I was in town I would love to help make it happen. My suggestion would be let Dan S II get a chance to help make a memory of a lifetime. It will a great experience for all.

Did you get your kid out fishing. If so how did it go.