Took My Oldest Camping And Fishing

[OzarkFishman]

It was a great trip with my 4 year old.

My boy was able to paddle the kayak for the first time, catch 3 bass and enjoy some good outdoor adventures on his first camp out. We stayed at a family friends farm (right on the water). The trip started out in the blazing heat, but no worries ... sunscreen, a tent fan, and shade take care of that ... and some field drives in the AC!!!

He started out by hooking a good 3 pounder, but it wrapped him around a log. I did my best to free it (almost falling in), but in the end the fish won. He was a little bummed at that point, so we took the jon boat in and switched to the kayak. Within a few casts, he had a fish on. He went on to catch one more that night.

After having our fill of fishing we went on a drive to cool down and to go to Casey's to get some pizza. Made a quick trip to Montrose Lake and walked around a bit and then it was back to camp to start the hotdog roast. Once he had his fill of food and juice, we were off to 3 field walks (just 3 laps around the field, but it was a big deal to him that we got to do 3 of them ... the headlamp and flashlight helped him think it was a big deal ).

By this point it was 9:30 and time to get some rest ... took a while for him to get to sleep in the tent (nature makes lots of noises and even a slight moon is bright enough for a 4 year old).

Woke up around 6 and went off to catch more fish. He landed one more and lost a few. I probably caught 15 over the 2 days (these pits are full of nice bass and I didn't fish much ... it was HIS trip!!!)

As it heated up today we decided to go into Deepwater to get some food ... it was DELICIOUS!!!

What a great way to spend a few days with my oldest boy!!!

All you dads out there (and moms)... TAKE YOUR KIDS OUTSIDE ... you will surely love the experience!!!

[Wayne SW/MO]

Never to early to start them.

[ollie]

Yes, keep it simple for them at that age and have fun!! Mine remember when they were that age and fishing. Good times.

[OzarkFishman]

Keep it simple for sure ... only 1/0 offset hooks and 3 or 4 inch stik-o baits ... he got to pick between green and a green/black flake (with chartreuse tail).

Plain and simply the best producing pond bait I have ever fished. Especially ponds that are overrun with bass, since bass eat bass.

[Smalliebigs]

Simply awsome!!!!! great job OzarkFishman. I can't tell you how fun the pics looked.....he's got a great dad.