I've always thought it was not a good practice to start a young hunter on big game.
There's no question that getting a trophy is exciting, but the chances of even getting a shot are pretty slim.
Young or new hunters should start with small game — multiple targets-not just one such as in big game hunting. On top of that, small game shooting provides many exciting days in the field.
Now, in a sense, the same holds true for fishing.
Maybe a trip to some distant river or lake to fish for salmon or other large fish certainly is a lifetime experience, but it might not be enough to generate the desire in a young or new fishing fan to continue on for years.
Pan fishing is the best way is to go.
There's a lot of excitement in fishing for bluegills, crappie bass or perch; multiple targets, so to speak.
Some of these species have either unlimited creel limits or large limits. A young fishing fan can fish for hours matching skills with panfish.
My late friend, Bill Nichols of De Young, Pa. made several trips each year to fish for perch in New York. Apparently, the limit was large since Bill and his fishing buddies brought home several hundred perch. They were filleted and frozen, and they were delicious.
My longtime friend and outdoor writer, Nick Sisley, published a book on panfish a few years back. It's a must for young fishing buffs.
It covers a wide array of panfish and how to catch them.
I don't know if the book is out of print, but Sisley, who lives in Apollo, is listed in the local phone book.
If “Panfish, USA” is still available, it will make a fine gift for any new or young fishing fan.
Nick covers about 15 species of panfish, but I can only touch on two or three in this column.
I think some of his thoughts on bluegills make a good starting point.
Nick says the very best bluegill fishing of the year occurs just prior to, during and right after spring spawning. He says these little tigers avidly take artificial and natural baits year round.
The bluegill, LEPOMIS MACROCHIRUS, abounds in every state, with the exception of Alaska. The bluegill inhabits most types of fresh water, and the bluegill is right at home in farm ponds. And it's possible to find the bluegill in slow moving water.
Apparently, the bluegill is not overly fussy about its food.
Whether the angler uses flies, nymphs, streamers, puny plastic worms or whatever, there's a good chance a bluegill will lose little time in grabbing the bait.
Sisley asked, “What is the best angling method for this critter?”
He claims there are so many possibilities, it's impossible to pinpoint just one. To sum it up, it appears that most any type of tackle or bait will do for bluegill fishing.
Since they are plentiful, there's probably a hot bluegill spot in your locality. Bluegills should be the starting fish for any new or young fishing fan plus they make a tasty dish.
Rock Bass are also plentiful and not difficult to catch. The trick is knowing when the best time to fish for rock bass. Sisley says water temperature is critical. He claims that water temperatures in the 65-degree range as water warms in the spring.
It's also important that the water should be reasonably clear so the quarry will have no difficulty in seeing the lure or bait.
Sisley says that there are two good ways to fish for rock bass; a float trip with a canoe or a small john boat.
If the water is not too deep, he claims wading is another top method.
In rivers, it's best to find a rocky ledge or large boulders. Then anchor and start fishing. Boat as many fish as you can before the rockies stop biting.
When that happens, simply move and try to find another hot spot, but always look for rocks.
He says if there aren't rocks nearby, don't expect to catch many rock bass. Rockies often migrate in river tributaries, and in some sections of Pennsylvania, migration begins around mid-April. In other words, now is the time to begin.
Start a youngster on a lifetime fishing career by allowing him/her to catch numerous fish. In my view, that's better than a one-time trip to some exotic land. Good fishing.
(Don Lewis is a longtime outdoor writer for the Leader Times and other publications and the author of several books. His column appears each Friday on the Armstrong Afield page in the Leader Times.)
