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Lake Erie Charter Captain Dave Adams of D & D Charters answers questions and provides tips and insights into fishing the region.
If you would like to Ask the Captain a question, please click HERE.
October 29, 2002
Nickelodeon Writer Asks:
Dave -
I'm a writer for Nickelodeon and currently doing a story on fishing with kids. I'm interested in highlighting 4 different fish that kids may catch in lakes or rivers. Can you name any that are pretty common nationwide and that are around 10-12 inches in length.
Captain Dave's Response:
Hello Nickelodeon,
What a great idea!
There are over 20,000 different species of fish, but I think that I can narrow it down a bit.
The panfish, in particular the bluegill, is the most common and popular. The bluegill is regionally known as bream (Southeast), sunfish (Northeast), sun perch, blue sunfish, and copperbelly. It thrives in virtually any pond, lake, or river through out the United States. All that is needed is a small hook, float (bobber), and bread. Sound strange? Not really. Just knead a small amount of bread on the hook and cast into the water. Of course, the redworm will work as well.
Another good choice is the catfish, with the bullhead being the most common. It's not the prettiest of fish, but it's easy and fun to catch. Again, it's also available in most lakes and rivers. In clear running streams and rivers, the channel catfish can be found.
When looking for angling opportunities for children don't overlook the trout. Most states have some type of trout stocking program. And depending on climate of that state, they will stock either the rainbow, brown, or brook trout. Many a child has learned to fish by casting bait to trout.
Also, slightly harder to catch, but available in every state is the bass. In the northern states, the smallmouth bass is most common. In the warmer climates, anglers target the largemouth bass. Even though first-time anglers might think they need high-end tackle - such as seen on television - many a bass has been caught on a float with a worm.
Hope this helps,
Capt. Dave Adams
PS: This is how I got started:
Perhaps we all can remember a certain day or experience that is painted in our memory. My first angling adventure had me at a local farm pond on a warm summer morning.
The painting in my memory is vividly clear; I remember all of my senses being awakened. Before me was something very different, ducks gracefully swimming, birds singing, croaking of the bullfrog. My young mind wandered about the mystery of what was beneath the water.
To a five-year-old boy on his first fishing trip, a diminutive bluegill can give the appearance of a trophy muskie. After a brief instruction on angling, my mentor began to show a young angler the correct technique. My cast was flawless and after a hasty but energetic fight, the fish of a lifetime was mine.
As I proudly held the bluegill, my cousin carefully removed the hook, and gently placed the fish back in the water. Even though catch and release fishing was not practiced at that time, that lesson of respect for a living creature stayed with me forever. 38 years have past since that day. With all the skills of a seasoned angler, my cousin started a passion for the outdoors that still burns as strong today as it did on that first fishing trip.
If you are an experienced angler or have never fished before, perhaps introducing a kid into the sport will bring back memories similar to these, or new memories will be started as you and a friend share new adventures.
Adventure and relationships started while fishing can begin at any small pond, along a riverbank or an ocean-fishing pier. The only elements needed are two people and water. Any young angler can take you back to when you were a kid. Look for this fellow angler at your home, neighborhood, relative, and one of the great programs offered for kids.
The Fish For Free days that many states offer, give to perfect opportunity to fish with kids. To start fishing any adult or kid must remember that the sport is a simple sport and does not need to be a high expense. It can be started with a little as a baitcasting rod and a bobber. A few important steps to keep it enjoyable are a friend, location, and patience.
A great location to start fishing can be a state or county park. Most have lakes or ponds that provide easy access and are close to playgrounds and picnic areas. Start the day by catching panfish, and follow up with a picnic. Keep your first trip simple; allow for short attention spans of both the youngster and you. The memories painted in both your minds may include catching that first fish, ducks swimming in the water, or a new appreciation of the outdoors.
To appreciate this storied pastime requires minimum time. Even though our fast paced society has every second accounted for, allow a few precious hours to enjoy a pastime with the children of today. The passion for fun we enjoyed back when the only schedules we kept, were the start of summer and the start of school can be enjoyed year round.
Environment awareness and a love for the outdoors begin at a young age. We are guardians of this great planet and as we wake up to that spectacular warm sunrise, the feeling we receive can be with us every day. Thanks to sound environment practices, the future of fishing is strong. Allowing time to enjoy our children and being a kid again; will secure a future of fun for all.
Dave Adams is an author and professional charter captain who operates D & D Charters on the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie.
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