Getting Fishy With Pre-Teens - By fishing guide Jason Boser

Minnesota Fishing Pros - Your source for Minnesota fishing guides and guided fishing trips.

Getting Fishy With Pre-Teens
by MN Fishing Pros Guide Jason Boser

Last spring we talked about how to get young kids out fishing and keep them interested in the sport. Now its been a few years and the young children are not quite as interested in that bobber, and those little sunnies or 6 inch perch. They start asking about where the walleyes, northerns, or some of the bigger fish are in the lake. That age usually starts around 7-12 years old.

Now at this age we have to remember they still don’t have much for patience, but they are ready for more then they have been doing. When I have this age group in the boat I like to talk to them and see what stage they are in on the fishing. I make them a part of the decision where and what we fish for. A lot of the time I will here I want to go catch just Walleye’s or I want a big Northern. What I do is find a lake that has a good chance of what they want but offers alittle of everything. I know that if we go for just what species they are looking for and get nothing we are in for a long day.

The lakes I like to look for are ones with a nice weed line, preferably the cabbage weed. I like to take a 1/8 oz or ¼ oz (depending on the depth) Northland Gumball jig. I like this jig because of the long shank; you can hook the minnow as not to fall off the jig when you are in the weeds. I get on the edge of those weeds and look for points and insides bends and just keep jigging. The fun part of this type of fishing is you never know what you will catch. We get northerns, walleye, perch, Bass and even some nice panfish all in the same areas. Some of the lakes I like to fish in these situations are, Sand, Bowstring, Pokegama, Lawrance, just to name a few. The beauty of these lakes is if you want to target one species like fishing Walleye’s on a hump you can and if its not good you can go back to the weed line for alittle action.

This age group of kids is all about teaching. Teaching them how to hook the minnow, leech, crawler or whatever baits you are using. How to tie their hook or jig on with whatever knot you use. It’s about showing them and then you having the patients to let them do it on their own with your guidance.

The equipment needs for this age group is pretty easy. You are able to start using better quality rods and reels. I like to keep the rods still on the shorter side maybe 5’5” or 6’ for jigging and up to 6’6” for rigging. I like to use a light or med light rod. I want them to feel everything but I want some forgiveness on the tip so the fish don’t feel them. I like the St. Croix rods they are light and sensitive and with their new series of inexpensive rods they wont even cost you much. One thing we have remember is that this is the start of fishing with no bobber and no sight it’s all about the feel and the better the rod the better they will feel the fish.

Fishing season is not far away start planning some trips with your kids; it’s a great way to bond with them at a time when they need it most. Get our kids outdoors.

Guided Fishing Trip Rates

Rates for a full day or half day guided fishing trip are reasonable and include bait, fish cleaning and packaging services as well as use of pro’s boat, fuel, fishing equipment and safety gear. Clients need only bring their valid Minnesota fishing license, rain and/or cold weather gear and food & beverage.

2010 Guided Fishing Trip Rates
Number of Anglers	Full Day Trip	Half Day Trip
1 - 2 people	$340	$270
3 people	$420	$315
Tag Boats	$100 per boat
Shore Lunch or Shore Dinner	$25 per boat
A $100 deposit ($100 per boat for group trips) is required to hold your reservation for a guided fishing trip with a MN Fishing Pro. Please send check or money order to the guide with whom you have booked your trip. The date of your full or half day fishing trip is not guaranteed until your deposit is received.

2010 Fishing Opener Dates

Walleye & Northern Opener - May 15, 2010
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass Opener - May 29, 2010
Muskie Opener - June 5, 2010

2010 Fishing Regulations

Ready to Book? Click Here to Check Availability:

Just fill out our easy Check Availability Form and you'll hear back from Jason within 24 hours. After you have confirmed the date of your trip with your guide please send your deposit along with this Reservation Form.

Jason Boser can help you plan a memorable Minnesota Fishing Vacation with a professionally-guided fishing trip on any of the hundreds of lakes in Northcentral Minnesota. Click here to start planning your next fishing vacation.

Minnesota Fishing Resorts:

Looking for a great Minnesota Fishing Resort to stay at this year? Click here to check out our Preferred Resort Partners list. These are resorts hosted by folks that MN Fishing Pros know treat anglers right!

BACK TO THE TOP