Hi Andy,

I agree Derek is a an example to us all and what I remember of anglers back
when I used to fish regularly and had hair. He is a good man and has helped
me a couple of times.

We did have one of the open days and it was on the lake I usually fish but
he was considered too young by one of the organisers. Pity really if he
could have had a pole for free and someone to teach us both.

I think I have it sorted with the poles now, will soon find out as I am
taking him next week and have two short poles. A very light one of 4 meters
which I think will suit him and a cheap 5 metre one for me to play with and
get used too.

The only thing I am left thinking about is that the 4 meter one has two
tops, a normal whip top and an elasticised one. My pole has only a ring but
I am told I could elasticate it if I wanted too. Not sure if I want too as I
have no idea what the advantages and disadvantages are. Guess I got to use
to as a true whip before I decide.

Anyone got any thoughts on this I would be very happy to hear them.

My grandson is very eager to get out and came to meet me and his mother
fishing today. I managed to catch some small perch with both my grandsons
helping with my rod so they think I am God at the moment as they have no
idea the level of luck involved in that.

Managed to get my daughter to catch a few nice perch as well, nothing huge
( only about 10 ozs ) but not bad for a first attempt. I had a few perch at
close to the pound and a very nice little roach at about a pound.

A nice day out for a pleasure session.

--
Gandalf


"Andy" wrote in message
...

"Gandalf" gandalf not for wrote in message
...
No, just a small stream inlet and a drain off that is a little more but



Hi Gandalf,

I was in a similar position a couple of years ago with my son. Partly
because of the advice from this group (Derek!) and partly due to an
introduction to fishing event held by the Environment agency, I ended up
taking my son to the Thames (Reading area) with a pole (4M is easy enough
for a child that size). He started caching fish within seconds! I suggest
you check the EA web page to see it there is a similar event in your area.
The format seems to be a session with a qualified fishing instructor, a
bit of 'pond dipping' and finished off with a goody bag - a pole with all
you need to get started. All you need to add is bait.

Don't under estimate how successful a simple pole can be - about 10 days
ago I took both my kids to the Thames and they caught nearly 100 fish
between them, mostly Roach but some perch, dace and I even caught a
sizeable pike!

Derek is absolutely right to highlight the danger of a young child near
water, but if the right location is chosen this should be manageable.

One thing that has really surprised me is the 'staying power' a young
child can have. I expected the attention to wander after a short while,
however the last trip was 5 hours long and they didn't want to go home
even then...

Andy.