By Mike Frisch
I was fortunate to have adults in my life who took me fishing as a kid. I am lucky to work as an instructor for the ZEBCO School of Fish teaching kids about fishing. Finally, I am also lucky as host of Fishing the Midwest television to fish with kids every season. Here are some things I learned/observed from the recently completed 2025 open water fishing season about kids and our great sport.
First, kids get really excited about fishing! My 8-year-old grandson Sawyer lives in Iowa and is a little league ballplayer with a busy schedule. Our differing locations and busy schedules meant we only got to fish together a few times this summer. I can tell you that Sawyer was “so pumped Grandpa” when we left for the lake, stayed enthusiastic during the fishing, and wanted to keep fishing when it was time to leave. Carson Snyder is another young man, 13 years old, who loves fishing. I met him a few years ago at a ZEBCO School of Fish class. He was on a walleye fishing trip I was on this fall as well. Carson was up early each morning anxious to fish, maintained a really positive attitude even though the fishing action wasn’t great, and was always eager to hit the water again the next day. Carson’s and Sawyer’s attitudes and excitement about fishing was refreshing to see and reminded me that one of the things that I love about fishing is the anticipation for a coming day on the water and what that day might bring!
Kids love fishing. Another thing I observed is that kids can catch ‘em! Sawyer and I went walleye fishing one day. He had never caught a walleye before. I showed him how to fish a bottom bouncer rig baited with a nightcrawler. It wasn’t long and he said “grandpa I think I got one.” I looked over and his rod was doubled over with the weight of a chunky 15-inch walleye. Later in the day, Sawyer caught a 25-inch walleye. Not a bad start for his first time. Carson is older and more experienced than Sawyer. On our trip Carson knew exactly what to do when he got a bite, was skilled at fighting the fish, and did a great job of leading hooked walleyes to the net. Carson’s only complaint when the fishing was slow, “I need a better guide.” I happened to be that guide.
Carson and Sawyer were two enthusiastic fishermen who “got it done” when a fish bit. Interestingly, the only electronics needed for our days in the boats was the electronics we use for navigation and fish finding. No cell phone, laptops, or tablets got in the way of the fishing and the excitement the boys had over our fishing trips. Makes me think that when I hear an adult say something to the effect of, “kids today just want to be on their phones all the time” that maybe we, as adults, could do a better job of giving them healthier and more exciting ways to spend their time.
My days on the water with Carson and Sawyer were among the very best I’ve spent in the outdoors! Kids still love to fish, and I am going to continue to do my part in getting them involved in the sport kids of today, and yesterday, still love.
As always, enjoy your time on the water and remember to include a youngster in your next outdoors adventure!
Mike Frisch hosts the popular Fishing the Midwest TV series and is co-founder of the ZEBCO School of Fish. Visit www.fishingthemidwest to learn more!
PHOTO1– Carson Snyder with a walleye he caught on a fall fishing trip.
