Beginner Lure Ideas for a Fast-Reeling 5-Year-Old

[Falkus]

Last weekend, my 5-year-old was really bummed that he didn’t get to go fishing with me. I went out solo to focus on catching some bass without having to keep an eye on a little one running around. He told me, “I’ve never caught a fish,” so this time, I’m taking him to the lake I usually fish at.

We have gone out couple of time. Once, We actually spent three days in a row at a lake I’d never been to before. He didn’t catch anything, but he still had a great time—mostly because he got Raising Cane’s for lunch every day.

I know he’s going to be super excited when I tell him we’re going again this Thursday. He’s got two of his own 5'6" spinning rods ready to go. I’m thinking of starting him off with a fluke since he fishes fast and gets impatient—he’s always reeling in nonstop. I’m also considering a straight-tail Senko. He actually handled my expensive rod surprisingly well once, but he’s still a bit careless, so I’m looking for something simple, safe, and fun for him to use.

Any suggestions for good starter lures for a kid like this?

Just trying to be a good dad and help him check off that “first fish” bucket list moment.

[BassinPaPaw]

My suggestion is a bobber and some live bait. Get him catching fish. He’ll have plenty of time to “bass” fish when he gets a little older.

[191 champ]

Beetle spin.

[borderbasser]

spinnerbait and chatterbaits were always good for youngsters out with me

[Classicxl]

Tie him a beetle spin on, his style of fishing, he will catch something.

[evilcatfish]

Maybe one of the smaller whopper ploppers? While the trebles could present some issues it’s pretty easy to operate. Hope he catches a fish! My son is 15 weeks old now and I’m already looking forward to taking him fishing!

[goodman_fishing]

Will need to work on slowing 'em down a little probably. My son started on a baitcaster at 4, it felt easier to manage than a spinning rod on some occasions. Slack with a spinning rod can be a real pain for a kid.

That said, i'd look at a spinnerbait or a whopper plopper. Need to take a serious look on if he's ready for treble hooks, however.

[goodman_fishing]

Maybe one of the smaller whopper ploppers? While the trebles could present some issues it’s pretty easy to operate. Hope he catches a fish! My son is 15 weeks old now and I’m already looking forward to taking him fishing!

I did a video on how my son got started and what i learned about it that might help. It's called Fishing With Kids: A Beginner’s Guide for Dads and Toddlers", more around 0-3 year old fishing expectations.

[geodebasser]

I took my 20 something niece and nephew from Atlanta fishing. They might as well have been a five year old as they had never fished before. After trying several baits I tied on 3 inch swim baits and then they started catching fish. For a fast moving five year old the swim bait might be the ticket. Simple to use baits

[marshman]

I caught about 15 bass today swimming a swim worm pretty dang fast almost burning it over and thru scattered flooded coon tail grass mixed with some other grass….


my point being, maybe let him try a swim worm… zoom Uv speed worm is a good one.. I was using a different one made by a local guy here, but the zoom works..

[ProVle]

My suggestion is a bobber and some live bait. Get him catching fish. He’ll have plenty of time to “bass” fish when he gets a little older.

THIS! The Bass will come later.

[cwilt]

Get a slower ratio reel for him...and he can in reel fast till he takes a nap.

[ttranger]

My first choice would definitely be live bait because it gives a child the best chance to catch something. If you won't use live bait I would go with something small like a Rooster-Tail spinner, Beetle-Spin, or small 1/8 oz. crankbait. Kids like to see/feel something on the end of their line and I think it's asking a lot for a kid to feel strikes and hook them on soft-plastics. They don't care what they catch - a sunfish is just as good as a bass for a kid.

[OkieBud]

Texas Rig Worm with a little weight on it

[Whiteboat]

3/16 oz Scrounged with a baby Fluke trailer. Easy to cast and fish. I prefer the short bill version for kids

[basscatlildave]

This everything bites it.

Beetle spin.

[LateralLine]

Nothing wrong with a small spinner bait or small buzz bait. I bet he'd have fun trying to keep the buzz bait on top of the water.

[basshammerwannabe]

fluke... have seen them get crushed just reeling in, and the hooks not exposed, not have to worry about hooking him, you the boat (as much) or getting hung up

[Kevin R.]

A road runner jig has been good for my 6yo. We did live bait for a bit but he wants to cast it all the time now.

[CaymasRodney]

My suggestion is a bobber and some live bait. Get him catching fish. He’ll have plenty of time to “bass” fish when he gets a little older.