My son turns three this week and I got him a tackle box, spincast combo, hooks, bobbers etc. I really haven't freshwater fished much near my house in Melrose, so need some ideas close by. Those with kids know the drill, must have sunfish and or perch, easy safe access etc. Any recommendations?
Thanks!

Plenty of great ponds on the North Shore for that.....how far you looking to ride?

There's Flax Pond and Sluice Pond in Lynn. Browns Pond in Peabody is where I used to go alot as a kid.

Thanks Kevin,

A ride is is not a problem, let's us talk and maybe make a pit stop for a drink etc. Fishing will may only be 30 minutes at his age so to make a trip of it isn't a big deal and really will be part of the whole thing.

James

I would guess that pretty much every pond will have either or both.
They are part of the food chain of the larger predators.
One other thing to consider is access to the ponds.
One of my preferences when I took my neices and nephews fishing the first few times was to find a section of shoreline with plenty of casting room and clear water so that the kids could actually see the fish eating their bait. Trust me, it will definitely peak his interest when he can see the fishies!

Thanks Kevin,

A ride is is not a problem, let's us talk and maybe make a pit stop for a drink etc. Fishing will may only be 30 minutes at his age so to make a trip of it isn't a big deal and really will be part of the whole thing.

James


Sounds Good.....if you are looking for a place to take the family and don't mind a drive, you can try Camp Denison in Georgetown.....they also have a couple of Nature paths you can go for a walk around.

Camp Denison is 36 acres of recreational and environmental land located in Georgetown, Massachusetts (http://www.campdenison.com/)

there's a pond just outside melrose center, heading toward wakefield on the left, that looks like it should have sunfish in it. Also Lake Quanapoit in Wakefield (there's some big carp it there too, might be worth throwing out a line with some carp bait for yourself). Breakheart reservation in Wakefield/Saugus would also work for you.

And so it begins... how did you do James?

Birthday is not until tomorrow so plans are for upcoming weekend. I am excited and he is too. We practiced casting a little yesterday. He really liked picking out the bobbers etc. I know the ponds in Melrose people are refering to and may give them a look myself some night just to make sure they make sense. Also the one in Georgetown is nice a we have some friends up that way wheer we can maybe use it as a home base and an excuse for me to see my buddy. I know most Cape freshwater ponds from Dennis to Wellfleet as I used to only freshwater fish so no issues when we are down there. Thats where I really cut my teeth on it.

Thanks for all the tips -

His birthday is tomorrow?