I love these kinds of threads. Being in a similar yet different situation...I can't wait to get my little guy going. I've already stuck a rod in his hand at 1 & 1/2,,,,
,,,,obviously too early, but it just goes to show how eager I am to get him into the sport. I've also started him on the conservative side....(no hooks on the lure)
,,,
He's lost his fear for touching eels too...
...reaches right into the tank trying to grab em', almost flopping into the tank actually.....was funny watching him try to pick one up off the garage floor, chased the dang thing forever. I can't say mom enjoyed that much....
,,, can't understand why.
My plan is to definitely start with bait and the tiniest hooks. In my area we'll be targeting choggies/cunner. By far, the easiest thing to catch in my neck of the woods. I don't do fresh, so I don't plan on introducing him to the sissy side of fishing...
I wouldn't call "Square One", snagging bunker and live-lining them for a 50 off a Jersey Pier or reading "Striper Strategies" in hopes of keeping a 7 yr old content. I would keep it simple. ANY tug on the line for a 7 year old should paint a smile that will last the whole day, if not longer.
I would first concentrate my efforts more on having fun with your child, and making "catching" fish,, second. My little man just turned 2 last month, so I'm far from experienced with this, but I'm sure to have fun trying.
Don't turn fishing into a "Success" or "Failure" kind of thing. Don't go home depressed if you don't catch any fish, or at least don't show it. You don't want to pass that type of mentality on to your child. You need to focus on making it a memorable outing, regardless of whether you catch or not. Like stated above, flip some rocks over...catch a worm, crab, starfish. Explain what it is, how it lives and why it's important to the habitat. If you don't know, make that a project. Research it with your child and learn together. At least that's my plan.
As basic as some of these replies may seem, you should really keep it that simple. For starters anyway. Good Luck....and HAVE FUN FIRST!!!
Here's a pic of the little man and his grandpa.