Advice for getting a kid's first striper?

[schoolie monster]

After some major sunfish action this past weekend, my daughter (almost 5) and her friend want to go out in the boat. Aside from me casting and hooking fish and then handing them over, what are some strategies for some bobber type fishing for kids?

My first thought was sea-worms... coincidently, my wife went to pick up my daughter's friend and I had her stop at the bait shop for some crawlers. She specified freshwater, but they gave her sea-worms. Other than having to run back to the house and try to dig up some worms while my wife took them exploring, no big deal. BTW, those things are creepy.

Anyway, I thought I could put those under a bobber and drift some mudflats... anyone no any good areas for that (in Boston Harbor)? Areas where I might get small bass/blues or even flounder or something...

And how long will those be ok in my fridge? Should I do something with 'em, or are they ok in there?

Aside from that, does anyone have any favorite techniques for small children getting their first shot at schoolies (or small blues)?

Thanks.

[STEVE IN MASS]

Seaworms in the fridge.....

Should be okay as long as they came with some seaweed, which most of the time they do. Keep them moist.....spray with a mister everyday or so, maybe lightly sprinkle some salt on them, as if you mist them with fresh water, you'll be washing away the natural salt.....also, if you got them in a cardboard box, the cardboard can wick away the mositure after awhile, so put the box in a plastic bag, but don't close up the bag tight, or you will suffocate them....

If they are in a plastic cup, punch some holes in the top, again, so as not to suffocate them.....

I've kept them as long as a week and a half......

[redcrbbr]

need to change the newspaper in the bottom of the worm box too, everyday. discard the dead ones

[Mr. Kav]

the sw side of peddocks off the point is usually good for schoolies. i would just let out a sea worm without a bobber and let the fish eat it like it was a chunk. send a few lines out and you will probably pick up some schoolies for the kids.

[Canalratt1]

Schoolie fishing with seaworms is very easy. Use a styrofoam float and run it a few feet up the line and a fairly small light wired hook. Hook the worm once through the head and let it dangle. Just throw it out letting the waves do its thing and keep an eye on it. Schoolies love them.

[joeangler]

take them scup fishing kids love catching them and there real easy to catch and theres plenty around

[schoolie monster]

I'm thinkin' I'll try a little of both, a couple on a float, a couple fished on the bottom. Maybe some clams... and thanks for the advice on keeping them fresh. I've never even seen a sea-worm till yesterday.

Joeangler... I know there are alot of scup in Rhody, were you talkin' about down there or up here in Boston. I remember catching scup in Nantucket when I was a kid. They are like super strong sunfish and were easy to catch. That would be cool.

Bass, snapper blues, scup, flounder... they'd be thrilled with anything I'm sure.

[TheSpecialist]

I was going to suggest peddocks, and near Nut Island there are some mussel beds off the end of the jetty with the telephone pole.

If you are going to try some on the bottom, use a fish finder, and bank sinker. Drop it to the bottom and reel up about 3-4 turns, and drift.

Sound like you are going to have your hands full.

[Goose]

almost 5 you say....wow! Thats great! be sure to have snacks on hand. I've always took my kids to spots that hold scup to start their fishing careers......get ready to bait hooks. I've gone to my local waters here around NewBedford.......most bridges, piers, and jetties hold scup. Seaworms and sea clams work best. On the bass note, their was a guy drifting small chunks and I mean small chunks of mackeral under the bridge and he was hooking a few schoolies. I wonder who'll have more fun.....you or her?

[schoolie monster]

We'll definitely have snacks aboard... a couple toys. Drinks.

I'm gonna start small. I'll launch in the early am and have my wife meet me at the dock around 7am, go out for a couple hours. Traffic will still be manageable that early. They also just want to go for a boat ride.

Who'll have more fun? Definitely the kids up to the point that I see her face when she brings in her first fish... then it evens out for me. But I'll definitely have to take my patience pills that day.

Specialist, I'll try that jetty too... thanks guys.

[Mr. Sandman]

I have young kids and they LOVE scupping. Scup fishing is "short attention span theater". Have light rods /reels and proper hook size with some squid and you are set! The action is fast, the fish send a signal like a woodpecker up the line. They have a ball. (Don't expect to do any fishing yourself...you are the mate!, you will be baiting hooks, unhooking fish. And we are strict about the size limits and the kids learn that that little ones have to go back. And every now and then a sea bass, sea robin, fluke, sandshark or some other bottom dweller hooks up. IMO there is no better daytime activity for kids then scupping. Everyone has a big smile on.

For kids a little older who want to catch a larger more poweful fish...take'em chummin for blues. No weights, wire line or heavy rigs needed here, just a hook. It is simple to, no casting or jigging. Just drift it back in the slick....whamo! You get to catch a big fish on modest tackle the child can handle. Taking a kid wire-lining is no fun.

PS (important): Pick a nice day to go...if it is blowin 30 forgetaboutit.