Need Help Please

[foxfam]

Going to Twin Pines on 1-13 to 1-1-15 bringing wife and kids for a fishing weekend staying in sleeper first time on Mille Lacs just wondering if their is a night bite on this lake or should I bring lots of games for the kids to play hoping to get the wife and kids more interested in fishing any information would be greatly appreciated such as baits and techniques just looking for kids to have a good time catching fish any kind action is action as far as the kids are concerned they will be happy cathing ellpout for that matter any tips would be great Thanks!!!

[bturck]

Foxfam: The first thing I would tell you regarding taking young kids or the wife for a first time outing is not to get to awful serious about the trip as far as catching fish. Make it a fun expierance so they don't get turned off. Electronics can add to the trip, especially a camera which can be rented from most resorts and bait shops. the kids would kick a big kick out of watching the underwater show, mille lacs is a clear lake and you can see very well with one of these. A vexilar flasher is also another great tool. Bring along some color books, game boys, snacks and sodas to keep them occuppied if the fish aren't biting, or during the dead times.

To answer your other question: yes Mille lacs can definitley have a night bite and the possiblilty of catching fish throughout the night is good, especially some pout. If you're not into jiggin' spoons I would set up your lines with fatheads or shiners under bobbers, with different colored jigs and at different depths. anywhere from 1' off the bottom to 3' off the bottom can work. If you find that one depth is hot reset the other lines closer to that one. Bright colored hooks, or small jigs on these lines can produce, white, chartreuse, orange, pink, and perch colors can do the job. If the resort furnishes the line setups they will most likely already have jigs or hooks tied on that have produced, but don't be afraid to change colors if its slow. If you have ice fished in the past you could work your own jiggn' rod as well. The big thing again is to have fun and enjoy the time with the family, first timers usually run out of patience a lot faster than you or I would. Good luck and have a great time. Bill

[perchman]

kids = snacks

[crabby]

I've taken the family to a sleeper a few times, and I'm doing it again this weekend, but this time the kids are 10 and 14, so they pretty much know what to expect. It wasn't that long ago that cable TV and shopping malls weren't an option for families. Once you get rid of all the distractions, and the bobber goes down, they find out pretty quick what life is really all about.

[Judd]

I have an 8 year old daughter and catching fish, any fish will capture their attention. But you have to let them decide when to start and to quit. Bait their hooks if they want you to let them bait it if they want to. Help unhooking the fish. Gradually they will want to do it themselves.

An underwater camera focused on the kids bait will keep their interest and help increase their catch. On Mille Lacs for Perch of all sizes I use a Red Super Glow Fat Boy with a wax worm. It will catch perch, from 3" to 14", we have also caught walleyes, eel pout, and last weekend she caught a 17" Tullibee (new shack record). For around $300.00 you will get hours and hours of use and the kids attention span will greatly increase. Need something for them to do when they are done having fun fishing. We play UNO, she brings her Gameboy (I hate it, but it keeps her happy and I want her enthusiastic about ice fishing.)

[foxfam]

Thanks every one for the wonderful advice really looking forward to getting away from the rat race and spending some time with the family wishing all of you good luck and great times thanks again very helpful!!!

[bturck]

foxfam: Do us a favor and post your weekend results when you get back. It would be interesting to find out how the trip went and if you caught any fish. Good luck. Bill

[foxfam]

I will be glad to post are results when we get back looking forward to letting you all know just how much fun we had fish or no fish still beats WORK!!!!! just hope there is enough ice to hold us up