r/FishingAlberta

▲ 12 r/FishingAlberta+1 crossposts

First time fishing with my 5-year-old — where to go and what to buy?

Just to set expectations: I'm not trying to get into sportfishing as a hobby. I've already seen those threads and it's way too much info for what I need. This is just a fun dad-and-kid outing.

I've never fished in my life, and I'd like to take my 5-year-old for his first time. Looking for advice from people who know the area.

A few things I'm hoping for:

  • Location: Somewhere in southern Alberta, as close to Calgary as possible.
  • Lessons: Is there anywhere that actually teaches you the basics? I'm starting from zero.
  • Budget: I don't want to over-invest. He's 5, so this might just be a phase. What's the minimum I should buy to give it a fair shot?
  • Stocked pond: In other countries there are places — sometimes attached to restaurants — where you fish from an overstocked pond and you're basically guaranteed to catch something (they'll even cook your catch). That kind of spot would be perfect for keeping a little kid engaged.

To be clear: he wants the full experience — rod, pond, the whole thing. (Grabbing a live crab at T&T does not count, haha.)

Any tips appreciated. Thanks!

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u/Corozoking — 21 hours ago

Chestmere Lake

I’ve been having a pretty successful run at chestmere these past few weeks on the raft but haven’t been able to catch something else, just been pike. Any tips on what lure/setup to run? I’ve been using spoons and small spinners but very open to different kinds of techniques.

u/FeistySyllabub3580 — 3 days ago

Can i use bait at Champion Lakes

I have read the regulations for ES1, im new to fishing, and I just want to be certain. im understanding it right because when I've Googled or asked an AI, it says no.

When i read the regs, i dont see Champion Lakes on the list of lakes, so does that mean it follows default regs that allow bait? Thats my understanding am i reading it wrong?

Thanks guys

reddit.com
u/ShallWeRollItJimmy — 2 days ago

Does this classify as a jumbo?

I've started to really enjoy perch fishing. Caught a few this size recently is this kinda the typical perch or would you call it a jumbo?

u/ExpertBalance4938 — 4 days ago

Talbot or Maligne?

I’m from Ontario and have the choice of fishing either of the two lakes for a few hours tomorrow. I’ve caught pretty decent sized pike and trout, so I guess I’m just wondering which of the two will be more eventful. Of course a PB would be awesome, but getting the tip bent a few times would still be great. Thanks in advance.

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u/GotTheKnack — 4 days ago

Tied the Alberta record for perch.

Just wondering if the lore is true, big fish don’t get up votes, just average walleye 👉🏻👈🏻

u/anglerhunter — 5 days ago
▲ 1.3k r/FishingAlberta+2 crossposts

Targeting walleye

Slow day, only got on this one but i’d say it was well worth it

u/halrosmit — 7 days ago

Rainy trip

Quick after work trip. Started off stormy but decided to head out anyways and it ended up clearing up perfectly. Great haul!

u/halrosmit — 6 days ago

It’s Walter Wednesday!

No tanks, just solid eaters and an evening well spent. Can’t complain. Zzztt 🎣

u/WalleyeRookie — 5 days ago

Nice Laker in Minnewanka

Don't know the weight, didn't have a scale, and I released it. Caught 4 lakers in 4 hours; this one was the hog. Drift jigging spoons and white tubes, down about 35ft. For size comparison, I am 6'4" and 265lbs

u/rfpemp — 7 days ago

Wabamun Lake and Lac Ste. Anne

Anyone here have fish in these two lakes? How was your luck? what’s the best bait for pike and walleye. Also is there a dock in these lakes hope someone can help me out before I go so I know what to expect. Thank you. New to fishing in Alberta and fly fishing

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u/Front-Juggernaut5430 — 6 days ago

Don Sparrow VS Hermitage trout

Hey everyone, just getting into fishing this summer and trying to figure out where to go for my first few evening sessions. I've heard both Don Sparrow Lake and Hermitage Trout Pond come up as good beginner options around Edmonton, but not sure which to start with. I bought a Daiwa Combo kit I saw on sale at Costco. It has like three minnow jerkbait, I think it's called. Any advice is appreciated!

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u/Wjanjoa — 7 days ago