In today’s hectic lifestyles we lead it is important to spend quality time with our children. Now that the blistering heat of summer is gone and cooler weather has arrived it is the perfect time to take the young ones fishing.  Pleasure boaters have for the most part placed their boats in storage and on many lakes across the country you will have the lake all to yourself. The great outdoors is at its peak in color with all the leaves changing. Animals are out stocking up on food for the upcoming winter . Fall on the water can be some of the most productive bass fishing because bass are also stocking up for the winter. Each year record size fish are caught in the fall making fall an opportune time for the young ones to land the big one.  When a young angler catches a good fish most of the time you have them hooked on fishing for a lifetime.

As you make preparations to go on your fall outing there are a few things to keep in mind when taking the little ones. Morning will be a bit chilly so bundle up in layers. Hot chocolate in the thermos instead of black coffee to warm them up is always a hit. Snacks are also a big winner with the kids. Until you get into a good run of fish this help to keep them entertained. Some proven snacks that are a winner s include gummy worms, gold fish crackers, and juice boxes. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches work well for lunch time if you are making the trip an all-day venture. This fishing stuff is hard work. A little person can work up quite a thirst and appetite fighting fish.

Lure selection can be extremely important. One of best artificial lures for taking kids fishing is the fluke. The fluke is a proven winner in the fall. Flukes can be the perfect bait for the little tikes that like casting out and reeling in and the action on the strike can be second to none when it comes to excitement. The fluke is for the most part snag prof so it is not getting hung up as often. A Senko is another great choice to use on your fall fishing trips. Senkos can also be rigged weed less and weightless making for another great throw out and reel in bait. 

For those who already have a young one hooked on bass fishing, USA BASSIN has developed a tournament trail just for them. USA BASSIN Next generation tournament team trail in 2013 will begin the fourth year. The USA BASSIN Next Generation is a team based trail devoted to helping our youth prepare for a brighter future while involving them in angling. You are allowed to fish this trail with any current youth member of USA BASSIN. If you want to fish with someone who isn't a member, that person will need to become a member first. It's a quick and simple process to become a member. Any person that is under the age of 19 before the end of the season is considered a youth and their membership is free. Only the adult is required to purchase a membership and that membership is good for the entire season.  The membership purchased by the adult can be used on any of the BASSIN team trail divisions. USA BASSIN Next Generation Trail Overview

•Entry fees from $25.00 to $50.00

•70% payback

•Finish the season with 150+ points to qualify for the USA BASSIN Next Generation Classic

The USA BASSIN Next Generation is a non-profit public charity scholarship program. Any team with a qualifying youth is allowed to fish in the Next Generation. However the team must create their team as a Next Generation team. It’s quick and easy. Talk to your director for more details. All Next Generation teams have a chance to win scholarships ranging from $5000.00 to $16,000.00. Scholarship monies won are put into escrow for the winning child, and then distributed once that child prepares for their continued education. Schedules for the upcoming 2013 season will be coming out soon. For more information on the Next Generation tournament team trail visit, www.usabassin.com.

Steve Hanson