where to fish with a 7 year old

[lkerr75]

Does anyone know of a good lake to ice fish near Grand Rapids? I am taking my 7 year old son, he and I just got into ice fishing last year. I have an older suit case style canvas 5x8 shelter and and auger, but no atv to pull the shelter and carry the auger, so the lake will have to be close so I don't have to drag my stuff too far and get to tired to help him fish. We would like to start ice fishing regularly and would like to catch something if anything, but I know he wants to catch a walleye or two, but I just want to be out there with the little man and watch his face when he gets a fish.

[lkerr75]

also what jigs, lures and bait work best/ I have ice fished and fished before, but I don't catch much fish; I would like to be the guy who can get enough fish for a fish fry or two for my family of 4, but usually I catch one or two fish here and there and have to wait till I have enough for that, which is usually once all summer and once all winter.

[DDSBYDAY]

    Name a couple of lakes in the area you would like to try or know people fish.  We can get on the lake maps page and point you to some areas that might work for you.  If your son is 7 your best luck will be with panfish to keep his attention.  You can alway have a couple of tip ups with bigger bait on them that might get you a nice pike or walleye.  Toss out a couple of lake names in your area and we will start there.

[lkerr75]

here are just a couple of lakes I would like to try: splithand lake and little splithand lake (in Grand Rapids), bass lake (in cohasset mn), Pokegama Lake, swan lake (in pengily), Siseebakwet also known as Sugar lake (in Grand Rapids), and Taylor lake (in Hill City, for trout)

[DDSBYDAY]

   I would start with Pokegama Lake  You should be able to find some good fishing there.  I have not fished it but have heard enough about it to know you should be able to keep your son busy.  My home computer will not read pdf files right now    so I can't check out the lake map tonight.  I will look at it tomorrow.   Do you have a vexilar or marcum flasher?   Don't have to have one but it sure helps.

[kenhuntin]

Deer has been giving up alot of eyes this year. More than in recent history. It is also the last lake to have any safe ice in the area. It has good panfish along with constant rock bass. For a seven year old he needs to be kept busy catching though. Ask bait shops for a panfish bite. And tell him to yell "TUNA" when he has a fish on. The kids love to do that. Small lakes like Jack the horse can be a blast. there are so many to choose from one may be good today and another tomorrow

[lkerr75]

No I do not have a vexilar or a marcum flasher, wish I did maybe after Christmas I will buy one. I know some people that go on Pokegama and do well, I seen some houses out there last night, so maybe this weekend I will have to try that one.

[DDSBYDAY]

    I took a look at Pokegama.  Lots of structure and potential fishing areas.  Lake trout available too.  It seemed the breaks are pretty sharp .  A vex would make it a whole lot easier.  There are a couple of large islands in the middle.  There are some real nice bars around those that depending on the bottom content should hold fish.  Try where you are seeing the houses for a start.  If you run into anybody tell him you are new to the lake.  Most people would be happy to give out a couple of pointers.  Especially if you have your little partner with you.

[JohnWester]

pm sent. keep it under your hat.
You can go to all the lakes mentioned above, but a 7 year old needs action to keep interest. the one i sent you will be easy.