Catch Annudda Ish, Daddy

So far, the ultralight experience is going quite well. Madeline, a few months past her second birthday, demands many more fish to be caught than a bass fisherman can manage. Therefore, combined with my recent desire to fish different this year, we have been panfishing together this early spring.

Madeline with a crappie

Ultralight spinning reel, with 1/16 to 1/32 ounce jigs, are our lures of choice. Cast it out and slowly reel back. We’ve caught bluegill, crappie, and largemouth, with bluegill more than 9 inches, crappie up to 14 inches, and bass up to 16 inches. And I have no idea what I’m doing. Just trying something new, while also trying to entertain my new fishing partner.

Maddie with a light tackle largemouth

So far it’s working. Madeline lasted 2 hours the other day, constantly commanding me to “catch annudda,” which I frequently complied. She even reeled in a few, posed for a photo or two, and didn’t cry a single time.

A panfishing jig in a 2-year old's hand

The only thing she requested was to be pushed on a nearby swing for a few minutes. And while I’ve never had the request with any other fishing partner I’ve had, I had no problem taking a few minutes away from some very active fish to give my partner a nudge.