Going fishing/camping

panch0

panch0

Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
3,415
I finally convinced my wife to camp out more than one night. I want to take her and my three kids, 3,6,7 yrs old, camping/fishing for a weekend. My wife doen't really like the outdoors and I want to get my knids away from the tv and video games. I am looking for a family sized tent that we will be comfy in, especially her. I can't really afford anything more than 100 bucks. Any recommendations? Also other than fishing, what are some neat things to teach my boys. Other than roasting marshmellows. I was thinking of teaching them to make a fire with fire steel, how to clean a fish. I don't think they are old enough for whittling yet. Thanks in advance.

-frank
 
Firemaking is a good one. Plant ID and uses would be an excellent thing for the kids, as well as searching around for whatever bugs and animals you can find.
 
Hey panch0 - Nice idea to get the kids out and about. The best advice I can say is to keep things simple for your wife so she doesn't go into sensory overload and reject everything. Give her simple tasks that she can complete easily to make her feel that she is an integral part of the team, which she is.

Check out this thread for things you can do out there.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=619369

I love to fish and the one thing I have noticed when taking my wife fishing or taking a kid fishing is that they just love to catch fish no matter the size or species.

When I go by myself I targe one type of fish, Largemouth, and am fine getting skunked because I know how elusive they really are. Take a non-fisherman out in that scenario and they will get bored quickly and possibly not want to fish anymore. I always bring some small hooks and earthworms so I'm gauranteed to catch at least a bluegill.

As far as tents go you can get something pretty inexpensive at target/walmart. I've got a 4 person coleman that I think I got for around $120.
 
myright thanks for the great link and advise. rocketbom thanks also.
 
Coleman should make a tent that's within your budget. I've several and feel that they have given good service for the money. Decide what size you think you need then get one that's bigger. It's good to have room inside for the boys to move around. If you will be car-camping a full size air mattress for you and your wife can be worth it's weight in gold.
 
My girls really enjoyed their new silva compasses. Taught some nav basics and they get to keep them in their packs.
 
frank,

Good for you! Get 'em out there! :thumbup: :D

fishker was right about the Coleman tents. Campmor currently has a Coleman Kani 10'x8' family tent on sale for $79. (Check out the Campmor web site and look for "Economy Priced Family Tents." They have a great selection and they are a great company to do business with.) Another brand to look for is Wenzel. Many years ago, I bought a cheap, department store Wenzel dome tent to use until I could afford a better tent. I figured it would last a couple of years and then I'd buy something better. It's still going strong! I've since bought other tents, but that one was a great value.

I think most kids love to be around water. Get a field guide to wildlife type of book and turn the kids loose in a creek or pond to find crayfish, frogs, salamanders, fish, etc. to identify. A couple of bait bucket minnow dip nets from the bait shop make great critter-catchers for the little ones. Plan some simple outdoor games for them using natural items for bean bag toss/horsehoes/bocce kind of stuff.

I hope you are able to help them find that the outdoors is much more fun than TV or video games!

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
desmobob said:
frank,

Good for you! Get 'em out there! :thumbup: :D

fishker was right about the Coleman tents. Campmor currently has a Coleman Kani 10'x8' family tent on sale for $79. (Check out the Campmor web site and look for "Economy Priced Family Tents." They have a great selection and they are a great company to do business with.) Another brand to look for is Wenzel. Many years ago, I bought a cheap, department store Wenzel dome tent to use until I could afford a better tent. I figured it would last a couple of years and then I'd buy something better. It's still going strong! I've since bought other tents, but that one was a great value.

I think most kids love to be around water. Get a field guide to wildlife type of book and turn the kids loose in a creek or pond to find crayfish, frogs, salamanders, fish, etc. to identify. A couple of bait bucket minnow dip nets from the bait shop make great critter-catchers for the little ones. Plan some simple outdoor games for them using natural items for bean bag toss/horsehoes/bocce kind of stuff.

I hope you are able to help them find that the outdoors is much more fun than TV or video games!
Stay sharp,
desmobob
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I hope they enjoy it as much as I do. I am going to check that coleman tent out. Thanks guys.
 
As far as Tents go maybe check Craigslist for your area. In my area there's several big family style tents that people are trying to sell for quite cheap.
 
Hey Pancho... where are you going?

Myright had a good point about fishing. Kids like to catch fish. Blue-gil's, sunfish or pearch will hit a worm when they will hit nothing else. You can catch them any time of day. Get some small long-shank "cricket" hooks from Academy, with small bobbers, splitshots and some nightcrawlers. Keep the worms in your cooler of they will die. Cut a worm into 1/3" pieces and you will likely have success. Good luck.
 
I am actually goint to the Arroyo Colorado in Arroyo City. It down by Harlingen, Brownsville, way down south. It will be salt water fishing. I am taking bait for every kind of fish, even the hard head salt water catfish if thats what they are called.
 
cmdionne said:
As far as Tents go maybe check Craigslist for your area. In my area there's several big family style tents that people are trying to sell for quite cheap.
Click to expand...

+1 for checking Craigslist for a tent
The compasses would be a great idea for the boys. You could even turn it into a treasure hunt with a map and a little prep work. I think you can pick up the Brunton pin-on compass for $3 at most places. You may have to give the 3 year old extra help but I would guess the other two would catch on pretty good.
 
Buying a tent second hand is a great way to get more tent for the money. I will say however that if your wife is not an outdoors person then I think the first weekender you take her on try and stay in a cabin vs pitching a tent.
 
+1 on using a cabin. Check your state parks. They may even offer showers, which could be a huge plus. Bring a small tent for you & some of the kids. For a first outing, rain/snow or critters can make it less enjoyable for some.

Also +1 on the buy secondhand (or borrow) for a first outing. Again, if she doesn't like it, less cash spent.
 
panch0 said:
I am actually goint to the Arroyo Colorado in Arroyo City. It down by Harlingen, Brownsville, way down south. It will be salt water fishing. I am taking bait for every kind of fish, even the hard head salt water catfish if thats what they are called.
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Hey Frank, first off, I like the "chalupa" avatar :D I would have used the "borracho" for kicks but I'm hooked on mine :p

If you don't find anything, shoot me an email, I can get you something for my price plus state tax as a friend and still be below your budget(sorry about tax, I have to :o) Here's an example:

Largefamilytent.jpg


Cumberland Vestibule Tent
11 x 9 x 58 Height
Sleeps up to 6 person
Heavy-duty taffeta walls and rip-stop press print rain fly are polyurethane coated
Awning over main door for added protection
Hub Cap pole system and shock-corded fiberglass poles
Rip-Stop polyethylene floor and removable front mud mat
Durable speed clips secure tent to frame
Three no-see-um mesh D style doors and three windows with zippered storm flaps
No-see-um mesh roof panels provide superior ventilation
Complete with stakes, carry/storage bag
Color: Mood Indigo Blue/Spice/Desert Sand

Hope that helps, J.
 
Hey J so your the only other person who knows what the avatar is from.Lol. Ya must be from south Texas:D I am working on borrowing a pop up trailer, but that tent looks sweet J. I may ping you on that one.

-frank
 
I would try to get a Cabin as well, however cabins around my place are expensive just for a day, let alone a weekend. I would make sure the kids get to catch fish, even if small. If they don't catch anything, more likely than not they will not want to go fishing again. You could also teach them how to properly hook a worm, and take a fish off, even if they can't do so yet. It is never to early to learn.
 
panch0 said:
Hey J so your the only other person who knows what the avatar is from.Lol. Ya must be from south Texas:D I am working on borrowing a pop up trailer, but that tent looks sweet J. I may ping you on that one.

-frank
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LMAO.....yeah, only down here do we understand the fine art of chalupa :p

On a serious note, the pop up trailer is probably the best bet. Otherwise the missus might be a little unhappy sleeping on the ground. You may want to get her a blow-up mattress. I know when my fiance goes with me, if she doesn't get her beauty sleep there's hell to pay in the morning :D
 
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