Fishing enriches kids’ lives in many different ways-it gets them outdoors, teaches them patience, self-discipline and how to keep their chin up when they go home empty-handed. It’s also great for developing fine motor skills, as any fisherman who has struggled with tying knots or casting can attest. By far, though, the greatest benefit is the look on children’s faces as they land their first catch, a memory they will cherish their whole life.

If you plan on taking kids fishing, there are ways to ensure that the outing will be a success, even if your stringer stays empty. The first rule is to make the whole process as uncomplicated for them as possible.

First, choose a spot that has easy access, adequate shade, and is known to have at least a few varieties of panfish. A restroom nearby may come in handy, too. Many state-controlled wildlife areas have specially designated areas for young anglers that have all of those amenities, and an adult would be wise to use them. The kids’ lakes may not be stocked with the kind of fish that grownups like to catch, but they usually contain plenty of bluegill, red ears and small catfish.

Young children aren’t going to be able to spend the many patient hours fishing that an adult can, especially their first time out. Schedule those first fishing trips as close to home as possible, and keep them to just a couple of hours, preferably before or after the hottest part of the day.

For kids’ tackle, the simpler the better. A cane pole is great for very young fishermen, requiring just a bit of line, bobber and hook. Trying to teach small children how to cast a reel can be an exercise in futility, and may result in hooks landing in dangerous places. Most children, by the age of five, can learn how to cast with a child-sized rod and reel. Zebco makes a number of fine ones for kids, with lightweight spinning reels and designs that range from Mickey and Minnie to Day-Glo colors.

Using a bobber will teach kids the basics of how fish take the bait. The trick, of course, is teaching them to not try setting a hook at the first nibble. Expect them to be a bit overeager at first; eventually they all get the hang of it. To improve their chances, make sure they keep their line in fairly shallow water, and not more than 20 feet out.

As much as most kids love worms, an adult should bait their hooks until the children are old enough to do it competently. It’s also a good idea to use hooks without barbs, as little fingers are prone to getting stuck occasionally. Use small hooks, and bait them with tiny but lively redworms or meal worms; panfish find these especially hard to resist.