Few kids don't leap for joy at the prospect of a first fishing trip. To make sure the first expedition doesn't turn into their last is the key. Lower your own angling expectations, stack the deck in favor of fish-biting action and be prepared to shift gears when boredom strikes.

Here's a plan A for catching and a plan B for a successful outing, when you're not catching.
Plan A
1. Small fish, like bluegills, are more plentiful and quick to bite. June is the time to find them in the shallows.
2. Look for brighter spots on the bottom, which indicate bluegills are bedding.
3. Choose light line, small #14 hooks and bait that smaller fish can suck in easily.
4. Small bits of worms or manufactured dough baits work great.
5. Leave your own tackle alone. Focus on the kids' fun, and you'll all have more fun.
6. Make life jackets part of the tackle, so if there is a "splashdown," it's just a good cooling off, not a scary moment.

Plan B
1. Plan on changing "holes" frequently if the fishing is slow. Make the trip about the boating quest, not the quarry.
2. Let the kids pick the fishing spots - they'll stick to their own plan longer.
3. Worms and minnows are a blast to play with. Let them.
4. When the fish aren't biting, let the kids skip stones.
5. Sometimes beaching the boat for a walk in the woods is a better diversion than uncooperative fish. Play it safe with insect repellent.
6. Snacks and drinks can make or break an outing. Be sure to take plenty of both and it will be a success, with fish or not.