PA Weekend Fish Trip Ideas for 5 year old?

[Encoded]

Not directly fly fishing related but figured there would be some good advice here. My son continues to ask me when he can go on a fishing trip like dad. He's only 5 so no fly fishing, and frankly not much more than bobber fishing.

Where I'm originally from in the midwest there were lots of "resorts" on lakes where you could rent a "cabin", rent a pontoon boat, and go out and catch panfish, bass etc all day long. I think this is something he'd really enjoy.

Anyone have any good recommendations for something like this in PA? Hope not in the northern third or far west due to drive time from MD.

Thanks for any advice

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

Any farm pond anywhere. Check out a local country club to see if you can take him to the water hazards about 1/2 hour before sunset. If he's only five, plan on about 20-30 minutes for fishing and the rest of the time looking at frogs, turtles, etc. That's what worked for my boys.

 

[TimMurphy]

Dear Encoded,

Realizing that MD spans most of the southern border of PA I would suggest Cordorus State Park since it's only about 10 miles north of the Mason-Dixon line in the middle of the region. It's a large lake for PA and has many access points for shore fishing and a boat rental concession that rents all sorts of boats.

Codorus State Park

Codorus State Park

www.pa.gov

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂

 

[troutbert]

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Where I'm originally from in the midwest there were lots of "resorts" on lakes where you could rent a "cabin", rent a pontoon boat, and go out and catch panfish, bass etc all day long. I think this is something he'd really enjoy.

That's something that I would really enjoy. My sister lives in Ames, Iowa. Do you know of any places like that within reasonable driving distance of there?

I think you can rent a pontoon boat at Raystown Lake.

 

[PennKev]

You don't need to travel for a simple kids bluegill trip. If you drive more than 20 minutes you are doing it wrong. Quick drive. Get right to fishing. When he's had enough you jump in the car and are home quick.

As suggested, ask golf courses if they have a pond to fish. Take a cruise around a rural area and see if you can find a pond to ask permission on. Scope out some state parks Even city park ponds might get the job done.