Youngest son’s first fishing trip - Advice appreciated

Make them put up their phones until the end and patience patience patience. They will have none. And enjoy the time you are spending with them, it’s Gods great gift to fathers, and you will miss so bad one day it will hurt

Don't let em get bored and try to fish for species where you get a lot of action

I took mine bass fishing, when he was young, the being out there and casting wasn't getting it.

I don’t have any advice for a spot but I do have advice for taking a 7 year old fishing. You also have an 11 year old so I’m sure you know this but I’ll say it anyway because it’s helped me introduce my son to fishing although he likes catching way more than fishing lol.

Be patient and let him do whatever he wants so long as it’s safe. If he wants to fish, perfect. If he wants to be the net boy, then let him net. If he wants to sit at the center console and pretend to drive the boat, then let him do that. The main point is to make it a fun trip for him so that he will want to do it again. I’d also say read the 7 year old on when it’s time to pack it up. If he’s getting bored and restless a few hours in, call it a day. If you push a young kid, all he will remember is that it was hot, and it took forever and he won’t want to go again for a good bit.

If you can get a small bucket and put a few live shrimp or minnows in for the boys to play with. I know live shrimp are expensive, but it kept my kids entertained between the action. good luck!

Expect to just be the guide for them, which should be fun. Last 2 trips I went with my dad and the boys, I probably fished 15 total casts myself because I was dealing with all of their business from bait to helping cast to landing them. It was work, but worth it for the boys and my dad to have that time in the boat. Take pics and make sure to get them some fun snacks, I always use a fishing trip as an excuse for my boys and nephew to grab something from the gas station that their mom wouldn't let them get normally. Maybe none of this is helpful to what you asked... But I try to have fun with it.

When they get bored and they will, even if catching a ton of fish, be prepared to have another plan. Park the boat and try catching hermit crabs or something. Something that will keep them occupied and interesting for them.

I took my son when he was around that age, fly fishing in AR. Caught a bunch of fish but he got bored. We found a spot and parked the boat. Got out and played in the water and he had an absolute ball catching crawdads under rocks.

He's 19 now and in college. He still loves to fish.

This is what we ended up trying, had a great time. Both boys got to catch a lot of fish and we ended up with a nice mess of trout and reds. They never got bored and were worn out by noon.

Appreciate everyone’s help getting us on the fish!