Fishing!

March 8, 2010
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44 comments

We were at the park over the weekend and I spotted some very nice tree branches on the ground and decided it was time to make some fishing poles! The kids each picked out a stick and we carried them home.  I took my knife and whittled down the bumps, found some string, a couple of old wooden spools, wire, two magnets (stolen from the fridge), and made us a couple of poles.  They actually work quite well, and I even got the reels to work properly.  Then I hand embroidered three fish and made some wire hooks to attract the magnets on the end of the fishing line.

We have a small wall on the edge of our driveway that made a good fishing spot. They were totally having a blast. It took some skill and concentration to catch the fish, and when they’d get one, their faces would light up with excitement and pride. It was hard to get them to come inside the house once it started getting dark out. A sign of a good toy!

44 Responses
  1. Zwieback

    Oh my little son will love it, I think. So I will make one for him, and his little friends for his birthday party.

    Greets, Manu

  2. Anonymous

    What a need idea, again! Love your simple design, too! We have a inside-fishing-pole, but it misses the rolling-up feature, which certainly makes the difference.
    Your blog is a big inspiration! Thanks for sharing.
    Warm greetings, Bele

  3. oyo

    I have to make a couple of poles too ! One for my daughter and one for…me ! …wow, the Daddy's gonna be jealous.

  6. KIRKEBY

    That is such a nice idea. Your fishing rods are great. It is also nice to see some pictures with out all the snow we have had here in Denmark for more than two months.
    Have a nice day. Maria

  7. Christina

    Found your blog a few days back and can't stop looking and soaking up all those great ideas.
    Love it

    Simply fun!
    What a great gift to kids.
    Christina

  11. Jenn

    Dear Joel,

    Love your blog, but oh my lord, is there anything you can't do?! (That's a compliment.)

    JB

  17. Anonymous

    You make me wish my kids were little again. I am so enjoying the activites you are creating for your children!!

  21. Anonymous

    Love your blog! All of my nieces and nephews – I think 16 in all, just love fishing of anykind, make believe to the pond. There's something about fishing! My husband loves it too, a little too much! Have a great day.

  23. Tyler Hardie

    Beautiful work, and great photography. What kind of camera do you use? Thanks for the inspiration!

  24. Joel Henriques

    Thanks everybody!

    Tyler – I use a Nikon D70 with a 50mm f/1.2 lens. I shoot in raw format and actually do most of my editing in iPhoto.

  27. SarahD

    I love reading about all your homemade toys and games for your kids :D They're lucky to have such an inventive daddy! Filing it all away for when my son is a little older. Thanks so much for sharing!

  30. Craziest Cottrell

    Wow! I just stumbled upon your blog and am mesmerized by the details and ideas that you have. What an incredible mind! I will definitely buy a book by you!

  31. Tina

    Wow, I just found your blog and I love everything you do! My llittle one said, that she would also like to have the fishing rod, while she already has the same cardigan like the child on the foto( with dots):)))!

  33. Rieko Warrens

    I really enjoy your blog! And I really want to make this fishing pole.
    Do you have a drawing which I will be able to make it?

  34. Rieko Warrens

    I am really enjoying reading your blog!
    And I would like to make this fishing pole!
    Do you have some drawing that I will be able to make it?

  35. Stephanie

    I love the fish you made here and the simple reel function you came up with.
    The detail photo of the reel shows how simply beautiful your toys are.
    Thank you for sharing them with us.

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  40. Make your own traditional toys for endless family fun | bigconversation.org.uk

    […] 4) Felt fish and stick fishing rod. Using a magnet on the end of your rod and wire coils attached to the fish, you can make a really cute rod which makes for a great game if you make a couple! You will need felt, a glue gun, two strong magnets, craft wire, two wooden cotton spools and some long straight sticks. Craft supplies such as wire can be found here. Cut out and stitch the fishes. You can embroider them and stick little buttons on them for eyes. Either could up a lot of wire inside them before stitching them up, or sew wire “hooks” to their mouths.  Use string wrapped round the sppol, and then attached to the rod with wire to make the line. You can also attach a wooden handle to make a real reel! […]