How I got "hooked" on bass fishing with artificials.
Throw a plastic worm (I used a 7" Electric Grape Power Worm") towards lilly beds, stumps, grass any other structure.
Watch the line closely, if it tugs then tug back.
If it doesn't tug back then give the rod tip a jerk or two. Apply different amounts of force. with each jerk.
When you feel you are no longer in "fishy" water, then reel in, throw and repeat.
Try to pick water with a lot of bass as this will make it more enjoyable. After he catches a few he will start telling you how to catch fish!
Mention this forum when the day is out so he can research his own new techniques.