Just because I've only caught one or two in my lifetime. Also, it might be fun for the kids if we concentrate on smaller creeks.

 

Of course, big smallies are in those smaller creeks, too.

 

Just some semi-random thoughts.

 

Regards.

We had this discussion not too long ago and the rock bass didn't get much respect. I personally love the fish. Where you're at I'm guessing you're fishing the Eel River. Some of my best memories are from fishing rock bass (goggle eyes) on Sugar Creek in Boone and Montgomery counties. For kids nothing beats a half nightcrawler on a #4 Aberdeen hook and a small split shot. And it'll catch everything else.

Catching fish and getting kids involved in fishing ...sounds like a great plan to me

Too much rib cage and not enough meat! Willing biters though, would be great for kids 

Josh, this is a great idea! I’ve done it all summer. The kids and I fish small streams, catching rock bass and smallies. Last weekend, I challenged the kids in a fishing contest. Whoever catches the least number of bass must eat a worm. The only ‘out’ from eating a worm is catching a crawfish. The boys caught enough crawfish to catch smallies and rock bass all day. It was a blast! But the big catch was a 2.5 lb smallie on a Rapala ultralight topwater popper. For two summers straight, I’ve fished streams for rock bass and smallies when the kids tag along. These species in streams never disappoint.

Rock bass: the ugly loser distant cousin in the bass family.