L.D.
Athens, TX has a fish spawning center with a little pond behind it. If you go, do NOT go through the visitor center building FIRST, (demo tanks full of large fish are in there ,clear & up close).
Walk AROUND the building to the little "bait and reel" rent shop in the back ; they will show you what you need and the kids will have fun throwing in the line and maybe doing the catch and release,without being frightened by seeing the indoor tanks first.
It is very educational after the "shock" :>).