Introducing Children to Fly Fishing
Kids Can Get the Hang of Fly Fishing, but it takes patience
Jul 3, 2009
Most kids simply lack the patience to focus on the complexities of fly fishing--things like reading the water, matching the hatch and even tying basic knots are of little or no interest to them.
That said, introducing children to the outdoors using fly fishing as an avenue to do so will one day pay dividends to the angler with enough patience to occasionally put the fly rod down and search out the perfect skipping stone, especially if the fishing's a little slow.
Some tips on how to introduce kids to the fly fishing craft:
- Start with a fly rod friendly fish. It makes no sense to take a kid out for his first fly fishing trip while you're trying to target picky brown trout with big streamers. Consider something a little easier, like bluegills or even brook trout.
- Only string up one fly rod to start, and be prepared to demonstrate the fly cast several times. Be patient--fly casting is an acquired skill.
- Visit a destination that has more than just fishing to offer. For instance, if you're targeting bluegills, you'll likely be at a warmwater reservoir--don't hesitate to the lean the fly rod against a tree and go swimming. Or, yes, skip some rocks.
- Remember, no questions are silly questions. Finding the right way to answer questions like, "Does it hurt the fish when they are hooked?" or "Why do they eat the fly?" could make or break a child's interest in fly fishing.
- Never make a child go fishing. Always take them if they ask to go. As a parent, be prepared to change your fishing plans--if you were going to cast for bass with poppers from a float tube, consider casting for perch from the bank if your child asks to come along.
- Small hands can struggle with the usual fly tackle. Consider lighter shorter rods for children. Try a 7 1/2-foot 4-weight rather than a 9-foot 5-weight rod.
- Show kids how the fly rod is rigged up, from the line to the leader, the leader to the tippet and the tippet to the fly. When they're ready, they'll ask to do it themselves.
- Don't force kids to take fish off the hook. Instead, simply ask, "Do you want to touch it before I let it go?"
- Make sure the child is comfortable. Nothing is more miserable as a kid than being bored, cold, wet and tired. Take care of their needs first.
- Let them try to cast without constantly coaching.
- Above all, be patient.
Following a few simple tips when it comes to fly fishing with kids can lead to a lifetime connection between a parent and a child. That said, not every child is going to enjoy fly fishing as much as their father or mother might. That's OK. Just make sure they have opportunity to learn in a nurturing environment.
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