Fly Fishing with Kids
Introducing a child to fly fishing can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it can also be a nightmare, full of tangled gear, tears, and rocks thrown at your fishing spot. Here are five tips to make the trip a success:
Keep it Simple: Start with the basics. Use easy-to-handle equipment and choose a location with calm waters. A small, simple fly rod with a weight-forward floating line is ideal for beginners. Focus on basic casting techniques to make the experience enjoyable and less overwhelming. This is no time for you to be a purist, and double-hauling is not likely to happen, bear your students’ size and abilities in mind!
Choose the Right Location: Pick a location that is suitable for beginners. Look for waters with slow currents, minimal obstacles, and easy access. A pond or a calm section of a river can be ideal for kids. Ensure that the area is safe and that there are minimal chances of hooking the line in trees or bushes. Ponds, flats, and wide open creeks full of hungry fish are ideal!
Use Attractive Flies: Kids may get bored easily, so make the experience exciting by using flies that are visually appealing. Brightly colored and easy-to-see flies can capture a child's interest. Dry flies that float on the water's surface can also add an extra element of excitement when they see a fish rise to take the fly. Sight fishing, of whatever kind, is by the far the most engaging!
Teach Patience and Observation: Fishing requires patience, and it's an excellent opportunity to teach this valuable skill. Encourage your child to observe the surroundings, look for fish movement, and enjoy the nature around them. Explain that fishing is not just about catching fish but also about appreciating the outdoors. Make it a mysterious treasure hunt…because that’s what it is; the underside of rocks, or a flock of birds over the water can be exciting clues!
Make it Fun: Keep the experience enjoyable by incorporating games or challenges. Set goals for the day, such as spotting a certain number of different birds or identifying various insects. Bring snacks, have a picnic, and make the day an adventure. The more fun and engaging the experience, the more likely the child will want to return for another fishing trip.
Remember to be patient, offer guidance without overwhelming, and celebrate small successes. Creating positive memories will increase the likelihood that the child will develop a lifelong love for fly fishing.
Most importantly, whether you’re the parent or the guide, the time you spend with a child on the water, especially if they don’t have much experience, will be time they remember, so try to make those memories positive!
