Fly-Fishing with Kids

Technorati tags: fly-fishing,fly-fishing rods, fly-fishing reels

Teaching a child to fish may no longer give a man a livelihood, but it will give him a lifetime of memories. Fly-fishing is a great sport to pick up with your child. New to the sport yourself? Learn a few tips from an interview with Pat Micek from British Columbia Flyfishing Resources. Excerpt:

Is fly fishing a sport that children can enjoy?

Yes. Fly fishing is a sport for the entire family. Each year I teach groups of young people the fine art of fly fishing. Usually, as part of outdoor education, a school hires my company to instruct students. Our courses vary from 1 day seminars to 5 day camping and fishing.

How old should a child be before they are taken fly fishing?

My daughter started fly fishing when she was 8. I would suggest matching the sport to the child, that is, if the child is strong enough to handle a light rod and has some basic coordination, then, he's ready. Give it a try.

What would you recommend as a good way to start?

Link a young person up with a fly angler that is competent and capable of connecting. It is very important to have an instructor that is familiar with the needs young people. The energy level of a child is not that of a teen, and a teen doesn't have the same energy level as an adult.

Are there any simple flies that a child could learn to make?

Yes. A young person can begin to tie flies even before angling. The results may not be works of art, but they will catch fish. I know of many young adults who are good tiers. It requires patience and practice, just like everything you begin. The first patterns to tie are Wooly buggers, Hare's Ears, Simple Streamer patterns, and Wooly Worms. These patterns can be tied successfully after a couple hours of practice.

Can flies be bought ready made?

Sure! But buying flies can be very expensive. And, there is an art to choosing the right fly to buy. Making them is just a lot of fun. You'll be suprrised how fast your kid picks it up.

Do different types of fish get attracted to different kinds of flies?

Different fish feed on different food sources. Ocean game fish don't eat bugs, for the most part. River and lake fish survive on bugs and other things, like small fish, frogs and leeches.

If you are new to Fly-Fishing, visit our Fly-Fishing Video Guide to watch fly-fishing instructor, Dan Jaster, demonstrate how to cast your line, reel your catch and revive the fish. Don't miss the Fishing Bloopers videos.

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