Kids Fly Fishing
Want to Get Started In Fly Fishing?-Ten Easy Steps
Jan 12th
When some people think about fly fishing they think of a technical, elitist, and expensive sport. In some ways it can be, but if you take it step by step it can be as easy as learning how to ride a bike. Here are ten easy steps that I have used for myself and to help others get started in this great sport we call fly fishing.
*By any means I am not a professional and have probably left out some good stuff, so if any that read this have anything else to add please leave a comment and I will add it to the list. Or if you had something that helped you learn please let me know.
See below for the list…
Local Pond, Bass, Blugill = Happy Kids
Jun 14th
With a short break in the weather on Sat my little bro called and asked if I would take him and our little cousin to their favorite pond. I had just gotten back from a wet biking trip up the canyon with my wife, so with her approval, I grabbed my stuff and headed to pick them up. It was a great to get out and see how much they both had improved. They slayed the gills and were surprised with a bass every once in a while. After a short few hours the clouds moved back in and the rain once again closed our activity.
Youth Fishing Program “Hooked on Fishing”
Jun 3rd
Yesterday was the kickoff for the annual Highland Youth Fishing Program “Hooked on Fishing”. We had over the 50 kids limit who we registered. It was awesome to see that some invited their friends and siblings because they were excited about fishing.
The Art Fishing with Kids
May 5th
This is a subject that I have been thinking a lot about lately. It is something that is so important to our sports future and the tradition of Fly Fishing. After many years of teaching fly fishing to all ages, here are my most important points to teaching kids how to fly fish and enjoy it.
#1. Its never to early to take a kid fly fishing: Kids are kids no matter what the age…Sometimes adults act more childish than 8 yr old anyway. I hear all the time “I can’t take my kid fishing until he is older “ I think that attitude is just a little selfish. There are times to fish with hardcore buddies and times to fish with your kids. For example: I am 26 and have no kids of my own, but I have helped teach many kids how to fly fish and now they have moved from the kids group into my hardcore fishing buddies at age 12-15. My little brother Gunner is living proof of that. Growing up with fly fishing siblings, Gunner was introduced to fly fishing when he was old enough to walk. He got his first fly rod at age 4 and caught his first fish that year. At age 6 he could cast, hook and land fish alone and now at age 12. He is completely self sufficient and can out fish most adults that we go with. (Don’t get me started on his little sister Addie, who is now 10) So when I hear someone doesn’t fish with their kids because they are too young, I just shake my head, knowing what they are missing out on.
#7. Make sure to be prepared. Have warm clothes, food and water at hand.
#8. Pick a good day and location: Don’t fish the Provo River with a rookie. Choose a river or lake that you know holds a lot of hungry fish that are easy to catch. I like high country lakes and streams (lots of brookies) and community ponds. Also make sure you go on a nice day. Fishing in comfortable weather is lot easier than sub zero weather. Plus it’s a lot more fun for kids.
#9. Bring a friend along. Kids show off to their friends, which in reality teaches them to be better. Plus sometimes it makes it fun for them to stop fishing and just hangout with someone else. Remember its about having fun, not just fishing.
#10. Don’t over teach: teach them when they want and are ready to learn. The best time is when they ask for your help.
#11. Be Positive: Give lots of complements, kids always perform better under a positive teacher.
#12. Teach Through Stories: Most kids relate to stories better than lectures. Stories give kids a chance to visualize the situation before it is done. Plus kids will really pay attention when a story is being told.
#13. Get treats or food after (before) the day. (Build a tradition-ex: During the summer we always get a Slurpee after a day on the provo)
