Fly fishing and kids

[bryan hulse]

My daughters (especially my seven year old) have begun showing an interest in fly fishing. They will practice casting with me in the yard and enjoy reeling in fish I’ve hooked on a fly rod. I decided this Christmas my gift to them would be their own rod and reel setups.

I ended up buying both of them new Eagle Claw rods, my oldest a 7′ 5/6 wt and the youngest the 6’6″ 5/6 wt. Both were paired with old Martin 65s and Hook and Hackle weight forward lines. I had considered some of the ready to go outfits from the major manufacturers, but many of the rod blanks are goofy colors that will make the rods “undesirable” once my kids pass a certain age.

While the Eagle Claws aren’t the greatest fishing tools, they are serviceable, they are decent small stream rods, make great loaners, and most middle aged men and women wouldn’t mind fishing them in a pinch. The old Martins are solid and sturdy and will most likely outlast my children. Both rods, reels, lines, backing, and shipping cost less than $130. Not a bad investment if I can encourage a life long interest and foster a little more daddy/daughter moments.

I write all this to see what some of the other parents on the board are doing to pass on their love of the sport and get their children interested in fly fishing.

Bryan

[Peter E.]

I spent two months teaching kids to fish, there is not a more rewarding catch then getting a kid hooked on fishing.

[Aaron Christensen]

Every year, some friends put on a Kids and Dads fly fishing weekend.  Here is a video of last year’s trip: http://vimeo.com/11124836 as put together by one of the lead organizers.  We even made t-shirts.  (We eat right, too.  Spaghetti on Friday night.  Pulled pork on Saturday night.)  Traditionally, we hold this at Helton Creek Campground, in the area of West Jefferson, NC,  usually in April.  If anyone with kids wants to join us, send me a PM.  

Here is a photo I like from one of the trips:

My girls have pink fly rod combos from Bass Pro Shop.  Yesterday, I bought some small pom poms from Michael’s, thinking they might like to “tie” some of their own flies.

The kids love the weekend — they can fish for as long as their attention span holds, or just have fun.  Some of the older kids are very good fishermen and getting better.  The one young man (age 15 at the time) is already very accomplished fisherman and tier.  His younger brother is not far behind.

[Mark Schafer]

I have three kids and one or more of them is with me on most trips. The two older ones 12 and 14 use my gear and the 7 year old has the TFO youth rig. I take a large backpack when one of them comes along, lots of snacks,books a slingshot even my BuddyHeater for winter steelhead. I keep them warm,dry don’t’ run out of PopTarts and let them do their own thing when they want all in all we have

[ryan prince]

I have an eight year old and a five year old.

[Author]

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