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Fly fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family. The age that a child learns to fly fish is really irrelevant.
What you need to know is:
- If your child is ready to learn the skills associated with fly fishing; and
- If your child is strong enough to hold the fly rod.
If your child possesses these traits, then she is ready to be taught the art of fly fishing.
Some kids are ready to learn fly fishing basics when they are 7 or 8 years old. Others will need more time and may be as old as 12 or 13 before they’re ready to experience their first fly fishing adventure.
Who’s Teaching Your Child?
It’s not always a good idea to try and teach your child fly fishing yourself.
If you sign your child up for fly fishing lessons, be sure that the tutor or fly fishing guide you get is an avid and competent angler. This person should also have lots of patience and love children, in order for the fly fishing lessons to be successful.
Depending on where you live, there may be some fly fishing camps for kids in your area. These are a great way to introduce your child to the sport in a non-competitive way, while they’re also meeting new friends. Sometimes, even parents are encouraged to join in the fun.
How To Make It Fun For Kids
Children can learn how to tie flies such as Wooly buggers, Woolly worms, and Hare’s ears — though this takes lots of patience. Of course, the flies they tie won’t look like professional flies, but kids will be thrilled when the flies they’ve tied actually lure a fish to their rod!
Remember, different flies attract different species of fish, so be sure to use flies that mimic insects that are native to your area. Also, the fish in rivers, lakes and streams tend to be attracted by insects and leeches.
One thing’s for sure… if your child catches a fish on his first fly fishing adventure, he will be hooked for life!
Oh, and before you take your youngster out fly fishing for the first time, make sure she’s got some basic gear and equipment.
More Fun Fishing Stuff For Kids
- Fly Fishing Basics: A Book For Kids
- Tips For Backpack Fly Fishing With Kids
- Fly Fishing With Children: A Guide For Parents
- Fly Fishing With Kids For The First Time
- How Much Do Fly Fishing Lessons Cost?
I enjoy writing about my life experiences — including the fun times I've had while fishing and enjoying nature. In my fly fishing articles I like to share helpful how-tos to help newbies grasp the most basic concepts of fly fishing.
