Begginer fly fisherman

[KingPerch]

I have a 11 year old son that is a avid outdoorsman, we spend alot time fishing, hunting, trapshooting and boating. Well the next step in life for me and my boy is flyfishing. He wants a flyrod combo and all the gear neccessary for flyfishing. I won't complain about the costs involved in fly fishing because I know what the costs are and besides there is no justification with money for time well spent with my boy. The question I have is, hasthere any body out there that has brought a boy up to these ranks and how did you go about teaching that person the proper way to cast a flyrod. I have been flyfishing myself for only 5 years and still fairly new to the sport. I want to teach him in a way where we both don't get frustrated and have him walk away from it. Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks--KingPerch

[LoneWolf]

When I taught both my nephew and son I took it slow. I took them to a local reservoir that is full of sunnies. I also liked the reservoir because there were areas with very few obstacles in their way .. such as trees, brush, etc..( If they tangle up half the time it won't be enjoyable.) I had them use a # 6 outfit with floating line and a knotless, tapered 6 lb leader. We used small poppers and even when they didn't hook up they had a blast just watching the sunnies miss. I also tried to explain and show things in a simple way.( It also helps to stand behind them and cast with them.) The way I would explain would be to compare it to an airplane. Swing slightly up on the back cast (like an airplane taking off) and slightly down on the forward cast .. like an airplane landing.
Also since the reservoir was local when they got bored it was an easy ride home and a quick stop at DQ. By leaving when they want to and getting some ice cream they were left with an enjoyable outing and wanted to do it again. I hope this helps.

[trapper2000]

 no worrys we got the kingperch jr covered;)  he gives good tips  for the ice

[mud_n_fun]

Just a thought too. There are some beginning flyfisherman videos on Youtube he can what even before touching a pole or watching someone. They are very good. Just don't watch the experienced canters with there cool casts.

[panfishman13]

teach him to cast on your lawn or a park with about 10-20 feet of line out w/out a fly, slowly add a foot every time until you've got about 50 feet out, then teach him how to add line, and after he masters that, teach him to roll cast, the rest will come naturally to any fisherman.
in between practice runs take him fishing normally like, but bring the rod and a box of flies and have him try a few casts every so often when the fishing is slow.

[rgfixit]

Great suggestions so far.
I've mentored a few into flyfishing. Take it slow is the best advice I've seen. A 5 or 6wt with a weight forward line is a fine starter.

Take him to the park if your yard isn't wide open. I used (and still use) hula-hoops as targets. Start with a fairly short leader, 5 -6' and a hookless popper.

I've always found it easy to teach the counting method for rhythm A simple cadence of 1 / 2, 1 / 2 will help.  Also, use the clock to illustrate the correct rod position. 10:00 / 2:00. You can teach distance and line control after he's got a feel for the rhythm needed to load the rod on the back cast. 

As in golf, the grip is most basic. Teach him to grip the rod properly and he'll have control over the rod tip and thus the cast. Basic techniques first and he'll graduate into his own form in short time.

Teach him to care for his equipment. How to dress and clean the line and reel. Give him an appreciation for the rod and how to walk with it pointed to the rear so the tip doesn't get broken. Get him a rod sock and tube for transport.

LEARN TO FLY FISH FOR CARP!

Have Fun!!!
RG

[KingPerch]

Great suggestions so far.
I've mentored a few into flyfishing. Take it slow is the best advice I've seen. A 5 or 6wt with a weight forward line is a fine starter.

Take him to the park if your yard isn't wide open. I used (and still use) hula-hoops as targets. Start with a fairly short leader, 5 -6' and a hookless popper.

I've always found it easy to teach the counting method for rhythm A simple cadence of 1 / 2, 1 / 2 will help.  Also, use the clock to illustrate the correct rod position. 10:00 / 2:00. You can teach distance and line control after he's got a feel for the rhythm needed to load the rod on the back cast. 

As in golf, the grip is most basic. Teach him to grip the rod properly and he'll have control over the rod tip and thus the cast. Basic techniques first and he'll graduate into his own form in short time.

Teach him to care for his equipment. How to dress and clean the line and reel. Give him an appreciation for the rod and how to walk with it pointed to the rear so the tip doesn't get broken. Get him a rod sock and tube for transport.

LEARN TO FLY FISH FOR CARP!

Have Fun!!!
RG

Thanks for the info to RG and the rest of you that replied I feel very confident in teaching Josh with my experience and the good words from all of you. I didn't want to run the risk of burning him out due to frustration factors. I think we have a very good chance of growing a very fine flyfisherman. Thanks again!!!!--KingPerch ( Trap, I feel I'm going to be owing you a big one on Josh's fly fishing learning!!!) Thanks for your patience with us!!!

[thechief]

good to hear someone is bringing a new flyfisherman to the sport

[KingPerch]

good to hear someone is bringing a new flyfisherman to the sport

Just gotta do it!!! --KingPerch

[Bartman44]

Just gotta do it!!! --KingPerch

Absolutely. I've turned my 16-year old son into a fly fishing addict and started him out at 12. After you get him mastered on the panfish the next stage is to get him into some river smallies so he understands current. You're in Parish so you probably have some nice locations along the Mohawk that are within driving distance.     

Take it slow. It took us three years to get most of the kinks out but now he's catching some big Delaware browns. 

Bart

[rgfixit]

That's some great advice Bart.

I cut my fly fishing teeth on creek and river smallmouth. I still troll the big lake with a 7 wt sink tip and streamers for smallies. Tie him up some Micky Finns, Muddlers, Wooly Buggers and Brown Nose dace and he's good to go.

When the carp pools get slow, I look for Smallies

RG

[KingPerch]

Absolutely. I've turned my 16-year old son into a fly fishing addict and started him out at 12. After you get him mastered on the panfish the next stage is to get him into some river smallies so he understands current. You're in Parish so you probably have some nice locations along the Mohawk that are within driving distance.     

Take it slow. It took us three years to get most of the kinks out but now he's catching some big Delaware browns. 

Bart

Not to mention we have the great Salmon River 10 minutes away. Can't wait for the first time Josh hooks a nice steelie, that will be a great day. Hopefully my daughter will get the flyfishing itch as well. RG, I have most of the flies you mentioned, So we are in good shape there!! Waiting for a little warmer weather to tackle the carp. Thanks to all of you for the great advice. --KingPerch