The dilemma facing every parent: what is the optimal age to take your first kids fly fishing trip? Take them too early and they either lose interest or drive you mad. Offer to take them too late in life and they’ll never have those years to look back on. You’ll miss out on those fabulous bonding moments and possibly lose them to electronics forever!
While every kid is different, here are some general guidelines for things to consider, and a summary of what worked for me.
It’s simple. It can never be too early to take your kid fishing. Just understand what to expect and what equipment to take, and make it all about having fun!
5-10 Years - It's About the Fishing Gear
Take a spin rod and basic tackle. Fly rods can be hard to control for the little ones. At this young age it’s all about spending an hour or two and hooking fish. Pass on the thrill of the catch and get the adrenaline flowing.
Be prepared to call it quits when your kid loses interest. Either you won’t do much fishing at all or you’ll do all the work. The key at these young ages is to just plan that you won’t do any serious fishing. At least not the kind of fishing you’re used to.
Look for waters that are conducive to your kid’s age. By that I mean, don’t pick a raging river or deep water. A lake or channeling river, spring creek or meandering flows with wide banks are perfect.
Read More Top 8 Fly Fishing Rivers in Montana
10-16 Years - Consider a 1/2 day Float Trip
Now it’s time to get serious. Introduce your child to the fly rod. Before going fishing, make it a fun learning experience practicing a couple fly fishing knots. Use a rope to teach, leading up to your first outing. Before you hit the river, find a big grass area and practice for 15 minutes. Don’t aim for more time unless your child remains interested.
Practice a hook set by holding on to the line and letting your child experience what it feels like to lift the rod tip with tension on the line. Now they’ll know what to expect and they are ready to hook that first big hog of a fish.
At this age group you are ready for a few hours on the water. At age 10 to 14 expect that they won’t want to spend more than 3 hours or so. If you have access to taking a float trip, make it a ½ day excursion. If you wade fish, be prepared to leave the river early.
Read More Top Locations Near Ennis for a Couple Hours of Fly Fishing
Starting at age 14 you’re safe to take them on an all-day float trip. They might lose interest early and ride out the rest of the day at the back of the boat. It doesn’t matter. It’s all about spending time together and it can be all about watching you catch. That’s how memories are made.
16-20 Years - Time for the Fly Fishing Trip to Become Fun For You Too
Now the worlds are colliding. Your child is barely a kid anymore and at home you’ve generally become stupid by their assessment. Time to go fly fishing. It’s a perfect way to stay connected.
You’re close to getting in a full day of fishing and they’re generally self-sufficient. You can even start to wander a bit apart on the river and each fish your own spots. Fly fishing is perfect for giving space. A full day drift allows for good conversation and reconnecting at then end of the day.
By now your child should own their own fly rod, carry their own flies and be confident about selecting a fly that you as a parent don’t agree with. You’ll be amazed at the things you learn about your child’s life by just taking him or her fishing.
20+ Years - Great Bonding Moments with Your Children
This is the age you start regretting that you didn’t take them fly fishing at an earlier age. If you did, you can now use these outings to cement your relationship. You’ll always be a parent, but now you can also become a fly fishing buddy. It’s the time to remain connected. You now have full range of your day, waters and destinations. Have a blast and enjoy the ride. Be prepared to learn as undoubtedly our children will quickly surpass us in knowledge.