Last week, I wrote about my experience taking my eldest son, Alex, flyfishing for his first time. I have to admit to some concerns about whether or not he would enjoy it, how fast he would be able to catch on, and whether we would end up sitting on some pond with spinning gear and worms. I was pleasantly surprised to discover how quickly he picked up on casting line, and how enthusiastic he was about flyfishing!

I also have to admit that Alex is a great wee man, and is always willing to try new things with an excellent attitude. However, I also tend to believe, especially after watching Alex, that kids are probably a lot easier to teach a skill such as flyfishing than we often give them credit for.

I have watched adults, as they try to learn good casting technique, have a great deal of trouble. As I have pointed out before, a good friend of mine and excellent flyfishing instructor, Ian James, has mentioned to me that he often finds it easier to teach women how to flyfish than men. I think there is a correlation between teaching children and women, and why men are often difficult students.

Lets face it, there is often a male ego thing that gets involved when we try to learn new things. We hate to discover that we don't know how to do it right! But, that is only part of the problem, in my mind.

A man, that has quite a bit of previous fishing experience but has done little or no fly casting has probably spent a great deal of time casting spinning and casting rods. In doing this, he has built up a 'memory' in his mind about the right way to cast. The only thing is, fly casting is not the same as casting a 1/2 oz. spinner out as far as you can, yet it is close enough to cause a problem when trying to understand the principles behind fly casting.

This 'memory' has not had time to develop in a child, and of course, many women have little previous fishing experiences as well. Therefore, it is much easier for them to pick up on this 'new' style of casting - it is the first style that they have much experience with.

All of this goes to suggest that if you are concerned about teaching your children how to cast, in case they might not pick up on it, don't be. Your fear probably is a result of your own struggle trying to learn how to fly cast because of the preconcieved ideas you had about it before you learned. Don't let that stop your favorite kids!

During this week, there is going to be a great deal of emphasis on taking children out fishing, but most of it will not be flyfishing related. Probably, most people will see it as being much easier to hand a child an old bait caster, ask them to sit quietly on a dock or bank of a river, and let them be while they watch a float drift in the current. The thing is, flyfishing is actually in one way better as it encourages the child to be active. Which type of fishing do you think a child is going to find more boring? Sitting there looking at a red and white bobber, or a style where they are actively achieving something? I think the first choice will ultimately be more exciting.

You don't have to worry about teaching kids about leaders, knots, and matching the hatch! That can all come in good time, and in fact if my experience is any kind of indicator (no pun intended), the child will express his or her interest and ask the right questions when they are ready. Alex had no concern at the beginning of the day about leader sizes, what a fly is supposed to represent, or how the fly is tied to the leader, but at the end of the day, he was tying flies on himself, understood a little more about the principles of fly line and rod weights, and also more importantly, that he was having a great day!

I have no idea what age groups would be best to begin teaching fly fishing. I doubt that it would do a three year old any good to hand them a fly rod of any size and try to explain how to cast it. But then, a 3 year old isn't likely to want to spend a great deal of time doing any one thing anyhow. Certainly though, it might be worthwhile to let a youngster have a few casts and have them feel of the rhythm of casting. Perhaps you might even want to take them to a spot where instead of casting, they can dapple their fly in the water from a bank, where there is still a good possibility of enticing a fish.

If by chance the youngster you are with does indeed manage to hook and land a nice fish, be sure too look into the recognition program for kids 12 and younger for their "memorable" catches, from the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wis.

Consider this: According to the National Fishing Week Steering Committee, Eighty-five percent of freshwater anglers are introduced to fishing by age 13. In other words, there is a good chance that if you are an adult reading this, some other adult took you out fishing when you were a child. I'll bet you were thrilled every time you went. Now, do you know any kids that could use a good old fashioned, lasting thrill?

Discussion: Do you have any special events planned for National Fishing Week? Tell us what you are going to do to celebrate this week in our Flyfishing Forum. What are your experiences taking out kids?

RELATED LINKS

Take A Kid Fishing
Take a kid fishing this opening day.

"I'm Hooked For Life, Dad"
I took my eldest son out flyfishing for his first time, and it was a joy to watch him cast like a pro. Find out what flies worked great for us, too!

Resources For Fishing With Kids
Some great links with tips, stories and advice on fishing while children are along.

Fishing Tips For Kids And Parents
Freshwater fishing guide, Ronnie Garrison's coverage of National Fishing Week.

Casting Kids
Ronnie Garrison's day with the Flint River Bass Club on National Fishing Day.

Youth Fishing Program
More fishing and kids news from Ronnie Garrison, our freshwater guide at About.com.

Teach A Kid To Fish
Saltwater guide Ron Brooks recalls what his father did, and passes on some great tips to ensure your kids will enjoy fishing too!

Last Week On All-About Flyfishing:

"I'm Hooked For Life, Dad!"
I took my eldest son out flyfishing for his first time, and it was a joy to watch him cast like a pro. Find out what flies worked great for us, too!

The Truth About Hoppers
Misinformation abounds about flyfishing with hoppers. Doc Knoll has the answer on how you can improve your catch when using these great immitations.

Last Year On All-About Flyfishing:
The Day Gink Caused A Stink
A story about flyfishing ethics.
Dahlberg Speaks Out
TV Host tells his version of Kitimat incident.

Sport Or Molestation?
Is Larry Dahlberg guilty of molestation?