Bill, My daughter took to tying at the age of three. I was tying steelie flies one afternoon and left the tying desk to go do something and about 10 minutes later she was dragging me back. Apparently she didn't know how to whip finish! I was amazed- 3 years old! Kids are very studious in nature however, I think the colors of the material actually attracted her more than anything else along with the motions... So what I did was bought a bunch of big Mustad 1197(series) hooks and hot glued the points, wound her up and let her go under supervision... Be forewarned, lock up your prized materials. They seem to disappear quickly. She's to the point now where any new pattern devised at the desk has to be named by her....
As far as starting kids out fishing, I would recommend finding a "stocker pond." The easier to catch fish, the more likely kids will take holds and enjoy themselves. I used to live on a private lake and fished everyday after work. Us homeowners stocked the lake frequently. One day, my daughter snuck out of the house as I was launching my pontoon boat and climbed right into my lap. I went back to the house, grabbed a life vest and away we went... I had her hold onto the rod and explained what was about to happen. She about jumped off my lap with excitement when the rod started wiggling and the reel was screaming... I just held the rod and she reeled em in... I was having just as much fun as she was. That day was her first fishing story too... I think mom realized that night a new fly fisher was in the family. Keeping them interested is the whole key. I am fortunate and lucky.. not to mention one happy dad. John > I would love to hear from the gang here some tips on getting the kids > going in fly fishing.
