What age to start fly fishing?

[okie archer]

I have never even tried fly fishing myself. My son who is 12 loves to fish. I really believe he would like fly fish. I'm thinking about buying him a fly rod for Christmas.
Is this a bad idea since I don't know how to show him?Maybe there are classes?
Maybe I should be getting one myself and we learn together?
Open to suggestions please.

 

[brymoore]

My kids started at 7 or 8. I taught them first to cast, lots of bird nests for a few years. Second son I sent to a TU summer beginner camp. He learned a lot at the camp and was ahead of his brother fly fishing until the oldest spent a summer working in Yellowstone.

I’d advise casting lessons of some type and maybe a guided trip or two. I think fly shops offer beginner trips. Learning together would be a great idea.

 

[B&CTom]

I think it would be really cool if you two could start together. Some of the local shops here offer free classes to learn the basics; so hopefully you could find something like that. The greatest advice I received was to stop at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock. It is amazing the knots you can tie in the line when you're learning!

 

[Hem]

I started at 10. Self taught. My grandfather was my hunting/ fishing idol.
I only got to fish with him once.
I was a pretty determined kid....there wasn't much to do back then except figure something out on your own.

 

[MLC]

12 is a good age to start. Kids today have a big advantage with all the instruction videos available on-line. But there is no substitute for spending time on the water casting, fishing and observing. And he doesn’t a $500 or $1,000 rod to start. Many entry level rods are of good quality.

 

[okie archer]

Thanks for the replies. I may dig around for some information in my area in regards to classes. Not sure what Oklahoma has to offer. Maybe check with bass pro.

 

[Caseknife]

Great idea to learn with him. Search for classes in the area and get you both set up for Christmas.

 

[Ought Six]

My 2 year old has over 200 fish under her belt watching in my backpack. Started taking her along as soon as she could ride in it, prior to her walking. Hoping to get her throwing flies next summer, or at least reeling them in..

I started around 10 or so catching smallies and bluegills on ponds and throwing dries on creeks for trout. My infatuation really took off when I started tying my own bugs though. Nothing more fun than tying a bug with feathers or fur from something you killed, and then catching a fish with it.

Taking a class, learning entomology and tactics, and tying a few flies together would be a good way to bond and kick off the addiction.

In today’s social media world, there’s enough how-to content out there for a lifetime of learning..

 

[Schaaf]

Fly fishing? Time for some people to grow up.

 

[Hem]

Fly fishing? Time for some people to grow up.

Nothing better to do tonight?

 

[Beignet]

I taught myself without any mentors or classes. It is certainly a pursuit that can be overcomplicated if you want it to be, or it can be pretty simple. I think many tend to over complicate it and it seems far more intimidating than it is.

Like hunting, sky is the limit on gear one might think they need to acquire for success, but anyone can also get things done and have fun in jeans shooting a crusty old hand me down 30-06, if that analogy makes sense.

I usually steer folks toward watching Orvis’ how-to videos if they’re curious to learn.

 

[Jnasa]

I started when I was 9 or 10. I know some people younger. If you enjoy fishing it’s worth giving fly fishing a shot. I enjoy both.

I would recommend getting a decent rod. My first rod was a cheap combo with very cheap line. Small creeks I did ok but was frustrated with longer casts. In high school I got a better rod and was amazed how much that helped. It doesn’t have to be an expensive rod. Just a decent rod with matched fly line. Look up reviews.

 

[gouch]

When I was little my dad and his friend Vick would go fly fishing. Sometimes they would take me along. I was only 5 so I didn't get to try and cast or anything. Mostly I remember getting car sick on the way out then collecting and putting frogs in my pockets while dad fished. Then there was that one time when my dad asked me to hold his rod for a second. I immediately hooked and landed an 8 in. cutthroat. The greatest thrill of my little life. It wasn't until I had kids of my own that I realized that dad had already hooked that fish and just let me real it in, but it is still a great memory.

Unfortunately, Vick died shortly after that, and my dad gave up flyfishing. It wasn't until after I got out of the service that I taught myself how to fly fish. Never did get very good at it.

 

[dribeerfeht]

I started my son fly fishing with a Cabelas combo when he was about 7. I think the secret is to start them fishing in a place that has fish...where he is almost guaranteed to catch something. Basic cast, not perfect casts. Its about fly fishing and not fly casting. As soon as he feels his first fish strike with his hands, hauls it in, he'll be hooked for life. So exciting! Good luck!

 

[Sheltowee]

Sooner than later, preferably before throwing 2oz. bass plugs and setting back on the hook like he's trying to snag an SSBN becomes hardwired into his system. Spent most of last year trying to unlearn 35 years of bass fishing in order to appreciate the subtlety of fly fishing... I'll let you know if I get the hang of it this year.

Looks like OKC has a pretty decent Orvis-affiliated shop (JD Adams) and there will be plenty of other fly shops that offer classes the closer to NW Arkansas you get.

 

[Salmonchaser]

As early as your kid shows an interest, get them started. A few lessons on the basics, the count, will pay dividends. To catch fish you have to learn to cast a little bit. Learning to throw is good, learning to fish is better. 20 years in law enforcement and 20 years guiding taught me that kids who learn to fly fish pull their heads out of their ass sooner and with a better outcome.
I always thought 10 years old was about the earliest someone could pull off a successful trip up in Bristol Bay, there were a few exceptions and those kids were fun. A 12 year old who really wanted to be there would be down on the dock after the day was done still catching fish. I was catching Grayling and Char when I was three or four and my first King when I was 6, but we lived in Alaska before it was a state so it was pretty easy for my dad to get me started.
There is good water all over this country, good guides as well. You don’t have to learn on Rainbows and Brookies. Investing a little money now may pay big dividends in the future. Speaking of the future there just ain’t nothing better than taking the grands out for a little fishing either. I think is great you wanting to learn as well.
Good luck.