Hi all,
Just out for some opinions on the best way to start my son fishing, he is 5 and has already "played" a fish or two but my rods are too big for him (obviously i know) to even try to cast, which brings the first question, would say a small 3# or similar be ok, OR do you think he is just too young( he is a pretty small 5 year old!!). I remember my dad teaching me but i was nearer 8. He is keen to fish but i am keen not to sicken him. He enjoys coming with me on a 2hr ticket to the local small stillwater and watching and asking questions, maybe thats enough just now?
theboom!!!!

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i was walking far from home, where the names are not burned along the wall, saw a building, high as heaven, but the door was so small

I think my Sons started when they were about 8 or 9 and my Grandson started when he was six. He's 12 now and quite a competant Angler although I think, maybe, 6 was a bit young.

My Grandaughters are now following on. All three of them enjoy it but we were lucky enough to be able to take them to a manageable Fishery where they could catch fish. That is vital, first couple of outings with Grandson produced few fish and we nearly went over the Boredom threshold. Then I remembered Bransford, near Malvern, which is an ideal size, very safe and well stocked. It also has a nice little room, right by the Lakes, with a TV if the weather gets inclement.

We started him with a 7ft. rod, a Greys model, I can't remember which and he now handles a 9ft. model.

This was a couple of years ago at Bransford

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Roy

Great post Roy. I'd agree 8/9 is about the best age. Cannae wait till my wee girl Isla get's a year older.

Defo go to a fishery where there is a good chance of catching for the wee one's.

Tight lines TB.

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Tight Lines. :)

Thanks,
The small stillwater i refer to meets the criteria you mention, not saying its easy all the time, it has its moments!
I think you are both right, bit young yet, ill keep him coming along if he wants to and let him play the fish and keep him interested, like i said i was 8 when i started but had been on many an outing prior!!!!!!!
thanks again
theboom!!!

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i was walking far from home, where the names are not burned along the wall, saw a building, high as heaven, but the door was so small

I teach junior age phase children - currently year 4, eight / nine year olds and I'd say that they're about the youngest that I'd consider trying to teach fly casting. Even then, the range of physical ability at that age is huge!

Something around 7ft, 3wt would be ok but even better would be something shorter but with a heavier line - like a 4ft, 6wt would be ideal - bizarre I know but believe me.

Another thing, don't try to 'teach' casting for too long ... 20 minutes at the outside ... then take them to the canal / pond / river with a whip and catch perch, roach, gudgeon or whatever ... it's about catching fish after all!

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[I]"I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish, except that we like it and it makes us think and feel."[/I] Roderick L Haig-Brown

[url]www.wildfly.net[/url]

[url]http://www.gameanglinginstructors.co.uk/[/url]

a four foot 6 weight!!!!!!!! a very strange instrument
thanks lighthouse, thats something id never have thought about but i think i can see the logic!

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i was walking far from home, where the names are not burned along the wall, saw a building, high as heaven, but the door was so small

My son started at age 7 with a fibatube 6ft 3wt, he used to fish close in with dry flies and did quite well.He had no trouble learning to cast as the tackle was in scale with his height , he still has the rod but sadly prefers fishing for big carp now.

Only problem .... I don't think such a 'beast' exists!

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[I]"I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish, except that we like it and it makes us think and feel."[/I] Roderick L Haig-Brown

[url]www.wildfly.net[/url]

[url]http://www.gameanglinginstructors.co.uk/[/url]

My boy has just started primary school and I would coonsider that he is nowhere near ready for fishing yet. Even though I am chomping at the bit, I won't be taking him anywhere near a fly rod just yet and will likely start him off at a local coarse fishery where he has a good chance of regular interest from tiddlers.
I remember my dad trying to teach me to fly fish at about age 12 and even them I recall quickly becoming frustrated.

That said, I can't wait for the day when I can take George with me. He has expressed interest, but it seems to be more in my electric motor:
"Maybe next year I'll take you fishing with me George. Would you like that?"
"Yeah. Can I drive the boat daddy?"

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The sun pushed dark spokes of melt and sparkle
Across the fields of hoar. And the river steamed -
Flint-olive.


http://northcountryangler.blogspot.com

Hi Royvs lovely post, my eldest grandson is 9 and unfortunatley shows no interest hopefully my youngest who is now 36hrs will show some interest when he is older he's gorgeous Noel happy grandad.