What I Have Learned Teaching My Son to Fly Fish
It has taken me years to realize this, but fly fishing is more than just a hobby — it’s a way to connect with nature, find peace in the rhythm of the river, and, perhaps most importantly, bond with your child in a meaningful way. Teaching my son to fly fish has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, filled with lessons that extend far beyond the water’s edge. So much so, in fact, that I wonder if I have benefited more from teaching him than he has.
The Early Days
When I first introduced my son to fly fishing, I knew I had to keep things simple. Fly fishing can be overwhelming, from the endless techniques, gear, and terminology to trying to find the right location, especially that is kid-friendly. But for a young child, the simpler, the better. We started with the basics — how to hold the rod, how to cast, and the patience required to wait for a bite. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about spending time together and having fun.
One of the first things I learned was that patience is key — not just for the fish, but for your child as well. Well, and for me too. Children learn at their own pace, and pushing them too hard can take the joy out of the experience. The goal is to make these early days enjoyable so that they want to keep coming back to the water. It took me longer than I would like to admit to finally get him into a fish, but approaching this in a fun way made every outing to the river memorable, regardless of whether or not we caught fish.
Building Confidence
In those early days, I celebrated every small victory with my son. Whether it was a decent cast, a fish on the line, or even just getting the fly in the water without a tangle, I made sure he knew he was doing well. Confidence is built through small wins, and in fly fishing, these wins are crucial for keeping a young kid engaged.
Teaching my son that it’s okay to fail was another important lesson. In fly fishing, as in life, not every cast will be perfect, and not every outing will result in a catch. Learning to handle failure gracefully is an essential life skill, and fly fishing provides plenty of opportunities to practice it.
To date, my biggest fail with him on the river was me not communicating clearly to him where to stand. It only took one backcast and a dry fly lodged deep in his knee for us to have to face failure, tears, disappointment, pain, and the determination to keep learning together. We now laugh about that story, and it became a moment to bond together, and push us forward.
The Joy of the Outdoors
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is how fly fishing deepens our connection with nature. As someone who avidly loves landscape photography, I certainly understand this. However, being out on the river with my son, away from screens and the noise of everyday life, gave us both a chance to slow down and appreciate the world around us. Fly fishing isn’t just about catching fish; it’s about being present in the moment and observing the natural world.
We’ve seen deer drinking from the river, eagles soaring overhead, Bull Moose in the water, and watched one of the most beautiful sunrises together on the river together — on Father’s Day even. These experiences have sparked my son’s curiosity about the environment and the creatures that inhabit it. It’s one thing to read about nature in a book, but it’s another to experience it firsthand. Fly fishing has given my son a deeper appreciation for the world around him, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Life Lessons on the Water
Fly fishing is often described as a game of patience, and that’s no exaggeration. Teaching my son to fly fish has reinforced the importance of patience — not just in waiting for the fish to bite, but in the learning process itself. Success doesn’t come overnight, and that’s okay. Each outing, whether successful or not, is an opportunity to learn and improve.
I used to be fairly hard on myself after a visit to the river that resulted in no fish, however I quickly realized that my priorities were wrong, and it was testing my patience. I’ve since realized, and started to teach my son, that we should focus on how fortunate we are to be able to cast a line in a beautiful place together, because that is what matters most. Look at me learning alongside my son.
Perseverance is another key lesson that we both have continued to learn. There were times when my son wanted to give up, frustrated by a tangled line or a missed strike. But I encouraged him to stick with it, to untangle the line, to try again. The satisfaction of overcoming a challenge is one of the most rewarding aspects of fly fishing, and it’s a lesson that will serve him well in all areas of life. Seeing a trout come up and hit a dry fly for the first time is, in short, magic.
The Importance of Preparation
One of the practical aspects of teaching my son to fly fish has been instilling in him the importance of preparation. Having the right gear is essential, but equally important is also knowing how to use it. We spent time learning how to tie knots, choosing the right fly, and understanding how to read the water. These are skills that come with experience, but they are also a reminder that being prepared can make all the difference.
Safety is another crucial aspect. Rivers can be unpredictable, and it’s important to respect the water. I’ve taught my son to be aware of his surroundings, to never fish alone, and to always let someone know where we’re going. Safety on the water is paramount, and it’s a lesson I’ve made sure to prioritize.
Shared Experiences
Perhaps the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the power of shared experiences. Fly fishing has given my son and me a common passion, something we can enjoy together regardless of the ups and downs. These moments on the water have become more than just fishing trips; they’re about building a bond that will last a lifetime.
We’ve had long talks about life, dreams, and even fears while waiting for a fish to bite. These conversations, often prompted by the tranquility of our surroundings, have brought us closer together. Fly fishing has provided a unique backdrop for these father-son moments, where the pressures of daily life seem to fade away, leaving only the sound of the river and the feel of the line in our hands.
Teaching Responsibility
Fly fishing also teaches responsibility, not just in terms of taking care of gear, but in respecting nature. I’ve made it a point to teach my son about catch and release, the importance of preserving fish populations, and leaving no trace on the environment. Respecting the natural world is a responsibility that comes with the privilege of enjoying it, and it’s a lesson I’m proud to pass on.
We’ve talked about how our actions affect the environment, and I’ve seen my son take these lessons to heart. He’s become more mindful of his impact on the world around him, and that’s something that extends beyond fishing. Teaching our children to respect and protect nature is one of the most important things we can do as parents.
Overcoming Challenges
Fly fishing isn’t always easy, and neither is teaching it to a child. There have been days when nothing went right — when the wind was too strong, the fish weren’t biting, or the frustration levels were high. But through these challenges, my son and I learned the value of persistence. Sticking with it, even when the going gets tough, is a lesson that applies both on and off the water.
I’ve seen my son grow more resilient through fly fishing. He’s learned that not everything in life comes easily and that the rewards are often sweeter when they’re earned through hard work and determination. Fly fishing has taught him to embrace challenges, to learn from mistakes, and to keep trying, even when success feels elusive.
Stories for a Lifetime
The memories we’ve created on the water are some of the most cherished ones I have. As a photographer, I have worked hard to document every single trip we have taken, encapsulating the emotions from each trip, from the first fish he caught and netted to the dry fly stuck in his knee. These are stories we’ll be recounting for the rest of our lives, similar to how I still share stories about fishing with my Dad when I was 30 years younger.
These experiences have also given us a shared history, something we can look back on with fondness. Whether it’s recalling the big one that got away, learning how to cook a Rainbow Trout, or the perfect day on the river, these memories are part of what makes fly fishing so special. It’s not just about the fish; it’s about the journey we’ve taken together.
Instilling a Lifelong Passion
One of my greatest hopes in teaching my son to fly fish is that it will become a lifelong passion for him. I want him to have something that brings him joy, peace, and a connection to nature throughout his life. Fly fishing has the potential to be more than just a hobby; it can be a lifelong source of fulfillment.
I’ve seen the spark in his eyes when he talks about fishing, the excitement when he plans our next trip, and the pride he feels when he masters a new skill. These are the beginnings of a lifelong love for fly fishing, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud to have fostered.
A Journey Worth Taking
Teaching my son to fly fish has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s taught us both about patience, perseverance, and the joy of the outdoors. But more than that, it’s given us a shared passion and countless memories that we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives.
For any dad considering teaching their son to fly fish, I can only say this: Do it. The rewards far outweigh the challenges, and the time spent together on the water will be something you both cherish forever. And in the end you might realize, as I have, it’s really not that much about fishing at all, it’s about your son. Fly fishing is a journey, one that’s worth taking together.
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