Comments: The weather was clearing so I used the opportunity to introduce my 6-year-old son to fly fishing. We went to a place I know that was sure to have some action, although the fish are small. I found an old pair of cheap wadders I had and fitted them to my son's small frame with a little duct tape. An old pair of tennis shoes taped onto his feet made his wadders complete.
As soon as I showed him how to cast, he was ready to give it a try. I hooked a little brookie and showed him how to keep the line tight and reel it in. I showed him how to take the hook off and release the fish. I explained why we should return the fish to the river instead of taking them home. Then I gave him the rod and allowed him to try. After I corrected him a little on treating the line like a horse whip, he promptly caught another small one, which put up a little fight. Boy was he excited! We moved down the river a little ways and within 30 minutes he caught 4 more without any help. After that he asked if we could go home. I didn't understand how he could want to leave since the fish were cooperating so well. I then noticed his teeth were chattering and he was shivering. The old wadders had sprung a leak and the legs were full of cold river water. Although he was practically freezing, he had not complained a bit! Since we were about 200 yard down the river,!
I hoisted him onto my back and carried him out. Giving the circumstances, I think he fished like a pro; staying with it as long as he could as the cold water numbed his little body. I told him I would find him a pair of real wadders that would keep him dry and his own fly rod for next year. He said that would be great, but could we please just fish from the bank until then. What a guy!
Guys, take your sons and daughters to the river with you. What a great opportunity to share something you love with somebody you love. You and your kids will always remember it.
Buddy Lovick alljml@aol.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------