Young Children as Tenkara Anglers

by Jeffry Gottfried
(Portland, Oregon)

Staff of Educational Recreational Adventures has just completed our 4th week of Outdoor Adventure Camp with campers from 7-12 years old. One day was dedicated to fly fishing but three days offered some opportunities to fish. Over the course of the week, the 10 children caught at least 22 cutthroat or rainbow trout, mostly skittering elk hair caddis and swinging soft hackles.

Adults do nothing but underestimate what children can do. With a little patience and some assistance in hooking the first fish, very young kids can be successful fishing tenkara gear. It is also much more convenient for the guide. I simply hiked the trail with 8 tenkara rods, each with flies attached and in their respective sheaths hanging from my neck and handed them out as we came upon good-looking places to fish.

ERA is conducting a Fly Fishing and Freshwater Ecology Camp (http://www.opalcreek.org/programs/summer-programs/OpalCreekExpeditions.aspx) for anglers 10-15 on August 14-19 at Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, located in a forest with trees over 1000 years old featuring abundant native rainbows in crystal clear water. An adult version of the camp will take place on August 26-28. Both camps will feature a variety of tenkara gear as well as traditional western gear.

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten” - Benjamin Franklin

"Be sure in casting, that your fly fall first into the water, for if the line fall first, it scares or frightens the fish..." -
Col. Robert Venables 1662

As age slows my pace, I will become more like the heron.