Newby youngster things

FAOL Community Fly Anglers Online
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As I’m thinking about helping my grandson [12y/o] get started fly casting I’m wondering some things…

Because of posts here [JC] I got him the Wal Mart Cortland set…

It has the L2L connector included…I don’t plan on letting him use it…I’ll show him the common nail knot line to leader…as a beginning…

I don’t know if the reel is right or left hand wind or if it can be changed…anyone know?

Incidently I didn’t want to tear the package apart as it is a gift and wrapped.

I reel right handed and understand the negatives to that …I’m thinking since he’s starting from scratch left hand wind would be better…if he and I are workng together will that be confusing?

I got the Joan Wulff casting DVD and in reviewing it it seems to me that though it is good …for a youngster just starting out it is likely just too much except for some of the chapters dealing with basics…seems to me there is a need for something in the marketplace geared for children with no experience…

of course lessons from a good instructor should be the place to start and I’m working on that thanks to one of you in the area…

Anyway, what do you think?

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two big hairy thumbs up - love what you’re doing

Not knowing his personality - or your relationship with him (where he’ll fully listen and not get upset or too frustrated with you) I’d say if you can - have someone local that will/can help get him casting.

Get him casting 20ft, then take him to some water where he’s 99.8% guaranteed to catch a fish. Perch, bluegills, trout ponds, etc.,. This will set the hook and he will only drive himself to cast better over time.

darrell,

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ducksterman, along with the rest of it, you might want to get to a Boy Scout distribution center and pick up the Boy Scout Merit Badge Pamphlet on the Fly Fishing Merit Badge, its basic and is written for 12 year olds.

Eric