In a press release I recently received, I read that the Orvis fishing tackle company has set a goal of teaching -- at no cost -- 10,000 individuals to fly fish this summer.
This is a huge step toward pulling the sport fishing industry out of its decade-long slump.
Since late 2000, there has been a concern across all lines in sport fishing, regarding the low percentage of young people entering the sport.
If we apply the sales ideology that each person influences 250 people in their life time, we can project that 10,000 introductions could influence 2.5 million people.
The spin-off impact of this bold step could be just what is needed to get our sport back on track as a fun, family activity.
For the last three years I have been volunteering as fly fishing instructor for youth and parent adventure retreats, a division of Youth Unlimited/Youth for Christ.
During my time as their fly fishing instructor, it has been the moms who brought and participated in introducing their kids to fly fishing.
What's wrong with our dads? Many studies have shown that it is a dad's influence that has the biggest impact on what children do.
So come on Dad, take those kids fishing and let's do our part in contributing to the next generation of sport fishers.
THE REPORT
Fishing on our Lower Mainland lakes remains good.
For wet (sinking) fly fishing try Chironomid, Bloodworm, Coachman, American Coachman, Professor, Wooly Bugger, Micro Leach, Sixpack, Dragonfly Nymph, Halfback, Doc Spratley, Baggy Shrimp or Zulu.
For dry (floating) fly action try Tom Thumb, Irresistible, Black Gnat, Griffith Gnat, Royal Coachman, or Renegade. For Kokanee try Red Abbis, Bloodworm, Red Spratley, San Juan Worm, Red Quill or Double Trude.
Our Lower Mainland bass and panfish are fishing fare to good. For bass try Wooly bugger, Big Black, Lizard, Clouser's Deep Minnow, Zonker, Tied Down Minnow, Bucktail, Dolly Whacker, Frogs, Poppers, Chernobyl Ant, Stimulator or Crayfish in sizes 8 to 4. For Crappie or Pumpkinseed try Wooly Bugger, Big Black, Micro Leach, Bucktail, Tied Down Minnow, Dolly Whacker, Clouser's Deep Minnow, Poppers, Joe's Hopper, Chernobyl Ant or Stimulator in sizes 12 to 8.
Fishing is good on many of our Interior lakes. For wet fly fishing try Wooly Bugger, Micro Leach, Egg Sucking Leach, Chironomid,Bloodworm, Pumpkinhead, Dragonfly Nymph, Halfback Nymph, 52 Buick. Doc Spratley, Green Spratley, or Baggy Shrimp.
