Thinking about teaching

[steelhead86]

Thinking about teaching fly fishing for Steelhead/
Salmon part time. Just wanted to get some opinions.

Thanks

:cheers:

[lilnorthfork]

Great idea! How about a hands-on class tomorrow morning? :grin: Seriously. lnf

[Stew]

Go for it! I'll participate if you start a class

[FeeshNurd]

I'd be in for the right price! :grin:

[Nate L]

Just out of curiosity, do you have a "home" river(s) you would be teaching on?

What do you consider your areas of expertise? Spey rod, drift boating, fly tying, all of the above...

I personally need someone to hammer this "reading the water" business into my head. I read about it in magazines and countless books but then I get out there...well, easier said than done. :shrug:

[steelhead86]

Well, reading water would definately be a big part
of it - guess you could say have always had a knack
for finding fish. Also have been told I have a
unique way of fly fishing with unique flies. Believe in
starting with the fly and working backwords. Have a lot
of thinking to do - family stuff, things like that.
Have no doubt about helping people becoming more
successfull - just have to figure out the best way.
Small group in a home setting, one on one, group in
more of a class type setting, maybe something through
local church's, out on the river etc. Have always
used a single hander - would not be qualified with
the spey rod. Would be more than happy to get into
the types of flies I use, how to tie them, how to
fish them, techniques etc. Should I stick with
certain rivers based on various conditions to
teach, or should always go where there is some
fish - have to get a guide license to teach on
rivers. Kind of struggling with something that
has been a recreational hobby for a very long
time and making it more professional - really do
love to teach, and share. Not sure that I want
to be considered a professional fly fisher -
maybe it's to late because of getting published.
I'm used to mission orientated emergency
operations and things of that nature with a lot
of structure. Just want to make sure this is
the direction I'm supposed to go and that it
will benefit my kids, anyone that I teach and
share with, and that it is the right thing.

:cheers:

[3riversBob]

Something to consider if you are going to teach "professionally" is that if you are on a river, most people (clients) expect to catch fish. A good way to ruin a fun hobby is to start getting paid to do it and having not so fun clients to deal with. A lot of people seem to handle this well and continue guiding/teaching and really enjoy it. If you think that is you go for it. If you are not sure try a volunteer approach. Start a class with your church, local school, ifish flyfishing board, where ever and give it a try. Good luck to you!

Bob

[steelhead86]

Thanks Bob - well so far have been 100 percent
successful working with some newbies and kids.
The thing is, was using my flies and style so
to speak. Also trying to figure out if I'm
really good enough to teach. The interesting
thing - have also gone out with some people that
have been fly fishing for a while and some of
them did not do as well. One really nice guy
went out with me one day and watched yours truly
do his thing and he did not get any - then the
next day he did get into some fish from some of
the stuff that I showed him. Think it's interesting
that so far everyone I've been with that is
brand new and kids have gotten into fish their
first time out with me, and some others that
have been fly fishing for a while haven't -
even though some have at a later date. Just
trying to figure out if this is the right
thing to do.

:cheers:

[Musicman]

Good enough teacher or fisherman? Your post/pics indicate your a good fishermen...also that newbies do well in your intruction. I say if it's your passion then teach away, otherwise just volunteer. It's amazing how fast money will take away from something you llike to do. Good luck in you endeavour! :dance:

[scoutfish]

I,d be up for this, always looking to learn more about ff mr.steelhead. :cheers: Please keep up the great reports too!! :bowdown:

Arnie

[fishnchick]

I think you have a great idea! If you ever decide this is what you want to do, keep me informed. When I first started wanting to learn fly fishing I spent a lot of time looking for someone to just take me out a few times to get a taste of it...see if I wanted to pursue it....and I didn't like the idea of spending 50 to 75 bucks per hour just to realize it wasn't for me. I finally found an ex guide in Spokane willing to share his knowledge. I would have made a lot of costly mistakes without him. He gave me a good start butI have lots to learn.

I like the fly tying idea too. In fact wouldn't it be cool for all fly tiers...novice (me) and experts in ifish flyfishers to try getting together for tying once in a while? Spread the love guys! I know I could use the help.

:hearton:

[Cliff]

hey steelhead86, if you ever feel like hookin another "kid" well i guess "teen" (16) into a steelie on the fly, drop me a PM! I have tried many times for them on the fly, but never have any luck. Only trout seem to like my flies. :shrug: Anyways, sounds like a great idea, if you do decide to pursue it, good luck!!

Thanks

Cliff

[steelhead86]

Okay, how about an informal get together on
an upcoming weeknight. Then go from there -
really want to stay low key and have fun!
Sent Stew a PM to see if we can set something
up.

thanks

[Stew]

How about meeting at Mickey Finns on a weeknight and see what the interest would be.

[Hardware]

go for it, teaching is so fun. i miss teaching kayak classes. it's so fun watching people learn.

not sure about your background, but if you are going to teach, you have to be able to teach on varied rivers/situations/conditions. probably the most important thing. just my .02.

[steelhead86]

Okay - where is Mickey Finns? Do they have an area
where you can set up some stuff that is secure? Does
anyone have a good sized dry erase board they could
bring? Oops - got to run, soccer!

:cheers:

[AndyK]

I seem to catch my share of fish, but I am always willing to learn new techniques, etc. I would be interested so keep me posted.