 |
| Hooking a capital city walleye |
I firmly believe that fly fishing is the next big thing. It's already big for those of us who are committed, but I'm talking about the majority. Everywhere I go, people want to talk about fly fishing. And this is a very GOOD thing. More fly fishing enthusiasts means more conservation minded individuals to help protect our waterways and ensure future fishing possibilities. But how do we get them hooked? Heck, do we even want them hooked?
I get it...We like our fly fishing the way it is. We don't know more anglers crowding up our rivers and streams. But imagine how much nicer our waterways would be if we had a large majority of our fishing enthusiast friends joining the fight for conservation. Pretty great feeling right? Here are some tips to promote fly fishing in your community.
1. Engage Youth: If we were playing Family Feud, this would by far be the #1 answer! Engaging youth means engaging the future generation of leaders (and their parents). Get them active, invite them to participate, give them free things and help them catch fish. We hosted a free kids fly tying clinic at which all kids were mentored by a fly tying enthusiast, got three nice patterns and a free fly rod out of the deal! This summer, we'll be taking those same kids out on the water to test their new gear. Kids free fishing weekend and outdoor university are both on the calendar this year as well. Engaging kids can be like a snowball effect. Get one rolling, and others are bound to jump on board.
2. Dispel fly fishing myths: This is easier said than done, but necessary nonetheless. Free radio spots, letters to the editor, social media updates, and blog posts are great vehicles for telling a story about fly fishing. Center this promotion around events and activities, provide great information, and offer free tips for fly fishing success, and you will have a much more informed public my friend.
3. Make fly fishing easily accessible for all: I have been very active in community events so far this year. With the free fly tying clinic under my belt (story soon to come), and other events on the calendar, it's easy to stay engaged while spreading a message about fly fishing and conservation. One thing I'd like to do this summer is to set up a free fly casting lesson booth outside on a random weekend. I would be very interested to see how many people would like to try or have questions.
4. FISH!: Leading by example is the best way to get the proverbial foot in the door of an angler's curiosity. Once they witness your success via the fly, wax-nostalgia might bring them back to the old fly rod their grandfather gave them back in the day. It might also prompt them to go home and take a look at that old rod to see what all the fuss is about. Who knows, a few online video tutorials, casting practice in the backyard and the first time taking it out in the boat may send them on a crazy train straight to fly fishing fanaticism.
I get it...We like our fly fishing the way it is. We don't know more anglers crowding up our rivers and streams. But imagine how much nicer our waterways would be if we had a large majority of our fishing enthusiast friends joining the fight for conservation. Pretty great feeling right? Here are some tips to promote fly fishing in your community.
1. Engage Youth: If we were playing Family Feud, this would by far be the #1 answer! Engaging youth means engaging the future generation of leaders (and their parents). Get them active, invite them to participate, give them free things and help them catch fish. We hosted a free kids fly tying clinic at which all kids were mentored by a fly tying enthusiast, got three nice patterns and a free fly rod out of the deal! This summer, we'll be taking those same kids out on the water to test their new gear. Kids free fishing weekend and outdoor university are both on the calendar this year as well. Engaging kids can be like a snowball effect. Get one rolling, and others are bound to jump on board.
2. Dispel fly fishing myths: This is easier said than done, but necessary nonetheless. Free radio spots, letters to the editor, social media updates, and blog posts are great vehicles for telling a story about fly fishing. Center this promotion around events and activities, provide great information, and offer free tips for fly fishing success, and you will have a much more informed public my friend.
3. Make fly fishing easily accessible for all: I have been very active in community events so far this year. With the free fly tying clinic under my belt (story soon to come), and other events on the calendar, it's easy to stay engaged while spreading a message about fly fishing and conservation. One thing I'd like to do this summer is to set up a free fly casting lesson booth outside on a random weekend. I would be very interested to see how many people would like to try or have questions.
4. FISH!: Leading by example is the best way to get the proverbial foot in the door of an angler's curiosity. Once they witness your success via the fly, wax-nostalgia might bring them back to the old fly rod their grandfather gave them back in the day. It might also prompt them to go home and take a look at that old rod to see what all the fuss is about. Who knows, a few online video tutorials, casting practice in the backyard and the first time taking it out in the boat may send them on a crazy train straight to fly fishing fanaticism.
No comments:
Post a Comment