This is why we do it.
We just finished the second offering of the Beginning Fly Fishing Class at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center in coordination with the Missouri Department of Conservation. The course consisted of two Saturday afternoon classes split between classroom teaching and on-hands casting practice. That was followed by a field trip to the Roaring River State Park where we fish in the “Educational” pool which was reserved for our class.
In the classroom Linda Chase, Rick Headlee, and I cover fly fishing basics, equipment needed, safety, fish food, flies, what fish need and how they obtain it, where to find them, and how to catch them. Kim Schultz teaches fly casting and a section on where to fish in the area.
This class had 16 students. Seven students came on the field trip. It’s not easy to schedule 3 Saturdays of activities what with kids’ soccer, softball, or whatever, so I’m not disappointed in the turn-out. Several students have commented on the fun they had and expressed appreciation for our efforts. I know that at least three students have already gone out and bought fly rods, and another is shopping for a good deal. That is a good measure of success.
So, the reason we do this is clear in these pictures. Look at Garrett’s face as he lands his first trout on a fly. And then Shay’s pride for her trout.
Bob Randall
left to right below: Garrett, Kim, Shay, Moi, Chris, Hunter, Bob, Linda, Rick, Christian, Jonatan
