Hi guys!

I am excited about a project that I am about to undertake with some seniors in my area. I have agreed to take them on a fishing trip.

I took a few fishing last year and there were a couple of folks that went fishing for the first time and the look on their faces was priceless and joy-filled.  However, tying every knot, baiting every hook, and undoing every tangled spool becomes very difficult for one person (me) to do for 10-12 persons.

Based on that first experience, I believe it would be a good idea to teach them the basics.  As a result, I want to develop a class course (one-time session is what I envision) to teach them the basics.

I want to teach them the basics such as:

1)      Tying Knots

2)      Placing bait on a hook

3)      How to cast

And anything else you think would benefit them.  

I know that we all love to take our kids fishing but I have realized that we have seniors in our own communities that are just waiting to discover the joys of fishing for the first time or to rekindle their passion for fishing that they had earlier in their lives.  It is people like you and me who can get them there.

So please, share your tips and tricks here, from how you teach casting to tips on knot tying and baiting a hook, whatever you can think of would be appreciated.

BTW, I will be taking them trout fishing at a trout farm. This eliminates the need to have them pay for licenses, and I have the convenience of having the basic amenities for them.  Also, these farms have the rods and reels that I cannot provide on my own.

Thanks ahead of time. My overall goal is the get them "hooked" and hopefully have them start a club or group that goes fishing on a regular basis.

-ib

You can come to Gastonia, NC and video tape me, them just tell them to do the exact opposite. LOL.

I have seen some real cool videos on YouTube for know tying. The best I have seen they used VERY large line (like anchor line) and a LARGE hook. They were able show very clearly how to do the knots. I think especially with seniors that would be VERY helpful.

For some seniors, tying a knot in mono with arthritic fingers could be frustrating.

I'd suggest Duo lock snaps or snap swivels. That should free up more time to fish.

Perhaps casting practice at a large open space like a park or ballfield ?

Hats off to you for taking this on by yourself. I have quite a bit of terminal tackle (hooks, bobbers, etc.) your welcome to. PM me if interested.

M Starr and Bilgerat,

Thank you for your suggestions! This is really going to help me.

Boy, the Arthritis thing could be a factor with some of them.  And the You tube videos is a great idea. I have access to wireless internet and a projector screen to show them any knot tying videos.

-ib