Okay, I think that flyfishing AND bait fishing has it's place, so I would think that classes should be taught with regard to both.

Someone on the other thread listed the ideas of flyfishing that should be taught.

What I would like from you (both the flyfishers and bait fishers) is a list of ideas/techniques that could be taught to new people, kids, experts.

Maybe there could be three levels of classes, beginning, intermediate, expert. But I need to get some ideas of what should be covered.

Remember, I work with fish at work, but during playtime I am a sword fighter, not an angler so I need your help here!

Once I have an idea of what should be taught, I could gather teachers and start planning to have some spring classes here at the regional office.

Any and all suggestions are welcome!!

This is for BOTH user types as they are BOTH IMPORTANT!! So please, post your ideas so I can start getting this going!!!

stace

:p

I'll start.

For all classes:
C&R basics
Regulation clarifications and consequences (for example, many folks really don't understand the issue of 'grading'). Followed by Q&A.
Overview of the gear/tackle involved
Hands on demonstrations
Knot tying
Low impact fishing (packing out trash and respecting the enviroment/ecosystem)

Bait fishing:
Fishing with a bobber and bait
Bottom fishing with bait

Hardware fishing:
Fishing spinners, spoons, and other lure types
Using a 'fly bubble' and flies with your spinning gear

Fly fishing:
Overview of fly lines, casting, Leaders and tippets, slecting flys, basic entomology, matching the hatch techniques, fishing attractor patterns, dry, wet, and nymph flies, etc.

Great start!

Thanks!!

stace

Hey Stace!

Never got a chance to thank you but thanks for the Muskie Handout.

I'll be willing to teach some classes on bait fishing in the Spring (if it ever is really spring, its dumpin at my house right now and starting to stick )I have to do some community service for my Senior issues class. I have a friend that would love to do it also.

E-Mail me to let me know!

Thanks
Tyler

No matter which methods are taught, ethics should of utmost importance, this includes removal of garbage. another aspect I would suggest might be courtesy toward other fishers and non-fishers. Everything that has already been stated I agree with as well, and I don't think you will have a hard time putting together a list of instructors. You might pass the info gathered on this thread on to the other regions, as I live and fish in region 6, this is needed across the state. Good luck.
Banock

Thanks Banock!

I will make sure that is added. And I will make sure the other Inland Fish Programs get the information on the classes once I have got them formed.

Stacie,
If you need any help putting class material together or anything else, give me a call (the number is on my web site). You are doing a great job, keep that fire in you going.
Banock

Cool I will take you up on that offer!



stace

Good thoughts. I think identification is important, as well as ecology. Understanding what fish are doing during the different parts of the year will help folks catch a few fish when just starting out.

as far as bait fishing is concerned, bottom fishing float fishing, slip sinker and hi lo rigs, using a slip bobber. Also talk about catch and release and types of fish you cancatch and how/where to catch them. A Brochure would be great (they do this in hawaii). thanx for hearing our suggestions.

I like your idea of the brochure and I think that is what this will end up being as soon as I gather all the info.

What I will do when I have made something up is post it online for you suggestions and comments.

thanks for your help on this!!

stace

I really like the idea of free pamphlets. That way the folks that can't/won't attent the classes can still benefit and be educated at the same time.

For every pamplet that details a technique, you could include a standard section that covers fishing ettiquite (sp?), C&R best practices, and basic environmental respect (for example - thus giving tips on techniques, plus educating on more important issues...).

That is a GREAT idea! I will include that.

Keep the ideas coming!!!

Do a "Northwest Tackle Box" approach--one for fly and one for everything else (non-fly). Pick, for example the top ten non-fly fishing presentations, talk about the lure/rig, and how and where it is best presented (mepps spinner, slider bait rig, curlytail grub jig, etc). For fly fishing, three or four basic patterns, sink tip/float tip, and some emphasis on casting. If these folks are beginners, getting them into a fish or two quick is important, even if it's a perch or 10 inch stocked trout. Then they'll hook themselves, and you won't even need to set the hook.

i would like to know what the best gear is to use when fishing for lake rainbow trout

I don't know about fly fishing gear or lures, but I know that biscuit dough, worms and marshmellows (the little pink ones) work great for trout.

...did you s-say...s-s-sword fighting?

Stacie , Phif Phreak nailed it completely for flyfishing.. I'd be willing to help with flyfishing classes but I have no clue how to bait fish..

Yep, swordfighting I am like Xena,well, more like Gabrielle (if you have ever watched that show!).

Hey, did you know that fly fishing was started in the Middle Ages. Yep, it was. We have some people in our area that tie flies using medieval techniques. Pretty cool huh?!

These are the class ideas so far: fly fishing techniques, bait fishing techniqes, fishes of Washington, fishing ethics.

Now within these classes there would be information on catching and releasing fish properly, gear to use, where to fish etc.

I am still getting all the info together from the AWESOME posts you guys have written. When I get a nice neat list together I will post if for you guys to take a look at and make comments on. I should have it together by Monday for you.

I REALLY REALLY appreciate your help with this. I think we can do some really great classes.