I recently got to interview Joe Jackson (aka ‘@sgt.bassfisher on Instagram) and it gave me a great insight into how I introduced my boys to fishing…. And how I should’ve done it. Fortunately it’s not too late.
They’re 11 and 13 now, and while they’re both semi-keen on fishing and have gotten into fly tying, I’ll be honest — they’re way more excited about our new boat than they are about what we might catch with it. And you know what, that’s perfectly fine. Freakin’ epic actually.
Looking back, I realise I made some classic mistakes that probably every fishing parent makes. I was so focused on turning them into anglers (trying to turn them into me!) that I forgot the bigger picture.
Joe, a J. Stockard Pro Tyer, known for his artistic deer hair patterns and his work with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing changed my perspective – kind of hit me like a cold slap of spring creek mountain water. Here’s what I learned:
The Mistakes I Made
I Expected Too Much, Too Soon
When my oldest was about eight, I took him on what I considered a “real” fishing trip — a full day chasing trout on a technical stream I love. I packed all my best gear, talked up the adventure and expected him to share my enthusiasm for the subtle art of reading water and matching the hatch. He’s been bait fishing with me a few times before this and I thought it was (the right) time for the transition.
He was bored out of his mind within an hour.
Jackson nails this in his article: “We expect them to be as good as we are. And to love it the way we do. But it’s not a video game. There’s no instant dopamine hit.” I was guilty of this completely. I wanted them to appreciate the zen of fly fishing when they just wanted to catch something…Anything.
I Forgot About the 15-Minute Rule
According to Jackson, who has ‘taught’ more than 60 kids to fish so far this year through the show circuit and other programmes in the USA: “Little kids have like a one-track mind that lasts 15 minutes, maybe, depending on how old they are.” Even now, with my boys being older, I see this principle at work. The difference is those 15-minute chunks have stretched into longer periods, but back then? I was asking too much.
I Started Too Technical
This is probably my biggest regret. I started both boys with fly fishing because that’s what I love. Jackson suggests something different: “Start with bait, and fly fishing can follow. Find a small, willing fish with big fight — like a bluegill.”
He’s absolutely right. Those early frustrations with casting, mending line, and dealing with wind knots builds frustration not joy.
What’s Working Now (And What I’m Changing)
The Boat Changed Everything
Here’s what’s interesting—getting our new boat has been a game-changer, but not in the way I expected. My boys are fascinated by running the boat, reading the GPS, understanding how the Finder works. Jackson touches on this: “If one of the kids wants to come out, I’ll troll crappie jigs. Let them steer the boat. They don’t even have to catch anything—they’re part of it.”
I used to see their interest in the boat mechanics and just having an adventure as a distraction from fishing. Now I realise it’s part of the same adventure. They’re learning navigation, water safety, respect for the environment. That’s all part of being on the water.
Fly Tying Has Been Gold
One thing I did get right was introducing them to fly tying early. Jackson emphasises this: “If a kid ties a fly and catches a fish on it? You’ve got them. Their chance of sticking with this sport of ours goes up exponentially.”
We know this as adults, but I think sometimes forget how important it might be for them too. There’s ownership there, pride in the craft. My 13-year-old has gotten pretty good at simple patterns, and my 11-year-old loves the creative aspect (he’s an artist for sure) — sometimes his flies look nothing like anything that swims, but he’s invested in the process.
Oh, and never (ever) forget the snacks
Even with older kids, Jackson’s advice about snacks holds true. Some of our best fishing conversations have happened over epic snacks in the boat. “If nothing else is working, sit down and have a snack,” he writes. It’s simple advice, but it works. And, get them involved in the process of stocking up. ‘What do you want to take?’ Make that part of the adventure and get them some treats and snacks they’d not normally have on an ‘average’ day. It leads beautifully into the next point, which is perhaps the most important:
Looking Forward
Jackson’s long-term perspective really resonates with me. He writes: “When my daughter’s in her 20s or 30s, if fishing is something she looks back on fondly, then when life gets tough, she might call me and say, ‘Hey Dad, let’s go fishing.'”
That’s what I want. Sons who associate being on the water with good memories, with time spent together, with conversations that happen when you’re away from screens and distractions. Create some nostalgia, says Joe. I like that.
I’m changing my approach. Instead of insisting on pure fly fishing, I’m mixing it up more — some bait fishing for shad and grunter, some trolling from the boat for leeries, some fly fishing when they’re in the mood. I’m letting them drive the boat more (lifeskills, bru). I’m paying attention to those 15-minute attention spans, even though they’re longer now.
Most importantly, I’m trying to remember Jackson’s key insight: “The goal isn’t to create the next tournament angler—it’s to create memories that last a lifetime and conversations that happen when it really matters.”
My boys may never love fishing the way I do (maybe they will). But they love being on the water, they’re learning respect for the outdoors, and we’re building something together. That’s more than enough. That’s everything.
