Fly fishing is not merely a pastime; it’s something much deeper steeped in rich tradition, enduring patience, and a profound connection to the natural world. This is all great stuff, however, to captivate the curious minds of the younger generation and fully immerse them in this deeply rewarding experience, I think we must present fly fishing as a unique opportunity to develop essential skills, forge lasting friendships, and foster a deep-seated appreciation for our precious aquatic ecosystems.

Fly fishing cultivates a sense of mindfulness, inviting young people to temporarily escape the incessant noise and fast pace of modern life, embracing a slower, more meaningful rhythm of existence instead. It encourages keen observation - watching the water, studying insect hatches, and gaining insights into fish behaviour - elements that nurture curiosity and deepen knowledge about our environment. Furthermore, the camaraderie inherent in fly fishing creates strong, lasting connections that bind individuals together. Fly fishing transcends the mere act of catching fish; it serves as a profound pathway to personal growth, enhanced environmental awareness, and a legacy of unwavering respect for our rivers and streams.

No amount of phone or laptop screentime can even begin to compete with a blissful day spent alongside the riverbank, where the soothing tranquillity of flowing water mingles harmoniously with the anticipation of casting a line onto the shimmering depths!

So then, why is it and why does it seem to be so difficult to get a new generation into Fly Fishing?

To help answer this ‘mic drop’ question, I’d like to take this opportunity to offer up some blanket headers and my thoughts as to why the younger generation should consider giving fly fishing a try!

Connection & Stewardship

I think it’s fair to say that many younger people are often more attuned to environmental issues - Their minds are like sponges and can remember facts far better than I do now! By involving them in fly fishing, we can teach them best practices about habitat preservation, water quality, and the crucial role rivers play in sustaining biodiversity. For many young people, the fast pace of modern life and constant digital distractions can feel overwhelming, and fly fishing offers a perfect escape. It allows you to disconnect from technology, slow down, and enjoy the natural world in a more meaningful way. We go back to trying to restore the balance and surely the first step is to get outdoors and breathe in the natural world.

It doesn’t seem obvious from the outside, but Fly fishing is rooted in conservation. Without pristine habitat, our beloved migratory species just wouldn't be around. It’s true, but Salmon & Trout do thrive in beautiful places! Practising catch-and-release techniques, learning about water ecosystems, and protecting fish habitats are all core principles of this pastime and this is especially appealing to those who are passionate about environmental causes and want to be involved in activities that help preserve nature.

*Only those that fish the river would ever experience this magic.*

Benefits - Mind & Body

Fly fishing is as much a mental exercise as it is a physical one - we’ve all experienced that one stubborn fish! The activity requires concentration, patience, and mindfulness, which can be a great form of stress relief. I can’t even begin to think what it would be like reliving my younger years in today’s society, so for young people who deal with the pressures of school, work, or personal life, fly fishing can be a much-needed meditative break that helps reset the mind and body. When I put it like that - Why aren’t I fishing more!?

Developing New Skills

Fly fishing is a pastime that requires learning and mastering a variety of skills. Think casting, fly tying, learning to read the water and thinking like a fish! It is forever an engaging challenge that keeps you wanting to learn and improve and when you’re on this journey and see first-hand your personal development, it’s a hard one to disembark. These skills also transfer to other areas of life, like patience, problem-solving, and perseverance. Exactly the skills you need when you tangle up a freshly tied leader in a howling gale!

Social Connection

Although often seen as a solitary pastime, Fly fishing is a vehicle that brings people together. It offers a chance to meet like-minded people who share an appreciation for the outdoors and a respect for conservation. The sense of camaraderie and shared experience, whether you’re fishing with friends or learning from mentors, can be deeply rewarding. The social aspect of fly fishing is one of the many reasons why it’s appealing to young people looking for genuine connection and community. I have a rule that if I ever see and meet someone on the river I always stop and offer them some time. It’s always so rewarding to give something back and encourage someone new - We were all at some point new to this journey and will forever be learning.

*Sometimes a well placed boulder provides the perfect spot…*

A Sense of Adventure

In Devon and especially on Dartmoor, Fly fishing takes you to some of the most scenic and remote locations that should appeal to the young person’s sense of adventure. This pastime offers the perfect opportunity to explore new rivers, lakes, and even countries should the passion take hold and become deep-seated. Whether you're fishing in a local stream or on a weekend trip to a faraway destination, fly fishing opens doors to discovering new places and enjoying the very best of the outdoors and our natural world.

The 25kms of fishable trout and sea trout water on the Duchy of Cornwall's Dartmoor Estate offers the fly fisher an epic expanse of some of the finest fly fishing I think, the UK has to offer. Coupled with the headers above, those who are willing to offer their time to appreciate and develop their skills will be rewarded for a lifetime.

*Exploring and fishing new water brings out new facial expressions!*

Personal Development & Growth

Fly fishing teaches resilience and patience - skills that we know are valuable and transferrable to many areas of life and existence. The process of learning this craft, spending hours on the water, and facing the challenges of seeking and catching fish can build a strong sense of personal accomplishment and new-found confidence. An experience that is purely analogue and so far removed from any digital environment. Each step forward, whether it’s mastering a new cast, learning a new fly-tying technique or deceiving that impossible fish, provides a feeling of progress and satisfaction. These small victories can add up over time and massively contribute to personal growth and self-development.

Catching that first fish!

There’s nothing quite like the moment when you hook that first fish and young people who enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities will find the excitement of dry fly fishing to be both engaging and exhilarating. The patience required to fish, however, combined with the excitement of successfully bringing a jewel-like wild brown trout to hand, makes it a thrilling pursuit. It's a unique combination of focus, skill, and reward that’s hard to replicate in other activities.

*I bet this fine angler can vividly remember this one!*

Heritage

Hardly a category one would associate with the younger generation, however, fly fishing has a rich tradition, and for many young people, it represents an opportunity to connect with something bigger than themselves. It’s a pastime with deep cultural and historical significance, and by learning to fly fish, young people can carry on a tradition that’s been passed down through generations. Even if in today’s modern era this is now rarely a tradition handed down through succession, I think we should all take a shared responsibility to pass on the baton in whatever way works. To me, this is all about inspiring and mentorship. This connection to history and heritage adds depth to the experience and gives young anglers a sense of continuity. With our two long-standing fishing associations in the Upper and Lower Teign, we are perfectly placed to provide guidance and develop this new generation of anglers.

Amazingly, it’s inexpensive

People often think of this pursuit as expensive and fortunately, this is where an ageing demographic wanting the best and latest equipment plays into the hands of those wanting to pick up a bargain. Local associations such as the Kennick Fly Fishing Association sell surplus and donated rods, reels and lines to raise funds - a great way to pick up some outstanding tackle on a budget. Also, many fishing brands now offer beginner kits, which can be a great way to introduce young anglers without overwhelming them with a high initial cost. I think that all of the methods, fly fishing, once understood and time invested requires only a small list of really key items. As you develop over time, it’s funny how the gear you ‘really’ need to go fishing decreases, whilst, as many will testify, the gear you accumulate increases!

After all, it’s fun…

At the end of the day, whichever way you want to badge and brand it, fly fishing is just good fun. The process of learning, being outside, exploring new places, spending time with friends, or getting to know yourself better makes it an enjoyable and ultimately fulfilling activity. The sense of adventure, relaxation, and camaraderie makes it a great way for young people to have fun and make lasting memories. I can still vividly picture certain fish in certain rivers, remember them with pinpoint accuracy and recount each tale. Each leaf remains in exactly the same spot, but the fish may have grown a few inches every time the tale gets told!

*Some fish still remain small… yet perfect!*

To sum things up I hope we can agree that inspiring younger people to embrace fly fishing is not just about tradition; it’s an essential investment for the future of our rivers, ecosystems and associations. Getting this younger generation through the door to explore the world of fly fishing begins with fostering their curiosity and encouraging them to get involved on their terms. By creating an open and inviting atmosphere where inquisitiveness is valued, I have hope that we can all ignite a passion for this wonderful pursuit in someone new.

Through inspiration and mentorship, I believe that together we should do all we can to forge a legacy that resonates far beyond our own time.

Fly fishing’s new generation