Kids Fishing Coach, Fishing Instruction for Kids

ON THE WATER FISHING INSTRUCTION

Why do I instruct or guide now, for free?

  • I'm retired from a career, guiding/instructing, and tournament fishing.

  • I love kids.

  • Fishing taught me patience, focus, determination and how to succeed at anything difficult, as well as fishing being the best medicine through life’s typical health and personal events.

  • With 65 years of fishing equipment accumulated, I've tried to sell some through the years, but there is some sentimental value that simply won't match what strangers are willing to pay.

  • Previous years of guiding or instructing often met with students not appropriately outfitted (clothes and footwear) to enjoy an otherwise memorable fishing experience.

  • I decided to "give back" what fishing has given to me, in life. And add, providing/donating some of the equipment I'm not willing to practically give away to strangers. And since I've got the clothing and footwear expertise of 65 years in the woods and water, provide (give back) that as well, to insure memorable fishing experiences.

My Qualifications

  • 65 years fishing and short term survival adventures primarily in the midwest states to the swamps bordering Gulf of Mexico.

  • Numerous B.A.S.S., B.A.S.S. Federation, Red Man, AmBASSadors, etc. tournament competitions and winnings.

  • "Sports Afield" Homer Circle Distinguished Angler Award-1987

  • Creeks, rivers, lakes-bank and boat fishing. (No boat fishing with this instruction program.)

What the Young Person Will Learn

  • What is "short term survival"? Caring for oneself in cold, snow, rain, heat as well as more accommodating weather. (We fish in all conditions.)

  • Safety concerning plants, wildlife, hiking, water, weather, and more.

  • Trout, crappie, bluegill and red ear are the primary species being taught to catch. Bass fishing will not be a primary focus-panfish are seldom boring and will keep young people interested.

  • Ultra-light/light spinning reel fishing, and fly fishing.

  • Equipment maintenance, loading line, replacing rod tips, reel parts, fly tying, jig tying, and more.

What to Expect...How to Be Selected for the Free Program

  • This is one on one only, guiding and instructing. One at a time for a year-under age 18. Sorry-I'm not set up for group or multiple student instruction. It's my wish and hope that you will learn well enough that you can pass along your new knowledge ten fold. Applicants not accepted will have access to my written recommendations of the same things that I'm teaching one on one. You'll also be among first contacts for the next candidate-no further application necessary.

  • To cover all seasons, this is a one year instruction-not less than 52 fishing trips (Aligns with number of weeks in a year-theoretically one trip per week but in actuality, multiple trips certain weeks to make up for no trips other weeks, as may be expected during school months.)

  • Girls are considered equally with boy applicants. In fact, two of my past students were girls that had a passion for outdoors and fishing but restricted themselves from "being out there" alone because of the times that we live in, now.

  • Bank or wade fishing, only.

  • Trips are anywhere from four hours, to sunrise to sunset.

  • Ability for long but not excessive, hiking through thick woods, up steep inclines, etc.

  • Ability to focus and pay attention.

  • I furnish equipment making use of a surplus of meticulously chosen equipment through the years. While I've mastered getting great equipment without spending a lot of money, what I expect a student to have may still exceed what a family can reasonably afford.

  • I furnish base layers and outer (winter) clothing. It's imperative for anyone to be comfortable outdoors four seasons of the year, to enjoy their outdoor pursuit. Even more important than catching fish. And while I'm expert at choosing shoes, boots, socks, and other clothing of the right materials, it can be a matter of trial and error to a certain degree. Another expense a family may rightfully not wish to incur. (Basically, summer outer layers and winter mid-layers (same as summer layers) are sufficient with what the student may already have.) Be prepared to furnish clothes and shoe sizes, which may or may not be the sizes shopped and provided. For example, wading boots can be as much as three sizes larger than shoe size, depending on a number of factors. (Season, type of waders, manufacturer, etc.)

  • Your parents, or you with additional comments from your parents, should write a brief summary to the contact box below, your commitment to what's a fairly rich program that lasts a year, and why you think you have what it takes, and why you want it. I'll collect a significant number of applications before selecting-be patient. I've no problem if you contact me again later, to check where I am in the process, or to add information to be considered.

  • Candidate should reside not more than approximately 20 miles either side of a line drawn from Busch Wildlife Area to Arnold, MO.