Monday, November 8, 2010

The "Isabella"

 
The Isabella



I have always believed that it is important to introduce my children to a wide range of experiences to help them develop emotionally, socially and creatively.  I also believe it is important to show interest in the things that they enjoy and find important, you never know, you may also learn something from them too.  I have introduced fishing, hiking, kayaking and general outdoor activities to Isabella and she has me involved in coloring, singing and make-believe. It has been fun for all of us.  However, I'm surprised by Bella every so often when she takes interest in something I would not suspect a 4 1/2 year to even notice.  Last week I was tying some flies (sakasa kebari to be precise) when she asked if she could do it too.  I had to explain to her that unfortunately she couldn't because of the hooks being too sharp for little hands but she still wanted to help.  So I laid out a few colors of thread, hackle, and other materials and told her that she could pick whatever she wanted and I would tie it up for her.  The "Isabella" above was the design she settled on.  I must say, its not quite the color combo I would have picked but it is now one of my favorites because it was thought up by my "little girl." If it catches a few bluegills all the better.  I thinking that maybe we'll try this again in the near future.  If her flies don't catch a single fish it won't matter, the time with her will have been all that mattered and no fish could top that.

5 comments:

  1. That's a great post! I know "The Isabella" will catch some fish, probably tons. Good work you guys!

    I hope you don't mind if I extend your idea to my blog (with full accreditation)...my daughter Lilly wanted to help at the vise two weeks ago too and picked out all of the goodies for a fly of her own. Looks quite a bit different though. :)

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  2. No, I don't mind at all. I think its another great way to connect with ones kids. I wish I had been the one to propose it and not the other way around! I would like to see what you guys come up with.

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  3. My daughter has been obsessed withfly tying since January this year when we went to the Sportman Expo in Denver . She just turned 3 this September and I have the hardest time to distract her with something else... Anyway, I have a spare vise and gave her some feathers and thread and made sure that the hook point would be completely covered by the vise. Surprisingly, she managed, with a bit help from me, to attach feather and thread and tying her first fly. It's definitively NOT a beauty and won't catch any fish (it probably would instantly fall apart), but I will keep it and give it to her when she's older. I hope she'll stay interested in the sport, the chances are good!

    Karel @ tenkaraonthefly.blogspot.com

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  4. When they show interest that young in anything, it's a good chance they will continue with it. Just a little help and encouragement can go a long way. The time spent with one another is the most important thing.

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  5. I can't wait to take her fishing, for real. She's very interested in fish, fly fishing, fly tying and Rocky Mountain National Park, her favorite place. Guess thats what we wanted to achieve when we moved from New Jersey to Colorado.

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