Murphy – Just a few years after learning to tie their own shoe, some kids are already learning how to tie a fly.
The 4-H Club and the N.C. Cooperative Extension are teaching youngsters in grades 6-12 how to tie fishing flies. Fly fishing is a popular sport that involves more than creating a colorful fly on a hook, and there are a number of different elements involved in the skill.
Instructor and volunteer Greg Charles started fly-tying with youth in 2008 with at-risk children as a means of communication and keeping them interested in something worthwhile. His class grew to the point that Charles needed help, so he turned to the 4-H Club.
An avid fisherman, Charles enjoys teaching his skills to others and is qualified in doing so with 45 years of experience. There are about 14 members registered in the class, with about seven in the classroom at any given time. The free class teaches youngsters; however, parents are welcomed to accompany their kids anytime.
Terry Morgan and his 16-year-old son, Caedmon, take the class together.
“We were looking for something to do together and be involved in the community,” he said. “We like to fish, so we thought we’d do it together.
“I can’t believe this exists. This is great, and they’re so well equipped.”
Assistant Craig Hall said of his involvement with teaching the class, “I love it, it’s a passion for me. I had a rough upbringing as a kid and went down the wrong path. Years later, I realized it was not what I was put here for, so I built myself back up.
“Anytime I can teach something positive to these kids and get them involved in something like this, that’s why I do it.”
The equipment needed for fly fishing and tying is expensive. The device needed to hold the hook for making the fly costs about $300.
Until recently, Charles had been paying for all the supplies needed for the class out of his own pocket. However, a member of the community – Zane Cofield, who had been following what Charles was doing with the kids – donated $25,000 to help with expenses.
The class not only teaches fly tying and fishing, but also teaches the kids about the ecosystem and insect entomology in this area. The flies that are made must be specific to the fish in the area or they won’t bite and fish are pretty smart, they can tell the difference. The class also teaches knot tying, fly-casting, conservation and public speaking.
Fourteen-year-old Eli Setless has been in the class for about a year.
“I don’t really do sports,” he said. “I was kind of pushed a little bit to do the class by my mom, but now I love it. I really enjoy tying the fly and will eventually fish with them and keep some in a display case.”
The 4-H Club’s name is called Cherokee on the Fly. They meet monthly on the first and third Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at 699 Conaheeta St. For details or to register for the class, call Shannon Coleman at 837-2210, Ext. 4.