5B GAZETTE | KIDS LEARN LIFE SKILLS AT FLY-FISHING SUMMER CAMP
Tytus Smith yelled with delight as he reeled in his first fish using a fly rod. The 11-year-old from Pocatello was part of a group of fly-fishers participating in the second annual 5B Anglers Reel Kids: School of Trout summer camp that ran from June 25 to June 27 at various locations.
"That was so exciting," Tytus said after letting his fish go back into the water at Hayspur Fish Hatchery near Picabo.
The "Emergers" group that included Tytus learned about the various knots used in fly-fishing, the basics of casting a fly rod and how to tie their own flies. The kids also participated in a conservation talk at Silver Creek Preserve and had a guided fishing experience.
Silas Gilrowski, 8, of Ketchum, said making flies was the best part of the camp.
"I like the feeling of catching fish and setting the rod," said Katherine Buck, 10, of Ketchum.
Katherine said she's not new to fishing as she's caught a sturgeon before, but the camp was really fun, and she loved how nice all the counselors and volunteers were.
"Trout don't live in ugly places and I take great pleasure in helping these kids learn this skill," said Jim Wilkins, volunteer for the camp.
Wilkins said he's had 30 years of experience talking and teaching people throughout his career as a fire captain and public information officer.
"Last year we had a young man who didn't speak English, but he had an infectious smile. With the help from a bilingual teacher, he went through the camp and learned how to catch fish and help provide for his family. He was so proud, and I was glad to help have a positive impact in his life," Wilkins said.
Wilkins said seeing the transformation as people learn how to rig their rods and cast is the beginning of a journey.
"Really, we want to foster a new generation of fishers and conservationists," said Morgan Aguilar, president of 5B Anglers.
The group was started in 2021 by a group of Blaine County fly-fishers who wanted to connect the community to angling education and conservation opportunities.
"It's so cool to see a kid catch their first fish and fly-fishing gives people a healthy respect for the environment," said Triniti Clark, vice-president of 5B Anglers.
Clark grew up ocean fishing, and when she and her husband moved to Idaho two years ago she found a passion for fly-fishing.
"We really try to appeal to the minority in fly-fishing, which are mainly women and kids. We also want to appeal to the large Hispanic community here and hope to have a Spanish speaking board member," Clark said.
The group also aims to translate the state's fishing regulations into Spanish so people know when they can and cannot fish.
Currently, 5B Anglers has "etiquette cards" that encourage responsible recreation on the Big Wood River. The cards were designed in partnership with Project Big Wood, Trout Unlimited and the Nature Conservancy. The cards give friendly reminders about giving other anglers space, keeping fish wet and barbless hooks ready and how to respect the river and the fish. The cards are available in English and Spanish at fly shops and outdoor retailers in Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue.
Aside from the summer camp, 5B Anglers hosts education events like Adult Fly Fishing 101, conservation talks, highway clean-ups and social trips, such as the upcoming Float, Fish, Camp and BBQ to Challis that will run from July 10 to July 13. The group also has its second annual Trout Bout Fishing Tournament and Dinner Benefit scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20.
For more information about how to participate with 5B Anglers visit 5banglers.org.
