Fly fishing is good for kids

[Kirk Werner]

Hello all,

I wanted to introduce myself and add a little something to the topic of kids and nature that perhaps isn't quite so "mainstream".  I'm an avid fly fisherman and and published author of a series of children's books that use fly fishing as a backdrop to tell a series of edu-taining stories.  The central character is Olive, the woolly bugger. What, you ask, is a woolly bugger? Glad you asked. My books in a nutshell: Olive goes off to camp to learn to be a fishing fly. Once there she encounters some snobs and bullies, but through perseverance she learns that she has special talents that make her special. As she learns, young readers also learn about basic fly fishing terminology and the importance of conservation-minded angling (catch and release). Olive goes on to learn about the importance of cold, clean water as it provides not only fish habitat, but also essential lifeblood for many other creatures in the forest. There are three books in the series to date, with more planned for the future. 

In the fly fishing world, as with so many other segments of the outdoor industry, kids are the future: we need future stewards of the resource to ensure that generations to come can enjoy that which we have been able to partake of.

I would be grateful if you would take a look at my website and find out a bit more.  Please don't be frightened away if you know nothing about fly fishing- Olive is a very friendly and nurturing guide into this wonderful sport/activity/obsession.  To understand a bit more about how my books fit into the larger picture of Children and Nature, I recently posted an entry on my blog that I hope explains the relationship.  I hope every child, and every adult for that matter, will get hooked on Olive!


Thanks for your time to read this. I'd love to engage in a conversation if you have any questions.

Best wishes and many fishes,

Kirk Werner
http://olivethewoollybugger.com

[Suz Lipman]

Hi Kirk! I'm glad you made it over to the forum. Your books look terrific. (And I'd say that even if I wasn't a fly fishing fan!) Thank you for your nice post about Children & Nature on your blog, and for the energy you've brought to our Facebook page. I hope we see a lot of you around the forum -- that it proves rich in resources and helps more people find your books. Cheers!

[Daniella (Donna) Drader]

First off...Go Cougs! I graduated with my masters in Natural Resource Sciences just last year and I'm still in the area while my husband is finishing his program. I'm wondering if you offer any fly-fishing classes or would be willing to teach one for a Natural Leaders gathering. Thanks for sharing your book!

~Donan

[Kirk Werner]

Hi Daniella (Donna),

Go Cougs indeed! While I fish and write about fishing, I am not any type of fly fishing instructor (nor should I be!) but if you have a group interested I have a friend who is a fly fishing guide and instructor who would be excellent for teaching a group.

If interested in discussing this further, email me via my website: http://olivethewoollybugger.com/aboutauthor.html

Thanks for the note.

Kirk

Daniella (Donna) Drader said:

First off...Go Cougs! I graduated with my masters in Natural Resource Sciences just last year and I'm still in the area while my husband is finishing his program. I'm wondering if you offer any fly-fishing classes or would be willing to teach one for a Natural Leaders gathering. Thanks for sharing your book!

~Donan

[Damon Lofton]

Hi ,Kirk Ijust responding on your blog page,but wanted to leave a messege here aswell,Great!! vision and plan I wish you all the luck in the world! Tight Lines

[Kirk Werner]

Thanks for the note, Damon! You're going a wonderful thing that will make a huge difference in the lives of the kids who you help. Received you blog comment- thanks for contacting me.

Kirk