Fly or Spin for beginner?

[Matt Geiman]

I'm taking some buddies on an overnight float trip on one of the local rivers. It's not just a fishing trip, and there not really experienced fisherman but I'd like to give them opportunities to fish if they want to. Who would want to cast a line while floating down the river right? Would you suggest taking along fly or spin rods for them to use? We'd be fishing for smallmouth and sunfish.

[Nedak]

I just got back from 6th grade camping trip and against the will of the teacher organizer I brought my 3wt along.  While fishing the pond, the kids would come up to watch and I asked them if they would like to try to cast.  I tried to teach them the concept of casting a fly rod.  The camp counselors were also interested in learning.  Granted I am not a certified instruction and not a great caster I am a decent explainer of the concepts.  So, based upon my recent experience, SPIN SPIN SPIN.  You will take all of your time teaching folks who may not be all that interested in fishing, how to master a pretty complex athletic move.  Think back to when you started...

If they have limited experience you may be spending a ton of time untangling spin gear.  

SPIN SPIN SPIN

My $.02

[Teresa Rodriguez]

On Sunday, May 18, 2014 4:21:35 PM UTC-4, Matt Geiman wrote:

I'm taking some buddies on an overnight float trip on one of the local rivers. It's not just a fishing trip, and there not really experienced fisherman but I'd like to give them opportunities to fish if they want to. Who would want to cast a line while floating down the river right? Would you suggest taking along fly or spin rods for them to use? We'd be fishing for smallmouth and sunfish.

I would take both. Some people pick up fly fishing very quickly if you explain it very simply and let them experiment and encourage them to watch you. I would also take a spinning rod to show them the difference between casting a lure (spinning) and casting the line (fly).