This lovely feedback we received recently from a father and son fishing trip to Argentina is a reminder of just how wonderful a fly fishing holiday can be as a family bonding experience. Whether fishing as a parent and child or a larger family group, it’s a tremendous choice.
This was Taylor’s first experience fishing in such a beautiful and vibrant setting, and it truly exceeded all our expectations. Your kindness and expertise in arranging every detail made the trip seamless and enjoyable. Thanks to you, Taylor is now well and truly hooked! He’s eager to spend more time alongside his Dad, fishing and making memories. It was a joy to see his enthusiasm grow, and I know this experience will stay with him for a lifetime.
Thank you once again for your generosity and for sharing your passion with us. We’re looking forward to many more fishing adventures with your company in the future.
Peter McLeod has fished with his children on several occasions and Charlotte Opperman with hers on many holidays. Choose the right place and both would agree it’s a great holiday.
Keep in mind that if you are taking an absolute beginner you need to go somewhere they are likely to catch fish. While those of us who fish regularly might be prepared to cast for hours in the hope of a ‘big one’, first timers need to experience the adrenaline rush of that twitch on the line.
Wherwell Estate, UK – Perfect for beginners
Along with several lovely beats on the Upper River Test, the estate features a fabulous lake stocked with both rainbow and brown trout. It can be taken for groups of up to six anglers and is perfect for teaching beginners. There’s a wonderful fishing hut complete with a kitchen and lovely seating area. On a sunny summer day there’s little to beat it.
Seychelles – Brilliant first-time saltwater spot
It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll catch a bonefish at Alphonse Island, the shallow sand flats are teeming with these grey ghosts. Once you’ve hooked one of these then you can progress to the other, more challenging species, among which are triggerfish, GTs and milkfish. A parent and child would be happily accommodated in one of the beach bungalows or if you’re planning to travel as a bigger family group, then the beach villas make a great option. An added bonus is that there’s plenty for non-fishers to do making it a great all round family destination.
Belize – Good value with excellent fishing
The flats around Turneffe Atoll and Ambergris Caye host rich marine life and are home to a handful of great fishing lodges. Bonefish are plentiful, there are good chances of permit, and tarpon – both resident and migratory – are on offer. There’s wading and boat fishing and you don’t need to be an expert to have a good time. Lodges don’t require a week-long stay so there’s the opportunity to enjoy some of Belize’s other highlights alongside the fishing. Turneffe Flats Lodge, Thatch Caye Resort and Turneffe Island Resort are just a few that would work well here.
Iceland – Great place to tick off salmon
Who doesn’t remember their first salmon? (Mine leapt straight out of the river onto the bank followed by my son’s words, ‘we’re having that one Mum’!) A trip to Iceland, while not guaranteeing a catch, offers as good a chance of a salmon as any. There are multiple lodges to choose from for a parent/child bonding experience. It’s close to home and you can go for three or four days so it won’t take a huge chunk of holiday away from the rest of the family. Laxa I Kjos and West Rangá would be good picks here.
Providence Atoll, Seychelles – The ultimate saltwater experience
Offering some of the finest saltwater fishing on the planet, Providence is a paradise for hard-core anglers. Based on a boat, with the ability to move around the atoll according to conditions, those who visit revel in the opportunities to catch big fish – particularly GTs, where those of a metre or more are very real possibilities. Accommodation on the Maya’s Dugong is not luxurious, so you’d need to be on good terms with your offspring to share a cabin, but if they’re keen and able fishers then ‘trip of a lifetime’ is an apt description.
Spanish Pyrenees – Easy European travel
The varied landscapes of the Spanish Pyrenees offer several fly fishing options, from high mountain lakes with spectacular views, hidden gorges teeming with zebra trout and brown trout, to stunning mid-size mountain streams home to larger trout and the Iberian barbel. These spectacular fishing venues are situated within the Ordesa National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a range of accommodation options and a plethora of activities in the region this is a perfect sunny getaway for fishers and non-fishers alike.
Argentina – Great for an all-round adventure
Alongside world class fishing, you’ll find rich culture, diverse landscapes, great wildlife, and superb food and wine in Argentina. Head south into Patagonia to experience the world’s finest sea trout fishing or track north to the Iberia wetlands and you can try your hand at golden dorado on the Parana River. Between the two, there are all number of lodges and experiences to choose from, whether walking, riding or soaking up the splendours of Buenos Aries and other cities. While the massive sea trout might be a little testing for inexperienced, the likes of Tipiluke Lodge in the heart of Patagnoia would work perfectly. It’s a super spot for brown and rainbow trout but also offers riding, mountain biking, golf, and a small spa. There are plenty of other choices in Argentina, catering for all angling abilities and concentration spans!
Bahamas – Laid back island life and superb bonefishing
Kamalame Cay is wonderful, properly luxurious, barefoot retreat with easy access to Andros Island’s famous bonefish waters. Anglers of any age can indulge in their sport in the company of great guides while those preferring not to fish will enjoy wafting between charming bougainvillea-draped cottages, colourful gardens, a swimming pool, gorgeous beach and spa. There’s a tennis court, kayaking and a very good PADI dive centre. If you’re connecting through Nassau, Paradise Island might be worth a visit – a bit brash, a bit mad. Fun for 24 hours I’m told!
Most of the countries in which we operate will have something appealing to travellers looking for a family bonding experience, so just let us know if you would like us to come up with some ideas for you.
If you would like to plan a holiday to suit both fishers and family or receive more information on any of the above please contact Peter McLeod or Charlotte Chilcott or call the office on +44(0)1980 847389.
About the author: Charlotte Opperman