One year I taught 1000 children for the Salmon and Trout Association sponsored by Guide FF. I have to say it was very interesting and a lot of fun. I think where we potentially miss out in the UK is lack of free or available fishing for children. I've always fished, from starting at an age I don't remember with a small net, netting for minnows and sticklebacks - that's how I started... and crabbing, first proper fishing rod at 6, took up flyfishing at 10. No one in my family really fished. My Great Grandfather salmon fished but I never met him. My Grandfather did take me fly fishing the first couple of times but sadly never took it up. The reason I could afford to fish as a child was because children's permits on Ardleigh were very cheap and I sold my catch
Before that I drowned maggots and worms and never got into trouble anywhere - apart from once but that's another story!Catching fish believe it or not I don't believe is essential. Have you considered hand net fishing and a jam jar for kindergarden kids? We used to catch tadpoles and all sorts of small fishes. That's what got me hooked... a fascination for what's in the water.
Anyway Fishing for Schools is really fantastic and I'm delighted to hear that it's a success!
Cheers, Paul