Golden Gate Trout Unlimited is a partner in the Bay Area Youth Fly Fishers partnership, a collaborative youth development program initiated by Bay Area Fly Fishing and Conservation organizations dedicated to developing and enabling a new generation of  fly fishers and conservation minded youth who love and protect the waters that nourish fish and people. Learn more about them at www.youthflyfishers.org .

As part of BAYFF, our 18th Annual First Cast Day will be held at the Marin Civic Center Lagoon on Sunday, Sep 15, 2019.  It's open to all youth from ages 10 to 18.  Registration for the  event is free, limited to 36 participants, and can be made by emailing larry.lack17@att.net.  Activities commence at 8:30 AM. The participants will rotate through six teaching station, with 30 minutes spent at each station, which include Reading the Waters, Gear & Rigging, Knots, Fly Casting, Fly Tying, and Entomology. Meanwhile, all the adults are taught by a Master Casting Instructor, not only how to fly cast like a champion, but also how to 'coach' their youngster in fly casting.  The day at lunchtime with a free BBQ of cheeseburgers, hotdogs, salads, fruit, beverages, and chocolate chip cookies.  Those participating may then choose to enhance their skills by joining in two followup events:

- A fishing outing at Alpine Lake in the Mt. Tam watershed in Marin County on Sunday, September 22. There, they will reinforce their knot tying and casting skills, and catch and release bass, bluegill, and the occasional crappie.  Then,

- On Sunday, April 29, we will meet the participants at Putah Creek, where they reinforce 'reading the waters' and learn High Sticking and Long-line Indicator nymphing techniques.  

There is no charge for this event, which is almost entirely supported by the Marin Fish and Wildlife Commission, in addition to donations from local fly shops and markets.