To date, through all its endeavors, Kids on the Fly has worked with more than 500 area youth. The program gives participants the chance to hone their skills and techniques under the watchful eye of mentors and instructors, as well as the opportunity to cast their lines in the area waters and test out their flies. Submitted photo

There is much more to fly fishing than just tossing a line into the water. One of the more intricate processes involved in fly fishing is the art of fly tying — producing artificial ‘‘flies’’ to use as bait for the sport. Though the name ‘‘fly’’ implies that the bait would be made to resemble insects, they can be crafted to resemble any number of critters that fish might find tempting: including but not limited to insects, crustaceans, worms, other fish, vegetation, small reptiles, amphibians, and even mammals and birds. And it’s all done using materials as deceptively simple as varieties of fur, feathers, thread and hooks. Locally, a nonprofit organization called Kids On The Fly is helping youngsters learn this impressive skill. In doing so, co-founder Monte Kennedy said, the youngsters are learning many other valuable skills.