Private fishing lessons · Branson, Missouri

Learn to fish.Leave with confidence.

Hands-on lessons with Josh, from choosing your tackle and setting up your rod to casting and learning how to fish.

Choose a lesson
Josh demonstrating a fishing technique as adults and a child watch beside the river

1–2 learnersPersonal instruction

2 or 3 hoursLearn, then practice

Catch & releaseTackle & fresh line included

Start right where you are

You don’t have to know how.
That’s why we’re here.

Josh grew up fishing and has taught many men and women how to fish. Whether you’re a child, a teen or an adult learning for the first time, there’s no shame in starting with the basics.

This is a lesson from beginning to end. You’ll choose tackle, spool fresh line, tie knots and build a trout rig before moving on to casting and fishing techniques. You do the work, ask questions and practice with Josh beside you.

Meet Josh & Jamie
Josh smiling with a fishing rod and landing net
Your instructor, Josh
A lesson that fits your people

Come on your own. Or learn together.

Josh demonstrating fishing basics to two boys holding their rods beside the water
Josh teaching young anglers on a past trip.

Adults, at any age

Men and women are welcome, whether you’ve never picked up a rod or want to get comfortable with the basics again. Come solo and take the time to learn for yourself.

Couples & friends

Learn side by side, practice the same skills and build a setup you both understand. A two-person lesson gives each of you a chance to try every step.

Parent & child

If your child wants to fish and you don’t know how, that’s a great reason to call us. Let your child take the lesson while you watch, encourage and take photos—or book two places and learn together.

Kids & teens

With two children or teens, let them be the two learners while you listen, watch and learn along with them. They get to do the hands-on work, with your support nearby.

A parent or guardian must remain throughout a child’s lesson. An adult who is there only to watch and support does not count as a participating learner.

From setup to your first cast

Learn what to do.
Understand why it works.

The goal is for you to walk away knowing how to set up a trout rig and use it. Josh demonstrates each step, then gives you a chance to do it yourself before moving on.

Choose your gear

Understand spinning and spincast (Zebco-style) rods and reels, tackle sizes and which line to use.

Spool fresh line

Put new line on your reel and learn how to reduce line twist and kinking.

Tie & rig

Practice tying on hooks and setting up your own trout rig, including leaders when needed.

Bait & weights

Choose bait, hooks and weights, and understand what each part does in your setup.

Rules & locations

Learn what to look for in a fishing spot and how local rules affect bait, tackle and fishing.

Cast & fish

Practice casting, presenting your bait, recognizing bites and working on fishing techniques.

The first 60–90 minutes focus on setup and fundamentals. After that, we move into casting and fishing techniques. The three-hour lesson gives you more time to put those skills into practice on the water.

Choose your lesson

A little instruction.
A lifetime of fishing.

Private instruction for one or two learners. Each learner’s starter tackle box and fresh line are included.

2-hour private lesson

Start with the foundations.

1 learner2 learners
$225total$375total for both

Build your setup from the beginning, then use the remaining time to practice casting and begin fishing.

Request 2 hours
3-hour private lesson

More time to put it to work.

1 learner2 learners
$300total$500total for both

The same fundamentals, with an extra hour for casting practice, fishing and learning techniques with Josh.

Request 3 hours

This is a lesson in how to fish, not a trip focused only on catching fish.
On the request form, choose “Private lessons with Josh” and tell us whether you’d like 2 or 3 hours.

A setup you understand. Tackle to take home.

What’s included & what to bring.

We bring the starting pieces.

  • A small take-home tackle box for each learner
  • Hooks, weights, bait and pliers
  • Fresh line for your lesson
  • Josh’s instruction and time to practice

You bring your rod & reel.

Bring your spinning or spincast (Zebco-style) rod and reel with no line on the spool. Josh will show you how to put on fresh line, reduce twisting and rig it for trout.

If you’re unsure whether your setup is suitable, tell us what you have when you request your lesson.

All lessons are catch and release. Fishing permit requirements still apply, and some parts of Lake Taneycomo require a trout permit even when every fish is released.

Check our fishing license and trout permit guide and the current Missouri Department of Conservation rules. We’ll confirm your lesson location before your visit.

A few things you might be wondering

Before you come learn.

I’m an adult and have never fished. Is this for me?
Absolutely. These lessons welcome men and women at any age or experience level. You don’t need to know the knots, tackle or terminology. Josh starts with the basics and explains what you’re doing and why.
Should I choose two hours or three?
Both lessons begin with about 60–90 minutes of setup and fundamentals, followed by casting and fishing. Choose three hours if you want more time to practice casts, spend time fishing and work on techniques with Josh.
Can I watch while my child takes the lesson?
Yes. At least one parent or guardian must remain during the lesson. You’re welcome to listen, watch, take photos and offer encouragement while your child does the work. An observing parent does not count as a learner. If you both want instruction, choose the two-person lesson.
What if I have two children or want a third learner?
Two children or teens can take the two-person lesson while a parent watches. If a third person would like to participate, call or send us a request for pricing and arrangements. One or two active learners is best for personal instruction.
Where will we meet?
We’ll confirm your meeting point and lesson location when we finalize the details with you. Include the ages of everyone learning, any questions about your gear and any access needs in your request.
Your next fishing story starts with learning

Come with questions.
Let’s get you started.

Tell us who’s learning, their ages, whether you’d like 2 or 3 hours, and two or three dates that work for you. Mention any rod-and-reel purchase you’re interested in.

Request Your Lesson

Choose “Private lessons with Josh” on the request form. We’ll contact you to discuss availability and finalize the details. Sending a request does not reserve a date.