Topic: Fly Fishing Beginner (Read 2780 times)

sheltie · « **on:** January 08, 2009, 02:44:14 PM »

Not only am I a brand new member, but I also will soon be a brand new fly fisherman. I've fished all my life, although not so much in recent years ,but always using a spinning reel or bait casting reel. I spend my summers in western CO and want to learn how to fly fish. To that end, I received Christmas presents this year of a chest wader, vest, net, and a beginners fly rod and reel. I've looked on the 'net for various sites that a beginner should look at in order to learn as much as possible before making a complete fool of himself (I do that enough without outside influence!). While I've found a few, there must be some that experienced fly fishermen recommend and I'd love to have your suggestions.

Tom · « **Reply #1 on:** January 08, 2009, 03:15:00 PM »

Welcome to the wonderful world of fly fishing.

You'll need to get some practice in casting, and be able to figure out which fly to cast and when.

My suggestion would be to set up your fly rod, reel, line and leader, but leave off the fly. Then go practice on a lawn or the grassy area of a park. The grass won't damage the line, as asphalt would, and you won't accidentally hook someone. Just think of the rod as a spring and, when you back cast, you're loading up the spring. That energy will be released on the forward cast to propel the line, leader and fly.

On the back cast, it takes a little discipline to stop the movement at or near the vertical. Going much beyond vertical unloads the spring, and you don't have as much energy stored for the forward cast. It also takes just a little practice to know how long to wait between the back cast and the forward cast. Cast forward too soon, and you'll hear the leader crack like a whip, and the fly will be gone. Wait too long and the fly will be in the water behind you.

After a little practice on grass, go practice some more on the water. When you feel comfortable, tie on a fly and see if you can place it where you need it.

Forum members Tom & Margi practiced for the first time at an RV Forum rally (see attached). Now they're expert flyfisherpeople. We have a number of other members who are also flyfisherpeople.

Sorry, I didn't answer your question directly, but I can't emphasize enough that you'll learn a lot by just practicing in a harmless situation.

Tom · « **Reply #2 on:** January 08, 2009, 03:47:55 PM »

There's a useful series of fly fishing tutorials on YouTube, such as:

sheltie · « **Reply #3 on:** January 09, 2009, 12:34:30 PM »

Thanks to you both for your comments. I went to a fly fishing day this morning and watched the people there to get some ideas. I also was introduced to a young man who came recommended as a teacher and I will probbly also use him. He only charges $25 an hour which I thought was pretty reasonable. That, armed with all the other advice I've received and I'll probably still get skunked! But at least I'll enjoy myself.

Denny

Marsha/CA · « **Reply #4 on:** January 09, 2009, 12:47:36 PM »

Welcome,

My husband and I also fly fish....and love it. We've been a little busy with having a house built; but hope to get back into fly fishing this year. I know you probably don't want to hear this; but hiring someone/guide to teach you to fly fish is actually a good idea. They can observe your cast, make adjustments and the learning curve is much shorter. Also, you won't get into bad habits that take a long time to correct. Fly fishing is an art that involves timing, presentation of the fly, mending, nymphing and choosing which fly to use. It is all part of the fun.

It eventually becomes a "feel". Even if we haven't done any fly fishing for a while, the minute I pick up my rod, I remember what to do. We've fished Montana/Idaho and So Cal and had great fun. You'll love it!

Marsha~

sheltie · « **Reply #5 on:** January 09, 2009, 02:12:51 PM »

Quote from: Marsha/CA on January 09, 2009, 12:47:36 PM

Welcome,

My husband and I also fly fish....and love it. We've been a little busy with having a house built; but hope to get back into fly fishing this year. I know you probably don't want to hear this; but hiring someone/guide to teach you to fly fish is actually a good idea. They can observe your cast, make adjustments and the learning curve is much shorter. Also, you won't get into bad habits that take a long time to correct. Fly fishing is an art that involves timing, presentation of the fly, mending, nymphing and choosing which fly to use. It is all part of the fun.

It eventually becomes a "feel". Even if we haven't done any fly fishing for a while, the minute I pick up my rod, I remember what to do. We've fished Montana/Idaho and So Cal and had great fun. You'll love it!

Marsha~

Actually, I am going to go that way. It just makes sense and at that price I'd be crazy not to. I currently have my foot in a "boot" (thanks to Achilles tendon surgery in November), but as soon as it comes off, I'll be contacting him. Hopefully, my AT will allow me to be fishing by late spring/early summer.

Denny

sheltie · « **Reply #6 on:** January 09, 2009, 02:16:39 PM »

Quote from: Tom on January 08, 2009, 03:47:55 PM

There's a useful series of fly fishing tutorials on YouTube,

Thanks, Tom, I'll do a search on YouTube. I thought it was interesting in the clip you sent that he was casting upstream using the fly fishing rig, but downtstream using the spin casting rig. Is is customary to cast upstream when fly fishing or doesn't it really make any difference?

Marsha/CA · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2009, 03:36:04 PM »

It makes a difference. You want the fly to look very natural, you cast upstream so it floats down the river or stream. If you cast downstream the fly is being pulled by the line and doesn't always look natural. You don't want the fly to be "interfered" with at all. You also need to make sure your shadow doesn't fall on the water...etc...etc.

Like I mentioned, it's an art form.

Marsha~

Tom · « **Reply #8 on:** January 09, 2009, 04:46:34 PM »

But, there are times when you want to cast, say, a 'streamer' downstream and retrieve it to imitate a small, struggling fish. It's the flyfishing equivalent of casting a spinner with a bait casting rod.

geodrake · « **Reply #9 on:** January 09, 2009, 08:05:18 PM »

Sheltie: You have received good advice on the mechanics of flyfishing. Casting is probably the most difficult to master. I frequently point out to people that flyfishing is fun, even if you don't catch fish. If you are after trout (and perhaps this is true with other fish) and your goal is to catch fish, the mechanics of flyfishing are probably primary, but running a close second is understanding entomology and the feeding habits of the pursued.

Missouri has a wonderful system of trout parks where I have taken many beginners to teach them to flyfish for trout. At these parks there are lots of fish (not always hungry) and you can see them clearly. You soon learn the importance of good presentation and you also learn that they don't go for just anything you throw at them. It is important to know what insects are present and what is being eaten by the trout (probably true with all fish). Look at spider webs to see what is being caught. Observe what is in the air and on the water; then duplicate them. When cleaning a fish, take a moment and inspect the contents of their stomach... there is no better guide.

I have found that tying flys is about as much fun as fishing. If you get into tying, you can always tie on site if you haven't brought the correct flys.

Sometimes I think about the small P sized brain these guys have and am amased how difficult is can be to out smart them. So far I have not succeeded at this.

Tom · « **Reply #10 on:** January 10, 2009, 05:02:48 AM »

All this talk of flyfishing gives me the itch to get on a good trout stream. I haven't yet had a chance to try out the new rod I bought at the end of our last trip. I'd fished down the eastern side of the Sierras, and we stopped by Kernville to see Tim and Marsha at their new home. I got a great deal at their local flyfishing shop.

Tom · « **Reply #11 on:** January 10, 2009, 05:08:31 AM »

Great tips on looking at what insects are around George. I'd never though about looking in spider webs. All too often, I'm standing in a stream swiping at flies coming of the water in an attempt to find out what they are. I too take along my fly tying gear, although my flies rarely resemble the real thing.

geodrake · « **Reply #12 on:** January 10, 2009, 08:57:04 AM »

Tom: My flies rarely resemble the real thing either. But what a thrill when you catch a trout on a fly that you have tied and realize that you were able to out-smart a fish. But for some reason; just standing in the stream fishing for a couple of hours is sufficient reward. Catching a fish is just icing on the cake. I guess it is because trout streams are generally not found in busy suburbs, are seldom crowded, and abound with natural beauty. On one of my favorite Missouri streams I have been startled by the flight of a turkey on more than one occasion, and it is common to see deer too.

Tom · « **Reply #13 on:** January 10, 2009, 09:02:21 AM »

You got that right about the serenity George.

When I worked graveyard shift in the 60's, I'd get home around 6.30am and, seeing the trout stream behind the house, I'd grab my fly rod and go fishing instead of going to bed. I'd fish all day, then leave at 9.30pm to go to work. I might do that two or three days in a row. Sooner or later my wife would find me slumped over the steering wheel one morning, wake me up, and send me to bed.

Our angling club held the fishing rights for an entire river valley and tributaries, and we capped the membership at 150. With guys working different shifts and quite a few miles of river, it was normal not see anyone else fishing at the same time.

Tom · « **Reply #14 on:** January 10, 2009, 09:22:29 AM »

I was rummaging around my hard drive this morning and found a few shots the missus took of me flyfishing in CA and OR. The pics were snapped some years (and pounds) ago. I gotta find and re-scan the print versions of these photos, and see what Photoshop can do with them.

sheltie · « **Reply #15 on:** January 10, 2009, 11:40:06 AM »

Quote from: Tom on January 08, 2009, 03:47:55 PM

There's a useful series of fly fishing tutorials on YouTube, such as:

I watched one series of 29 lessons yesterday and it took about 1 1/2 hours. Great instruction. I'm going to go back over it and take some notes next time.

Any recommendations regarding starting to tie my own flies? Is there a kit for beginners and where is a good place to buy the supplies? Man, I can't wait to take this boot off so I can start moving around!

I just realized the incongruity of this topic. I joined this forum because of RVing and here I'm discussing fishing. Is this a great world or what???!!!

Tom · « **Reply #16 on:** January 10, 2009, 11:46:35 AM »

Fly typing materials will depend on the flies you intend to tie, which in turn depend on the flies/insects on the specific water you'll be fishing. There are many good fly pattern books out there.

Meanwhile, you'll also need some basic tools, such as a vice, bobbins, scissors and a few other items. You can buy a basic kit of tools with some common materials at most good fishing stores, or online.

geodrake · « **Reply #17 on:** January 10, 2009, 12:14:00 PM »

There are a lot of good fly tying books. But it never hurts to have someone who already ties show you the basics. Lots of retailers such as Bass Pro, Cabella's, Orvis, etc. have kits that include most basic tools which will serve well to get you started. Additionally, the sales people manning these are tyers and if not busy will likely take a few moments to get you started.

I had a buddy get me started. Then a year or two later I took a course offered by our park department. Additionally, there are a lot of flyfishing clubs around. I'm not much of a joiner, but I attend the one in KC a few times. They are always willing to help each other, beginners or not. They also have monthly outings, bring in speakers, programs, etc. Take a look, there is likely to be a club in your area. Again, a local fly shop is a good resource tool.

Marsha/CA · « **Reply #18 on:** January 10, 2009, 01:10:38 PM »

Tom,

Where were your pictures taken? Sure looks like a great place to fish.

Marsha~

Tom and Margi · « **Reply #19 on:** January 10, 2009, 01:46:36 PM »

Quote from: Marsha/CA on January 10, 2009, 01:10:38 PM

Tom,

Where were your pictures taken? Sure looks like a great place to fish.

Marsha~

I'm curious, too. Looks kind of like Hat Creek?

Margi

Tom · « **Reply #20 on:** January 10, 2009, 01:50:36 PM »

Those are three different streams, IIRC two were in northern CA and one was in Oregon, but I don't recall which streams they were. I recall visiting Hat Creek, but don't recall fishing it. You can tell from the younger/slimmer version of me that the photos were taken a long time ago

Flytyer2 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 10, 2009, 09:44:08 PM »

I have fly fished for way too many years to count and taught hundreds of people, via the Mid-South Fly Fishers. I recommend you find a local Federation of Fly Fishers Club and attend a meeting. Most have very low cost classes, seminars, and provide many folks to instruct. Second, schedule a "learning" fly fishing trip with a good guide. Most guide trips are 8 hours and you'll get 4 hours of pure instruction. It will save you months, and possibly years, of trying on your own.

If you're in the northern Arkansas area in the spring or fall, PM me and I'll teach you!

Tom · « **Reply #22 on:** January 10, 2009, 10:15:13 PM »

Checked out the Mid-South Fly Fishers, interesting group. Just curious - do you and the other certified instructors earn part of your income from this, or is it voluntary?

sheltie · « **Reply #23 on:** January 11, 2009, 11:18:35 AM »

Quote from: Flytyer2 on January 10, 2009, 09:44:08 PM

I have fly fished for way too many years to count and taught hundreds of people, via the Mid-South Fly Fishers. I recommend you find a local Federation of Fly Fishers Club and attend a meeting. Most have very low cost classes, seminars, and provide many folks to instruct. Second, schedule a "learning" fly fishing trip with a good guide. Most guide trips are 8 hours and you'll get 4 hours of pure instruction. It will save you months, and possibly years, of trying on your own.

If you're in the northern Arkansas area in the spring or fall, PM me and I'll teach you!

Thanks for the tip. To my HUGE amazement, there is a local chapter which I will join.

Flytyer2 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 11, 2009, 08:12:58 PM »

Tom, all classes are taught by volunteers, and many of us were "professional" fly fishers, i.e. professional guides, fly shop owners and operators, etc. When I was an officer of Mid South Fly Fishers, we taught two classes a year, and usually had 25+ people in each class. That was some 10 years ago, and the cost was $50 for an all day class session which included 4 hours in the classroom and 4 hours casting instruction, plus an additional day on the water one-on-one with an experienced fly fisher. Most Federation of Fly Fishing (FFF) clubs have similar programs. Also, when I worked at a fly shop (Ozark Anglers in Little Rock, AR), we did several "teaching" guide trips a year, and I believe those sessions increased the curve by at least a year. I never did any of these trips, but did guide professionally for many years. I now live on a blue ribbon Arkansas tailwater and fly fish when not RVing to a fishing destination.

Tom · « **Reply #25 on:** January 11, 2009, 08:45:16 PM »

Thanks Flytyer2, much appreciated. That sure seems like a great organization where folks can learn a lot about flyfishing.

PancakeBill · « **Reply #26 on:** March 26, 2009, 10:17:41 AM »

Adding to the topic.

I too am a fly larvae. Err, novice, but to practice entymology I thought I would stay in character. I will be taing lessons up in Yellowstone in June. Really looking forward to it. In the meantime I am gathering gear. I prefer local places, but here in the desert there isn't much. So, eBay has been getting more biz. I got a Scientific Angler 8.5' 6# 2-pc pole, a Mark Mountain Brook reel, and just won bids on some Cortland floating line plus some backing line. Rod has arrived, the rest ought to be here in a couple days.

I don't want to get too specific an item, cuz I believe that is where the local knowledge comes in.

I will assume that waders and all that will be on my list soon, but for now, I'll hold off.

Gettin psyched!

Tom · « **Reply #27 on:** March 26, 2009, 10:26:20 AM »

Sounds like you're about to get hooked Bill.

Quote

I will assume that waders and all that will be on my list soon

In the case of chest waders, as important as the waders is a belt; In the event you slip and fall, the belt stops the lower half of the waders from filling with water and keeping you submerged.

News:

Author Topic: Fly Fishing Beginner (Read 2780 times)