There has been a tremendous number of requests in my email lately for information on how to begin or learn all about fly fishing. Obviously the interest in this type of angling is increasing among those who have not tried it. It is not easy to explain to someone in an email how to learn all about casting, fly tying, tackle selection and the other considerations that a novice should know. It would take a whole book to explain everything a new fly fisher could learn, and in fact, there are many good books out there that do exactly that.
There are a great deal of resources available on the Internet that provide excellent information and guidance for anyone that is considering starting out at fly fishing. I think one of the most important things for you to remember is that no matter what sport you become involved with, it can be expensive, and there is a temptation to purchase equipment as cheap as possible.
Although spending very little money may lessen the severity or number of domestic conflicts, it is not a great idea to buy cheap when it comes to fly fishing tackle. On the other hand, it is not wise to purchase the most expensive equipment that is available, either. The problem with purchasing the cheapest rod and reel is that there is too much risk of using something that is defective and that will not perform well. If your tackle is not performing well, then you will most likely become very frustrated at your attempts to learn fly casting.
So where do you start if you are thinking of learning more about fly fishing? In my 'Beginner's Corner' category, you will find several excellent resources on purchasing tackle, learning to cast, and what all those funny wt numbers on fly fishing rods mean. I recently discovered an article by Joe Panfalone of the Buckeye United Fly Fishers, Inc., entitled Beginner's Guide to Fly Fishing. This work by Mr. Panfalone discusses what fly fishing is, selecting rods, lines and leaders and looks at other gear a fly fisher might want. Joe has provided a great place to start for the beginner fly angler.
Orvis, the well known angling outfitting company also has a good F.A.Q. section for beginners which explains what fly fishing is, and answers some commonly asked questions.
Once you have decided what type of tackle you want, the next consideration is where to purchase it. Although you might find good deals at one of those large conglomerate stores, it is doubtful you will get the good advice and helpful tips that you will from fly fishing specialists. Find a local fly shop and visit often. Let them know that you are new to the sport and need advice. I have been in very few fly shops where the staff were not friendly and knowledgable. You might want to take a look at the 'Fly Shops' listing and see if there are any close to you. If you can't find any in your neighbourhood, email any of the shops listed. They welcome your questions and look forward to helping.
Continued...
Should I Consider Lessons?
Do I really need instruction? Where can I locate a good teacher?
Match The Hatch? What's That?
Do I really need to worry about bugs and other winged things?
You have probably heard of something called 'matching the hatch' when the topic of fly fishing has come up. King Montgomery, in Fly Fish America, discusses 'Matching The Hatch For Largemouth Bass'. For many, this is a scary thing and thoughts about having to learn about all sorts of bugs and winged things put some people off. Relax. It really is not all that hard, and besides, many good fish are caught on the fly without the angler worrying about what bugs were hatching at the time. In fact, Ian James, a reknowned Canadian fly fishing guide and good friend of mine believes that this 'matching the hatch' business is way over done. If there are millions of mayflies hatching on the river, and you decide to tie on a mayfly as close as possible to those all around you, James might suggest that it was sheer luck that the fish chose your mayfly!
Having said that, fly tying can be fun, and learning more about entomology can give you a better appreciation for the sport. But you certainly do not need to be a scientist to have success at fly fishing. In fact, some of the best flies are not representative of any kind of bug at all, but can copies of minnows, crayfish, grasshoppers, and others.
You will at some point want to learn to tie your own flies, and there are a number of good resources available for both the novice and advanced fly tyer. Whether its learning about materials, discovering new patterns, or finding sources for accessories, there is much available as you will find when you browse the Fly Tying category.
I would also like to offer the same advice as Mr. Panfalone, and encourage you to read, read, and read some more. There are some great magazines available that cover the whole gamut of fly fishing, and of course some excellent books. I have recommended several that have been helpful to me and I hope you will consider them as well when you take a look at the site's bookstore.
Of course, I hope you will check back here, and often! If there is anything you would like to see more of, please let me know. I would also encourage you to make use of the Fly Fishing Bulletin Board, and post your questions and answers, and even your own favorite fly patterns! Lets hear about your successes. We can all learn from each other.
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Features
From The Bench:
The Muncher is a favorite of Ian James for carp, smallies, more.
Tie This! |
The Doc's Rx:
 Thoughts of a Chicken Rancher. Doc tells it like it is.
The Doc's Rx
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