Getting the drift right from the start.

So what is the bare minimum one has to know to flyfish and not get discouraged
as we veterans know it can be intimidating for the beginner. Unless they run into
one of us,


My evolution to the sport came with the insects I really got interested in the biology of the stream. I would and still pickup rocks, seine the water and study the surroundings,
One day I started paying attention to the foliage the tree lines near the water, shadows,
Then I got me a good pair of shades it was on and I was hooked.
Never put a priority on catching fish , may sound strange but true,
Patience is the most satisfying virtue I have ever learned from fishing.


Now years later , books read and reread , fly's examined , some latin learned. It all seems so simple.


Rod
Reel
Line
Fly


Patience, for that young person to come along stream side and be able to share
what I know, removing the intimidation factor upfront , then to see and feel their excitement ,
watching their cast and they are hooked without even knowing it at the time.


I like being an old fly-fisherman suits me just fine.

Steve, I really think that all the best lessons are learned in community with those who know. And this site is one of the best places to find those who know.

I think the first lesson has to be confidence. I like to take new fly fishers to a bridge where I know the MDNR annually plants a large number of small browns. Even if they aren't doing everything right they will still usually catch some trout. Once they have that we can work on how to catch more and more selective fish.