I think that we forget how simple fishing need be. Most fish are caught within 30 feet of the fisherman. That equals a little bit more than a rod length, a leader length and the same amount of line. I teach people the roll cast then use the forward part of a roll cast in reverse for the back cast then put it together for a full cast. Takes no more than 20 minutes to get someone able to cast 30 to 40 feet. Using nymphs usually works well as they don't need a clean presentation and most fish will consider a nymph. I love the pond with a million blue gills. They are great first fish and not real fussy.

Learn to Fly Fish in 24 Hours by Bob Sousa is a good book with simple step by step instructions.

jed