I'm one of the self-taught and though my bad habits are many, I still have fun and catch fish. I do wish I had learned the easy way sometimes, but then again, I'm not saddled with conventional thinking, either.
I agree with Warren completely, and I'd add that beginners need to understand that while an expensive rod is nice to work with, fly fishing can and is done with a lot of lower-end rods and reels, and is still very enjoyable. You don't need to break the bank to learn to do it. Once the pleasure turns to obsession...then you can get around to breaking the bank.
Also, start beginners on a good bluegill pond. Nothing is more fun for a beginner than catching fish and those fiesty little guys co-operate!
Last edited by PA Dave; 10-10-2011 at 07:59 PM.
A right emblem it may be, of the uncertain things of this world; that when men have sold them selves for them, they vanish into smoke. ~ William Bradford
I finally realized that Life is a metaphor for Fly Fishing.