I have to agree with Larry (sagefisher) on practicing casting before you go out on the water. I started fly fishing about 6 mo ago and everyone on here said to take my outfit out and practice in the yard beforehand. I spent 45 min a day at least 4 days a week for a month casting in the schoolyard across the street from my house. I think the neighbors thought I was crazy. I work at a lake with accessable tailwaters, so when I did hit the water, I practiced a couple of hours a day (before and after work) for 3 days before I tied on a fly. It's my opinion, that all of the practice, book reading, conversing on here and watching casting lessons on youtube made my first few times out fishing a much more pleasant expierience. I was fairly happy with my casting the first time out. I just wish I had kept up my rigorous practice schedule. Good luck and welcome to fly fishing. Luke