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May 17th, 1999
Starting Fly Fishing
(Beginners only)
I have to assume that if you are reading this you have at
least some interest in fly fishing. Good, that's a start. What I mean is,
you have already started, you don't have to make a decision. You have
made the most important one. Perhaps you know some guys who fly fish.
Let me explain a bit about a few of them.
Some are real 'hard-core' type. They live and breath this stuff. It is the only
way they fish; you couldn't pay them to fish any other method. The vast
majority who fly fish use a fly rod for most of their fishing; but they also use
other methods. A few others only use a fly rod very little, continuing to use
other methods for most of their fishing. So you can see that there are different
levels of involvement.
My point is this. Starting to fly fish is not giving up anything. You are not going
stop fishing. You are going to expand your fishing. You will add a new weapon
to your arsenal. The great thing about fly fishing is you can use it as much or as
little as you wish and know how. One of the real thrills is the learning process.
Don't think you have to know it all to get started. If that was true, there would
be no fly fishers. We all started right where you are now.
You have made the start, now take the next step. If you have not done so yet,
go out and buy a fly rod, a line and a reel. It really does not matter a whole lot
what you purchase. Not to get started. I would not recommend getting a very
expensive one to start with. I know some manufacturers will not like me saying
that, but here is why. You may break the darn thing. The less expensive rods,
some of them, have a great guarantee. If you do break it, they will replace it.
Good idea for your first rod.
Don't get all up-tight by what some may recommend as to brands, they are well
meaning and want you to have good things. On a low-end priced fly rod there is
not a lot of difference. Buy one you like; one that looks good, feels nice, and you
will have some sense of ownership in. Remember, it is a FLY ROD, and
you are going to become known as a FLY FISHER.
If possible get some casting lessons. Friend, fly shop, class, wherever you can
find some. They will help you get off to a better start. Once you have a bit of
that accomplished, go fishing. Go to a place where you know where the fish are.
One you have fished before. String up the rod, tie a fly on the end of the leader
and fling it out there. THAT'S ALL THERE IS TO IT. . . YOU'RE FLY
FISHING!
Sure you will learn, and get a lot better in the months and years to follow, but
you are now a fly fisherman (or fly fisher lady) if that is the case. After all, there
sure are a lot of fly fishers out there and you might just as well be enjoying what
they have found. Welcome to our sport; we're glad to have ya. ~ JC
P.S. If you need some help, check out the For Beginners,
Fly Fishing 101. ~ JC
Till next week, remember ...
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