I just wanted to say hello and to throw a story out there you veterans might appreciate: My first fish “on the fly.”
I have fly fished exactly twice now, and it’s partially thanks to this site. I just took fishing back up a few months ago. I had only gone fishing a couple of times in the last 20 years, but recently, a lot of stresses have forced me to try to find an outlet, and my spinning rod was staring at me, asking to be picked up, so I answered the call.
I live in an area with a lot of fishing opportunities, and I had really been doing well with artificial baits, especially with the smallies, and started looking into fly fishing.
I found this site, and started looking through the “101” section. The information there, along with the articles, gave me the confidence and confirmed that fly fishing was probably what I was looking for.
So, two weeks ago, I invested in a $20 Martin fly fishing combo (just wanted to make sure before making a big investment) and hit the water. My first trip; not so successful. I hit the tailwaters of a nearby man-made lake in the area and got a couple of bites from bluegills, but couldn’t set the hook.
So last weekend, I set out for a nearby river, the Russell Fork. It’s an absolutely beautiful body of water, cool, clear, and VERY clean.
I set up on a beach beside a pool, and just upstream from some rapids, and began to do something resembling casting.
The fact is, with the dry flies, I was probably scaring the trout more than attracting them. I was just enjoying getting into the flow of casting, but decided to change over.
I tied a popper on, and began to cast. On the second cast, I let the popper drift some, stripping only slightly. I was about to cast back out on the river when I saw a flash, heard a splash and saw the popper disappear.
I set the hook (perfectly in the corner I might add) and started bringing the fish in. It turned out to be a small, but beautiful smallmouth.
It was a great experience. I still enjoy and don’t disparage those who are out there tossing a Carolina rig, but there was something about, not just catching that fish, but the entire morning surrounding it.
It was peaceful, the light was beautiful and the Russell Fork Gorge offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Eastern Kentucky, and in my opinion, anywhere in the world.
I didn’t do much else that day, but really could’ve cared less.
Yes, I’m going back this weekend. I’m going to take my eight-year-old son, give him some nightcrawlers, and try again. And this time, I may just leave my spinning rod and reel, along with that tackle box, at home.
Welcome Rcassady to a great site. Thanks for your story of your first rig and catch. It was nice to read. Pull up a chair and sit awhile. You did bring some fritters, didn’t you? 
mcsteff
Welcome to the addiction, it’s my favorite therapy.
Eric
A big welcome from Tennessee to one of the greatest fly fishing, fly tying, fly rod building and anything else that deals with fly fishing site going! Great first fly fishing trip for you and it sounds like you discovered the peace and quiet that fly fishing provides. Glad to have you on board…
Greetings from western Washington State. Glad to have you here. I always like to hear a new fly fisher talk about the beauty of the day and the surroundings and the thrill of that first fish on the fly… After 40 years + of fly fishing and tying I still enjoy the surroundings and peace on the water as much as ever. Even though there have been many, many fish that have fallen for my imitations, the thrill is always there when you see the flash and feel the tug. What a great sport we have.
REE
Rcassady,
Welcome to FAOL from Eastern Washington. The process has begun. You are on you way to a lifetime of enjoyment. Glad you found the “fly fishing 101” section. When I first came on board about 10 years ago, I read all the “Great Rivers” articles. That set the hook on me and I’ve been here ever since. Feel free to join us in the chat sometime. Again, welcome.
Welcome aboard from sunny So Cal. I enjoyed your story. Pull up a chair and jump in the mix as often as you want. Jim
Dont you just love how a tiny dry will spook them, but then the same fish with come right up and slurp in the popper that hit the water three times harder? 
Welcome! These guys are friendly. 
Welcome to the best flyfishing site Rcassaday…hope you get to get
out more to that special spot on the river you got the smallie on the fly.
Cheers,
MontanaMoose
Welcome aboard! I use the same martain fly rod. I’m new to fly fishing as well and found that nothing makes me feel more relaxed even if I’m not catching a thing. One daybi will step up to a higher end rod and reel,but for now its just fine. Hold on to that fly that you caught your first fish on. One day it will bring back fond memories. I still have my first ultra light combo that I ever really used to fish. I’m sure I had a batman rod as a kid but I don’t remember. That eith my fly rod and first fly will stay with me forever. Enjoy fishing! Catch lots or none . Its still worth it.
David
Welcome aboard. Thanks for sharing your story; it made me think of that first fish I caught on a fly rod. And like most I will always remember that day when that first fish took the fly and just this summer I caught my first trout on a fly that I tied–I just started tying this spring. This is a great site. Hope to hear from you often. Have a great weekend on the water.