A friend and I are toying with the idea of taking up fly fishing, but neither of us have any experience with it. Before investing money in the sport, I'd kind of like to take a class to cover the basics. I've seen a couple that are offered, Cabelas and Idaho Angler are two.
I'd like to find a class that gives some instruction on the basics, a chance to handle a few different rods and, if possible, gives me a feeling on if it's the sport for me or not. I'm in no hurry, I'd like to take a class so that I can practice casting during the winter if I like it.
Does anyone have any experiences with any classes in the area and what did you think of them? All help appreciated.
[signature]
not much to it really buy a rod and reel and go to a park or a large back yard and practice casting. unsure why people think this is so complicated. must be the snob appeal factor.
[signature]
I agree, go pick up a cheap rod and find an area to practice casting....then go down to the river and do some simple casts and drifts.
Reading water will come in time...however, for the river in town (and in general) pick up some pheasant tails (nymphs) and caddis (dry) to start with.
When you put on more than one fly, or add a weight and bobber, your tippet and leader can develop knots that defy physics but with practice you get over them.
I've been ff for a couple years now. I'm not opposed to picking up a spin rod, but if I can ff instead I prefer it now. Anyway, just my two cents.
[signature]
Thanks for the advice.
The down side now is that I'm going to start asking all the questions here that I would have asked an instructor
A lot of my fishing is going to be for small stuff. You know, planter trout in still and moving water and blue gill, stuff like that. The kind of stuff I don't feel bad about pulling out of the water. Ultimately, I'd like to do some fishing for bigger stuff, but I'll get a lot more practice (i.e. time on the water) for small stuff. I'm leaning towards a 4wt rod. Thoughts?
Thanks again.
[signature]
A 4wt is probably a good choice if you are targeting smaller species with the chance at a little bit bigger fish. As you start searching out the bigger fish you might want to pick up a higher weight rod, just a thought...
I usually use a 5wt from Sportsmans for my all purpose rod. But to give you some idea, I pulled in a 4-5lb sucker on my 3wt a few days ago...
Keep the questions coming. I'm still a novice, but the people on here can give you some good advice. Youre hitting this at a good time to learn during summer because the fish will be looking up more and you can really work on casting and presentation...
[signature]
Thanks. I'm kind of leaning between a 4 and a 5. Time will tell. I'm thinking that a 5 might throw poppers better. Also, should I hook a small bass while using those poppers for bluegill, the 5 would be better for the task. Thoughts?
As far as practicing during the summer, I don't think that will happen. We're getting ready to move into a new house in the next few weeks, just not a great time to buy new stuff for myself. Like I said, I'll probably end up getting something around winter, then I can work on it in the back yard while I'm waiting for the weather to warm up.
[signature]
Just make sure that when your practicing this winter you get out and fish...nymphing in the winter can be some of the best fishing of the year...
As far as bass go, i think a 4-5wt would be good. I've caught several nice ones on the 5wt...
[signature]
First, I want to clarify things. I have been a certified fly casting instructor for over 20 years, tied commercially as a youngster, and been involved with fly fishing for over 35 years. My suggestion is not to get caught up in the label on your gear, but how it works. A lot of people are caught up in what brand their fly gear is, not performance. I would also send you to Idaho Angler for their class, because their instructors are FFF certified casting instructors and they are pretty good at it. No, I do not work for them, or receive kick-backs from them.
Buy your gear online after casting some rods (to save some bucks, or at least shop around) and buy what you know works, not what someone else tells you works. Everone's casting stroke is different. Go with a 5 weight if you live in Idaho, because the 4wt is a pain to cast in the wind, and will be more versatile as you progress. Take a Community Education fly tying class if you can, it adds another element to your fishing experience and saves you a lot of money in the long run.
[signature]
DBR,
You mentioned that you wanted to fish some still water. For that and an all purpose single rod, I'd go with a 6 wt because it is better for distance and wind on still water, but is still capable of having a reasonable amount of finesse for smaller fish and smaller water. If you can swing two outfits, I'd recommend a 5 or 4 as has already been mentioned and then a 7 for stillwater. I like a 7 for stillwater because of added castable distance. It is also very nice if you get on a lake such as Henry's where you often need the ability to cast in the wind.
Just my two cents.
[signature]