It was more ‘dryland training’ than practical execution of my technique, but some friends introduced me to fly tying, some fly types, and some fly designs.
It was a scene worthy for the Fly-fishing Hall of Fame (if there is one)! Before I had arrived there, my wife had warned them that I may have some questions about fly-fishing. After I finished my burger I asked Gary if he had any ‘pointers’ about fly-fishing and that I would be documenting my progress this spring on my blog. As if on que, Gary and his brother Eric left the room and came back with strange looking rigs, storage containers, and large feathers of various types. We cleared the table, assembled and opened all their stuff and within minutes I was learning about various fly-types, hatches, and tying procedures. It was overwhelming but EXCITING. I am more convinced that I need to learn to do this.
Gary’s son even jumped in to help tie a fly!
After some fly lore and and instruction, the guys ushered me to the TV room where we watched an “older” fly fishing video. Where I quickly discovered that:
Presentation is everything.
Presentation is directly dependant on your technique.
I can see the practice hours before they even happen. You all will read about my journey here; as it unfolds. I was given another “nugget” of information from Gary while I was there. He probably does not even remember his comment, but it went something like this:
There is nothing like creating and tying a fly of your design. Except when a fish is triggered into striking that fly of your design. This is what makes fly-fishing so rewarding!
With a promise to actually take me out once I purchase my equipment when the season opens, it was time to leave.
Now I just need to go out and buy some equipment. Can anyone out there suggest to me a basic (easy on the wallet) rod/reel/line combo or components. Product names would be helpful. Is there anything that veteran fly-fisherman would suggest I don’t need? Please comment below with any thoughts.
Before you go, Lee from Fly Fish Magazine, shared this information that is worth a read:
The best way I know to find out what kind of flies to use in a new area is to look at what is going on around you in the water and on the banks. Turn rocks over and look at the bugs underneath. Try to match the size and color of the bugs with the fly you use. You are trying to “match the hatch” and give the fish something they want to eat. If you see hoppers jumping in summer then you might fish the undercut banks near the fields with a hopper pattern or if you see fish sipping bugs just under the surface you might need to fish an emerger that mimics these by floating just under the surface. Then again you can drag a big streamer that imitates a minnow through the water and you will probably get some strikes too. Just watching what is going on around you and choosing a fly that looks close will get you a long way to catching fish on the fly. Remember most of a fishes diet is eaten under the water not on top of it. So wet flies often do better than dry flies. Of course nothing beats a dry fly strike for excitement. Personally I think that the way you present a fly is almost more important than what fly you use. Making sure your presentation is natural (your bug looks like something floating at the same speed as the current without dragging) and making sure you get it in front of the fish (in the strike zone) will get more strikes than an exact fly match will.
More great tips from that post here.
Hunt Proud. Fish Hard!
Bill Anderson
Bill, Glad to see that you are getting started! I can’t wait to hear about your first fish on the fly!
Fly fishing seemed overwhelming when I first began planning to take it up. But as I actually started doing it, I found a lot of things that sounded confusing when I read about them actually weren’t that complicated once I got on the water. Of course, I also found new complications that no one warned me about. But learning it all was fun. Should say is fun, because I learn new things every season.
Good luck with your journey.