How Not To Be Embarrassed Casting

If you want to seriously consider becoming a fly fisherman (or woman), it pays to learn some fly fishing basics before you drop even a dime on those super lightweight Neoprene waders or custom bamboo 7-weight fly rod. Instead of going it alone, get some instruction by attending a reputable fly fishing school.

Located throughout the country in areas where fishing waters are accessible, fly fishing schools—“trout catching” schools in particular--offer one and two day packages that not only provide all the fly fishing equipment rentals you need to get started, but also include hotel rooms and gourmet meals.

Classroom Instruction

Even though your mouth may be watering at the thought of hitting the river, certified instructors will first lead you into the classroom for an education in fly fishing tackle, including reels, waders, vests, rods, the various lines, their weights, their floating or sinking properties, plus monofilament leader and tippet attachments. You’ll talk knots. Lots of them-- from the Duncan Loop to the Improved Clinch knot. You’ll learn everything you need to know about which knots to use with which lines and which flies.

Outdoor Instruction

Once you’ve grasped the basics of tackle and knots, you’ll go outside for an introduction to fly casting techniques. That is, you’ll learn the basics of how to coordinate your hand, wrist and rod not only for properly picking up the line, but also for the all important forward and back-casting presentations.

On The Water Instruction

You’ll receive instruction on how to choose the proper flies for any given stream under any given weather condition or season. You don’t learn how to tie flies here. But you do learn how and when to make the decision between a wet fly (one that sinks below the water’s surface) and a dry fly (one that floats on the surface). You’ll also become adept at reading the water, including where to seek out the big fish. Once you know where the fish are hiding, you’ll be ready to handle the essentials of hooking, landing, and then safely releasing the fish back into the water in order to preserve their delicate population.

Over time, you might become so learned at the sport, that you’ll stop traffic just by the skill displayed in your cast. No matter what your fishing future holds, one thing is for certain-- you will never forget your first fish. When a trout suddenly breaks the surface and swallows the fly, the rod pumping and alive in your hand, the reel screaming as the fish steals feet after feet of fly line, you’ll never look at a spinning rod or spinner bait the same way again, because now you’re a fly fisherman.

Cost

Fly Fishing School

• Single Day (8 hours) - $250 to $400 per person
• Two Day (8 hours per day, lodging and selected meals included) - $400 to $700 per person

Complete Beginners Fly Fishing “Trout and Pan Fish” Outfit

• Clothing (waders, felt-soled wading boots, vest) - $250 to $400
• Gear (rod, reel, line, leader, tippet and flies) - $250 to $500