Fly fishing is a sport requiring skill, patience and angling knowledge. Fly fishermen use hand tied flies and a special stroke to mimic the movement of insects, enticing fish to bite on a fishing line. If you are interested in starting to fly fish, it may seem daunting; however, there are a number of ways to develop as a fisherman. One of the most important steps in becoming a fly fisherman is getting a good base of skills from an expert fly fisherman. You should identify the options for fly fishing instruction in your community, sign up and spend plenty of time practicing. This article will tell you how to learn fly fishing.
Method 1 of 3: Free Fly Fishing Instruction
1. Ask a friend to instruct you on basic fly fishing technique. You may feel more comfortable trying the new activity with someone familiar to you. However, someone who is not a regular instructor may not be able to supply you with all the tips a beginning fly fisherman needs.
2. Post a Craigslist ad for a fly fishing partner and instructor. Post in the "Community" section of the site, or look for an existing fly fishing group in the current listings.
3. Request a fly fishing pamphlet from your state's Department of Natural Resources. Many states publish detailed information on the necessary equipment and skills for a local fly fisherman. You may also learn tips about what flies are most successful throughout the fishing season.
4. Visit your local library. If you are autodidactic, then searching for instructional books, audio books or videos may provide you with enough information to get started. If your library does not currently have books on fly fishing, you may request them.
5. Call your local Orvis store, or other fishing supply store, to inquire about free classes in the store. Orvis offer free "Fly Fishing 101" courses each spring or summer to teach people how to get started. They have also recently starting offering "Fly Fishing 201" courses to help beginners move on to the next level.
6. Go to YouTube and look for videos on fly fishing instruction. A number of outfitters provide free lessons online as an example of their talents. You can find tips and tricks from a number of avid fly fishermen.
Method 2 of 3: Other Fly Fishing Instruction Options
1. Become part of a fishing club. In some areas of the UK, you are required to pay dues to a fishing club in order to fish in the local streams. These clubs provide access to excellent tips and fishing partners for a fee that is likely to be less than 100 pounds.
2. Hire a fly fishing guide. Postings and contacts are available through most fly fishing stores. You can arrange to be guided by the hour or by the day, depending upon your flexibility.
3. Go on a guided fly fishing trip. Many states with rivers have numerous fly fishing outfitters that will include gear, rafts, flotation devices and more with a 1 to 7 day package. If you start fishing on a trip dedicated to fly fishing, you are likely to get enough practice in 1 trip to start fly fishing on your own.
4. Search online for local fly fishing schools. These organizations hire experts who are also trained in teaching. You can learn the sport by going to regular outdoor classes that slowly increase your knowledge.
5. Visit local fly fishing shops to inquire about instructional resources. Some shops can provide discounts on outfitters and more if you buy your materials in house. You will also be able to obtain a fly fishing license from most shops.
6. Get a subscription to fly fishing magazine, such as Catch, Fly Fisherman or Fly, Rod & Reel. Although this will not provide the first basic steps, it can be a good way for a beginning angler to learn the lingo and techniques associated with the sport.
7. Learn the basic casting strategies via youtube or a book and go out fishing.The number one way to learn how to fly fish is to spend time doing it. Nobody can tell you all of the small details involved in catching fish and perfecting your cast. There is no substitute for spending time on the water. Learning the perfect muscle memory for judging distance and fly presentation cannot be taught by a guide or a book , It simply takes time.
Method 3 of 3: Basic Fly Fishing Tips
1. Buy a low weight fishing rod to begin with. While you are learning, buy a 6 weight rod that will suffice to catch trout, bass and other small fish. You can buy a heavier rod if you take to the sport and go fishing for larger game.
2. Practice at a local lake or stream before going on a trip. Learning to practice nearby has the advantage of comfort and accessibility. Many people make the mistake of booking an expensive trip and then they get frustrated when they spend the majority of the trip learning the basics.
3. Do your fly research. Successful fly fishermen learn to "match the hatch." Study a chart of what insects are hatching in your area at a certain time, and buy according to the schedule.
4. Buy a graphite fishing rod with a complimentary line. These relatively new rods are easier to wield. The majority of your action should be confined to your dominant arm and shoulder.
5. Hold the fishing rod like you are shaking a hand. Hold it in the center of the grip with your thumb up.
6. Relax as you cast. Stiff muscles will lead to short, ineffective casting. Master forward casting in a relaxed way before attempting back casting.
7. Practice taking apart your reel and putting it back together. Reeling in a catch in fly fishing is very similar to spinning, but putting together a reel will help you to understand different line weights. Once you are very familiar with your reels you will be better at reeling in slowly, smoothly and successfully.
Method 1 of 3: Free Fly Fishing Instruction
1. Ask a friend to instruct you on basic fly fishing technique. You may feel more comfortable trying the new activity with someone familiar to you. However, someone who is not a regular instructor may not be able to supply you with all the tips a beginning fly fisherman needs.
2. Post a Craigslist ad for a fly fishing partner and instructor. Post in the "Community" section of the site, or look for an existing fly fishing group in the current listings.
3. Request a fly fishing pamphlet from your state's Department of Natural Resources. Many states publish detailed information on the necessary equipment and skills for a local fly fisherman. You may also learn tips about what flies are most successful throughout the fishing season.
4. Visit your local library. If you are autodidactic, then searching for instructional books, audio books or videos may provide you with enough information to get started. If your library does not currently have books on fly fishing, you may request them.
5. Call your local Orvis store, or other fishing supply store, to inquire about free classes in the store. Orvis offer free "Fly Fishing 101" courses each spring or summer to teach people how to get started. They have also recently starting offering "Fly Fishing 201" courses to help beginners move on to the next level.
- Although personal instruction is likely to reap the most benefits, if you are not near an Orvis store, you can access fly fishing videos online. Visit howtoflyfish.orvis.com/video-lessons for step by step instructional videos.
6. Go to YouTube and look for videos on fly fishing instruction. A number of outfitters provide free lessons online as an example of their talents. You can find tips and tricks from a number of avid fly fishermen.
Method 2 of 3: Other Fly Fishing Instruction Options
1. Become part of a fishing club. In some areas of the UK, you are required to pay dues to a fishing club in order to fish in the local streams. These clubs provide access to excellent tips and fishing partners for a fee that is likely to be less than 100 pounds.
2. Hire a fly fishing guide. Postings and contacts are available through most fly fishing stores. You can arrange to be guided by the hour or by the day, depending upon your flexibility.
3. Go on a guided fly fishing trip. Many states with rivers have numerous fly fishing outfitters that will include gear, rafts, flotation devices and more with a 1 to 7 day package. If you start fishing on a trip dedicated to fly fishing, you are likely to get enough practice in 1 trip to start fly fishing on your own.
4. Search online for local fly fishing schools. These organizations hire experts who are also trained in teaching. You can learn the sport by going to regular outdoor classes that slowly increase your knowledge.
5. Visit local fly fishing shops to inquire about instructional resources. Some shops can provide discounts on outfitters and more if you buy your materials in house. You will also be able to obtain a fly fishing license from most shops.
6. Get a subscription to fly fishing magazine, such as Catch, Fly Fisherman or Fly, Rod & Reel. Although this will not provide the first basic steps, it can be a good way for a beginning angler to learn the lingo and techniques associated with the sport.
7. Learn the basic casting strategies via youtube or a book and go out fishing.The number one way to learn how to fly fish is to spend time doing it. Nobody can tell you all of the small details involved in catching fish and perfecting your cast. There is no substitute for spending time on the water. Learning the perfect muscle memory for judging distance and fly presentation cannot be taught by a guide or a book , It simply takes time.
Method 3 of 3: Basic Fly Fishing Tips
1. Buy a low weight fishing rod to begin with. While you are learning, buy a 6 weight rod that will suffice to catch trout, bass and other small fish. You can buy a heavier rod if you take to the sport and go fishing for larger game.
2. Practice at a local lake or stream before going on a trip. Learning to practice nearby has the advantage of comfort and accessibility. Many people make the mistake of booking an expensive trip and then they get frustrated when they spend the majority of the trip learning the basics.
3. Do your fly research. Successful fly fishermen learn to "match the hatch." Study a chart of what insects are hatching in your area at a certain time, and buy according to the schedule.
4. Buy a graphite fishing rod with a complimentary line. These relatively new rods are easier to wield. The majority of your action should be confined to your dominant arm and shoulder.
5. Hold the fishing rod like you are shaking a hand. Hold it in the center of the grip with your thumb up.
- Place your line between your first finger and the fly rod. Pull 8 to 10 yards (7.3 to 9.1 m) of extra line. Cast your line horizontally using your thumb and wrist to flick toward your target.
6. Relax as you cast. Stiff muscles will lead to short, ineffective casting. Master forward casting in a relaxed way before attempting back casting.
7. Practice taking apart your reel and putting it back together. Reeling in a catch in fly fishing is very similar to spinning, but putting together a reel will help you to understand different line weights. Once you are very familiar with your reels you will be better at reeling in slowly, smoothly and successfully.
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