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Fly Fishing - Getting Started

 

“It takes only five minutes to learn fly casting, but it needs a lifetime of practice.”

 

Getting started on a new hobby need not be difficult. It can, and should be, exciting and invigorating. All that’s needed is a desire to learn and a little guidance in taking that first step into the unknown. A hobby like fly fishing can seem intimidating at first, but enjoyment comes quickly to those who follow the right path. There’s a saying “It takes only five minutes to learn fly casting, but it needs a lifetime of practice.”

 

When a newcomer to fly fishing decides to take the plunge, he or she may already have been given some used fly gear. If the gift included that essential guidance from an experienced and informed fly fisher, we’re off to a great start. If not, we should seek that guidance from a veteran fly fisher or fly shop.

 

The same advice holds true if we are purchasing new fly gear. In order to get what is needed, a little guidance is necessary. A knowledgeable and helpful sales person can smooth our entry to the sport and, by getting what you need in the first place, save money in the long run.

 

A knowledgeable sales person should determine, at very least:

 

What species and size of fish will we pursue?

What waters will we fish?

    Freshwater or salt?

    Big, medium or tiny streams?

    Lake fishing?

    Boat or shore?

    Windy or sheltered?

    Fishing depth?

What type and size flies are needed?

What size and type fly line is required to effectively present these flies?

What quality and capacity fly reel is needed for that fly line?

What is needed in a fly rod to properly balance and handle that fly line and reel?

What is the fisher’s age or size?

Will the reel be operated with left or right hand?

Are there any physical limitations that must be considered?

What type of travel to fishing destinations will be involved?

What type of storage and carrying case is needed to protect the gear?

What instruction is needed to get started?

Can the outfit’s handling be tested prior to purchase?

What’s the warranty and return policy?

What’s the price?

                                                                       

So, an informed decision ensures that the novice gets a properly balanced fly outfit that is well-suited to the task, first time. That’s where guidance comes in. Note that the correct order of questions, as shown above, is the opposite of that generally expected, starting with the fish. This makes sense if you consider that the fly outfit’s main purpose is to effectively deliver the fly to a fish. It should also be enjoyable for the fisher to cast all day. I hope this column helps folks avoid the pitfalls of big box or mail order purchases and gives us many years of pleasure, as fly fishing should.  Don’t be surprised, however, if you hear one additional question, “Would you like flies with that?”

 

Our photograph shows Damian Welsh of Frasers Mills fly fishing with twin daughters Kheiran and Khelsea. It’s never too early to start!

 

Please send comments and suggestions to slim@rivermagic.ca.

 

Please stay on the line …


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