The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I have FINALLY decide it's now the right time in my life to finally learn the art of fly fishing! Although I am not new to fishing, I have never had the patience to acquire the skill (touch) necessary to make beautiful, long casts. I picked up a 3weight rod once and attempted to make a cast, but ended up lassoing the neighbor's tree; that was 8 years ago.

Now I am READY! And hopefully one (or more) of you can help...

Now I need "Steering" (direction) on the best course to acquire this talent.

Thanks!!

BTW: Love the BASH photo! When's the next event? Would love to bring my RV and fire up the grill!!

Welcome.

Where are you based out of?

I think the best thing you can do is to start on smaller streams with eager fish... get used to what you are looking for in terms of reading the water. Get used to short casts, dealing with the line, the hook set, etc.

Going out with a good guide who enjoys taking out beginners is a good way to cut a few years off your learning curve. About a decade ago I went out with Fred Gordon on the McCloud and had my first 20+ fish day and that day changed my life, as well as my fishing style.

Join a fly fishing club... there are tons all over the State and they usually have loads of people who really want to help you get into it. They do fish-outs, trips organized by the club to different places. They'll bring in presentations about all sorts of fishing destinations and tactics. You are bound to make some fishing friendships through joining a club.

If you have specific questions about rods or lines or whatever, just post or drop a line.

B-

Nice Rig!

Welcome aboard. If Bjorn hadn't already said it, I'd say what hr said.

Lassoing a tree is a GOOD start - you've already caught something!!

Geographic location would help us tell you where to go.....

We hold a bash every year near Hat Creek just outside the town of Burney in early June each year. I think the dates are June 13th and 14th. It is a great time to meet people, and learn lot's about fly fishing.

Come join us!

Hey G,
This is how I would go about it. You can and should go at it any way you choose. First of all I would get a medium priced medium fast action 5wt rod.

With a 5wt you'll be able to catch a wide range of fish while you are learning your skills. If you get hooked you'll end up with numnerous rods anyway. Your old 5wt can then be used as a back up or for a guest.
For the line I would go with a 5wt weight forward line. This will be much easier to cast so you can get off to a fast start. All local fly shops offer lessons. This will get you up to speed much faster. Once you take the class you should practice often on the front lawn so you can cast ok when you hit the water. You will be much more successful if you can make a good cast when you are on the water.
If you can't get to a trout stream easily fish any water available to you. Fly fishing for bass and bluegill is great fun too. Even if your main thing is trout you will pick up the skill of on the water presentation and hook setting. One problem with bass fishing is you bust some trout off because you get in the habit of setting the hook to hard.
Where will you be fishing. many of us around here are glad to show guy around a bit.

Have fun.

TD

to hire a compendent personal trainer. Luckily for you I have one opening this spring. Just send in the nonrefundable $10,000 certified check. Make the check out to

"Carpy's Home for Wayward Nymphs"



Paul

Carpy,

I'm confused. You mentioned hire a competent personal trainer and then volunteered. What do you and competent have in common??????

Phil wrote:
We hold a bash every year near Hat Creek just outside the town of Burney in early June each year. I think the dates are June 13th and 14th. It is a great time to meet people, and learn lot's about fly fishing.

Come join us!

Just marked my calendar!

Hey Paul, no problem; you should be receiving an email stating I have 13 million dollars in funds in Africa that can be yours for a small fee......


Hey TD: I stand corrected, it was a 5wt; however, I just notice that the crank was broken off; darn thing was hardly used. The other setup is a Bauer M4 strapped on a GLoomis 9' 9wt GL2; originally wanted to target stripers in the delta and surfperch in the ocean.... just need to learn how to use them...

Re:Where do i start with flies??? 2 Minutes ago
Grasshopper, I would start by acquiring a fly tying vice and the necessary materials. Learning to fly fish without learning to fly tie is akin to doing voodoo without the doll. On the internet one can find fishing reports and fly patterns for most locations and all seasons. Start with patterns based on when and where you plan to fish or patterns which appear most frequently in the reports. Start with the larger sizes of a given pattern and then tie smaller. There are lots of videos to watch to help you learn (www.theanglersnet.com, e.g).
I agree with the previous post that suggested a 5 weight rod if you can only afford one. It's a good starting point. Then learn to cast preferably before you fish.
Finally and most importantly, there is an almost unlimited supply of friendly, able and willing "mentors" around. They can be found on this site, on most streams, in many pubs and clubs, at fly fishing shops and where ever trout and steelhead are found. Using the resources that these folks have to offer is the best way to advance your fly fishing.
Please note, although no boardcode and smiley buttons are shown, they are still useable

jvorp wrote:
Re:Where do i start with flies??? 2 Minutes ago
Grasshopper, I would start by acquiring a fly tying vice and the necessary materials.

uhh... You mean these dusty things? I even made my own stand; and somewhere in my workshop I have all the tools and some materials... but like fly fishing, I tool never vested the time to learn this trade. And before anyone asks, somewhere buried in my shop is a rod making stand with a partially made rod...

Guess I'll wait for the upcoming show in Pleasanton to get more info....

Thanks for the quick responses....

G-

G.Whiz,

Welcome to fly fishing and this great board!!!

I was lurking earlier today at the North American Fly Fishing Forum and this same question was asked. Most of the respondents suggested a fly tying class as a good place to start. Perhaps there is a class which might be attended at a shop or school in your immediate area.

I started tying on my own,about 34 years ago. The process will occur more quickly by obtaining instruction.

Good tying to 'ya. There are links on my BLOG to some wonderful pattern tutorials - read my most recent post at the top of the page...

PT/TB

PS. Phil, who is a moderator here has some great patterns at Phil's Custom Flies and Harry Mason has a site that sell flies and also has pattern tutorials - Troutflies.com. Both gentlemen are MORE than accomplished tiers...

Besides the pages that were already mentioned a couple of other pages that also have great fly tying tutorials are Steven Ojai's and Charlies Flybox. Also You Tube has several fly tying video including several from Andy Burk which are great. You are starting a great journey from which there is no recovery plan.