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A couple of Firsts today....

A few days ago, a friend loaned me a 5wt fly rod a few days ago. I've been practicing, and immersing myself into the addiction of waving the Fairy Wand.

I've been struggling. Wind knots, bad/sloppy technique, etc. I need practice, encouragement, and possibly a tutor.

I was able to escape out of the house this afternoon, supposedly to go get some food for dinner. I ended up stopping at the pond in the park here in Sapulpa. Winds were light, the surface was fairly smooth, and I had a new sunfish-sized popper to try out.

I basically gave up on "distance". I just wanted to make as many "smooth" casts as I could. I also realized that since the weedline was, on average, about 10' from the shoreline, I should probably work at a diagonal, instead of throwing straight out to the weeds. This would A) Allow me to try to keep the bug somewhat parallel to the weeds, allowing for more time in the strike zone, and B) Allow me to strip the bug past the little weed points and pockets. I also realized that I need to think like one of those "Green Fish Chasers", and basically work my way down the bank, as if I was in a boat with the trolling motor down.

So, I start working in this pattern. After a few minutes, I began to get better as making "smooth" casts and presentations. I won't claim to have perfected my technique, but it is getting better. I immediately start noticing that the little 'gills were following the bug and taking swipes at it. I also realized that I did better if I just let the bug sit, instead of stripping it in a few inches at a time.

Well, after about 10 - 15 minutes, I got a successful hookup:

[IMG]http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/7185/20120603firstbluegillfl.jpg[/IMG]

All right! First 'gill on a fly!

I continued my pattern, slowly working my way down the shore, making casts into the weed pockets, and stripping the bug past the weed points.

Somehow, I wasn't surprised when there was a big splash, the bug dissappears, and the fly line starts running to the left and into the weeds. Startled for a split-second, yes, but surprised, no. Luckily, I had control of the line, and immediately lifted the rod up to set the hook. About 30 seconds later, this came to my hand:

[IMG]http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/918/20120603firstlmbfly.jpg[/IMG]

Not bad!

I continued down the bank, until I realized what was supposed to be about 20 minutes had turned into 45, and I had better head off to the store to get food for dinner.

I will definitely have to return, and practice some more!

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Comment by Allen Morgan on June 3, 2012 at 6:43pm: The wrist thing is going to be tough. I use a LOT of different sized spinning reels. I do a lot of "lever" casting to get some distance, especially with my 12' surf rods.

Comment by Jen Nayfly on June 3, 2012 at 6:35pm: Newspaper works! Being a zebco 202caster keeping my wrist stiff was my toughest. Keep us updated! I havent touched anything other than a flyrod since I started using it. Be afraid.....very afraid of the addiction.....LOL

Comment by Allen Morgan on June 3, 2012 at 6:29pm: Tony, it's a small fish, 6", maybe pushing 7". I didn't measure it.

Jen, that's a good idea; I may have to do it. I've also heard about tucking a newspaper under your armpit while casting, and trying to keep the newspaper there.

Comment by Jen Nayfly on June 3, 2012 at 6:16pm: You are correct....wait.....it is a learning process and don't worry about your distance. As you get cast down that distance will start to come.
Keep the wrist from breaking to. When i first learned my wrist was tied to the rod w/a leather strip to break that habit.

Comment by Tony Livingston on June 3, 2012 at 6:13pm: WTG Allen! Dang, that BG looks like its led a rough life....

Comment by Allen Morgan on June 3, 2012 at 6:10pm: Jen, I can feel the rod load, and instinctively begin my forward cast, but only when I have about 10 - 15' of line out. Once I try to start getting more than 20' out, I have to start looking back to see when the line begins to load the road. I have to learn to wait.

Comment by Jen Nayfly on June 3, 2012 at 6:04pm: WTG Allen! Heres the best tip I received from a casting instructor.....when lifting the rod to basically the 2 o'clock position, while standing behind me, he put his hand up to stop me from taking the rod lift too far behind me. He said "feel that stop point". In other words that should be a quick feel & stop to feel the rod load. Then begin your forward cast. Best 1 &only pro casting tip I ever got. Keep up the good work!!!!!!