Any helpful hints for a frist timer?

[Tony]

I have never fly fished a day in my life, but i have always been interested. So for the last few months i have been droping hint that i would like to give it a try this spring. and much to my suprise yasterday on my b-day my fiance bought me a one year membership to alocal pay pond and my soon to be mother inlaw bought me a 9' 6wt Scientific Angler rod and reel combo set complete with graphite rod pre-loaded reel fly box with flies and instructional video which was great but i would rather have feed back from real people with real expirence...........

[shooter]

well Tony sounds like you are armed and dangerous ,i bet you got a booklet with that combo,first thing i would do is read it.
the next thing i would do is go( to youtube) put in (casting a fly rod) there you will some great instruction on casting fly rods.
i use the roll cast quite a bit in the type of fly fishing i do,and this is an easy cast for the first timer to learn,also do a (youtube) search fly fishing,you will get a wealth of helpful info .
lots of luck don't catch'em all.

gators stink

[Tony]

so i got my fly rod out to practice in the yard today i all the dvd and youtube instruction i could find to the letter for the most part it was a success it seemed like i would be doing fine for a minute and then SMACK the fly would hit the end of the rod tangeling the leader up around the leader knot instantly and every time any suggestions........................................

[shooter]

sounds like you are dropping your rod tip,try not to stop that rod tip past ten 'O clock, if you stop the rod tip travel late ie 9 'O clock or 8 'O clock the line will tend to pile up in front of you .




gators are ugly

[David Merical]

Its a lot of fun, Tony! For bluegills, and even crappies and bass, a slow-sinking fly retrieved with short, jerky movements is an excellent imitator of small minnows or aquatic nymphs.

There's a lot of tips out there for the new fly-angler. If you have some specific questions, I'm sure we can all help you out!

[Fahrtenhaler]

I would recommend finding a fly shop, guide, outfitter, or anyone you can find close by who offers a beginning fly fishing class. I have seen many that only lasted one day. A few hours of expert instruction will make lots of difference. If like me, you aren't anywhere near a trout stream it may be harder to find one, but it would be well worth the time spent. Personally, I've been to an Orvis school and felt that I learned a great deal in one weekend, well worth the money, but when you add in the travel and lodging, it was pretty expensive. Also, a video camera on a tripod can be really helpful.

[Stuart Melheim]

Go out in the yard and start casting. I try to go out every night for about 15-20 minutes, in the last month I have been able to double my distance and accuracy. Look at the other posts about favorite flys others use i have very good luck with the spider type flys.
good luck

[michael t.j. hackwith]

i dont know how far you live from st.loius but i think there is a bass pro shop an a cabelas an a fly shop called feather-craft ..just make you way to a fly shop and tell them what type of rod you have what you are fishing for an what you need ..an they will help you ...cause you are a future customer .....just take your time an practice,practice,practice....it will evole and you will catch fish an you will never pick up a spinning rod again

[shooter]

mr hackwith is right ,i have a couple of spinning rods i bought to fish sac-a-lait with they are dieing of old age,i just can not lay down my fly rods.





gators walk funny

[Old Cane]

Good advice from all. A 2 hour lesson once a year will benefit ANYONE! If you can find a certified Master Caster in your area it's well worth time and money just to watch one in action.

The main problem with people learning is that they are in a hurry. Try it blindfolded or eyes closed....in an open area of course. Try with your off hand. If you are used to "rough" fishing you have some bad habits in your dominate hand. Learn the motion. Learn the feel. Learn to relax. Worry about accuracy next then distance. If you have the feel then the accuracy and distance will just come without much effort.

Learn to pick up 25-30 feet of line off the grass from in front of you and behind you. Most people try to get 50 feet out there right from the start. Start the motion and increase speed. That's what get's most people. They feel like they aren't applying enough pressure early on. If you feel that way then you may be doing it right.