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My first cast with a fly rod was not brilliant, it was not even okay. To be honest it was downright terrible, but that's not the end of the story. I got given my fly rod on 14'th December 2013, I remember the day was cool and cloudy. I was a bit nervous casting the fly rod, to me there was always something special and almost magical about throwing a weightless fly. I had received some instructions from the person who gave me the rod, not very good or helpful. So I stripped some line form the reel and clumsily cast the fly, needless to say it did not go very far at all. But it was in the water, so that was a win for me. As I started to pull the line in it wouldn't come, I was sure that it had snagged on a weed. But it couldn't have been because it started swimming away! I clumsily battled the fish and when it came to shore it was a beautiful bass! I can't tell you who was more surprised me or the bass(probably me!). 

Not bad for my first cast, hey! That's how I knew fly fishing was for me!

 

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Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on January 29, 2014 at 7:32am

Nice fish on the first cast!

I'm sure the lack of angling pressure in your dams helps tremendously there. It must be nice to be one of the only fishermen in the district.

Comment by Vince Fusco on January 29, 2014 at 5:49am

Mathew, your story brings back memories of my first time fly fishing. I used a borrowed rod from my uncle, and caught a gill on it. Later that summer my dad bought me my first fly rod for my birthday. I still have that rod. It is a Wright McGill that is now almost 50yrs. old. Thank you for sharing your story. 

Comment by Mark Stine on January 29, 2014 at 5:35am

Mathew, so cool that you know the exact time when you got hooked!

Comment by carl hendrix on January 29, 2014 at 5:21am

good story Mathew- glad you shared it with us!   yep the fly rod bug has hit you buddy!

Comment by Mathew Blakeway on January 29, 2014 at 2:36am

Thanks! Just wanted to share my story! 

Comment by DAVID L EITUTIS on January 28, 2014 at 11:49pm

SOME OF US EAT THEM UP HERE MATHEW AND MY WIFE IN PARTICULAR LOVES EM ...... GREAT FIRST CAST BROTHER.......

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