Fly Fishing Beginners

Fly fishing beginners can be identified by their enthusiastic approach to the water and their
amazed stares as fish scatter in all directions.

Ok, we've all suffered from the adrenalin rush and still do on the odd occasion. Fly
fishing is a thinking sport, so stop, wait, and think before you put a foot near the water.
You'll be glad you did.

Maintain the enthusiasm of fly fishing beginners

Fly fishing beginners often have an enthusiasm that spills over into a desire to get out on
the water, throw a fly at the lunker trout who has escaped capture for 10 years, and prove
that their modern equipment has huge advantages over the bamboo sticks their
grandfathers still use.

Now if we could tap some of that enthusiasm and blend it with a good dose of the intense
pondering of the old timer, serious angler, we'd wind up with a pretty good mix. The old
timer would remember what it was like to be a new comer, and the novice would channel
some of the enthusiasm into a more subtle appreciation of the art of fly fishing.

Advantages of being fly fishing beginners

There is nothing like watching fly fishing beginners to get you to check on your own
techniques. After all beginners will watch other fishermen closely and try to imitate their
methods. I've seen many an angler suck in his gut and fine tune a sloppy cast when a
beginner is nearby.

Beginning fly fishers are allowed mistakes. We may gently laugh at them, and then give
them some tips, but when an old timer bird nests his cast or hooks himself in the neck,
there is nothing but embarrassment all round.

A fly fishing novice can get away with asking questions. Many of us who have fished for
years somehow feel that it is a slight on our abilities to admit we don't know something. I
wonder how many of us would be much better fishers if we asked another "pro" how to
improve our roll cast technique.

Helping fly fishing beginners

There are enough fish to go round especially now that catch and release tactics are being
practiced regularly. Giving a few tips to a fly fishing beginner is good for the sport. If
you see someone who needs a hand, go help him or her out (be sensitive about it though).
You never know, that novice might lead you to the spot where your trophy fish is
waiting.

Teaching is the greatest teacher. As you help out a beginning fly fisher, you often learn or
are reminded of tactics that you once practiced, but have let slide. Your fishing, as well as
the students, will improve.

Etiquette 101 for fly fishing beginners

As a fly fishing beginner you will lose friends more quickly by one small breach of
etiquette than any other. That breach involves invading another fisherman's water.

There is nothing more annoying than hooking into a fish and suddenly finding you're the
bosom buddy of complete strangers. Fishermen who don't understand or don't care about
fishing etiquette will cast flies right where you are standing even before you land your
fish. As you walk to a quiet spot to release the catch, they'll step into the very spot you
were casting from.

If you want to remain on speaking terms with other anglers, give them plenty of room
and ask before either crossing their waters or fishing nearby. If you need to go by, get out
of the water to do so. If you are in close proximity to someone who has hooked a fish,
pull your line from the water until he has landed his fish.

Skills for fly fishing beginners

There are many places where fly fishing beginners can learn the techniques of the sport.
Initially I recommend that you find an instructor who can teach you the rudiments of
casting. Casting is fly fishing and a competent cast is vital if you are to become a
successful fisher.

Other techniques can be learned from books, magazines and from the Internet. An
extremely worthwhile pastime for fly fishing beginners is to watch other fishermen.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most anglers will be happy to give you advice. You
might have to pay by listening to great stories, but you'll learn a lot.