New To Fly-fishing Options

[Gren]

Without the budget or funds to go to a fly fishing school, ala Orvis or LLBean, I personally find myself trying to absorb as much information regarding fly fishing that I can through literature/websites and practical application.

I find the majority of readers in this forum to be experienced fly fishers with insightful responses and good advice.. I'm guessing the occasional 'novice' fly fisher happens by from time to time and I thought it might be helpful to list some of the articles I find extremely useful.


This topic will also serve the selfish purpose of a good reference of information useful for myself as a novice to refer back to (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I'll try and break the topic into sections of links by subject - as I find useful links, I'll add them.


[Overview]

* Wiki Fly Fishing Overview (Article)


What prompted me to do this, was the first article, which is probably one of the best reads for trout behavior and insect entomology I've seen for someone new to fly-fishing:

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[Hatching insect and reactive trout behavior]

* Anticipating the hatch (Article)

* Farmington River Hatch Schedule (Article)

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[Fly Casting]

* Learning to fly cast Part 1 (Video)

* Learning to fly cast Part 2 (Video)

* Learning to fly cast Part 3 (Video)

* Hauling Line 1 (Video)

* Hauling Line 2 (Video)

* Hauling Line 3 (Video)


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[Mending]

* Tips for Mending (Article)

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[Nymphing]

* Nymphing Tactics (Article)

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[Knot Types and Strengths]

* Fly Fishing Knots 1 (Article)

* Fly Fishing Knots 2 (Article)

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[Flyfishing Line Info]

* Fly Line Config 1 (Article)

* Fly Line Info (Article)

[Gren]

Trying to learn how to double-haul.. added videos -

I need a bigger yard and less trees (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Gren]

For those new casters like me, you may run into the latest problem I'm currently having.. The late Mel Krieger illustrates it perfectly in this video, and a subsequent solution:

(The guy is a hoot to watch)

Joe Schmocktapop

I, like Joe Schmocktapop seem to be stopping quickly, but our casting angle is too wide - using too much power and not enough 'pop'

Working on fixing that..

[Gary]

Very useful information. Thanks

[Gren]

Just found something out pretty important for newer fly fishers:

Save yourself a LOT of aggravation, and buy a graphite rod.


I made the epic mistake of trying to hone my casting with a $30 Shakespeare Walmart flyrod/reel.

I just went out over the weekend to try out the new rod and reel I had purchased:

(I bought a TFO 9' 5wt with a Lamson Konic2 reel) and HOLY SCHNIKEYS.

It was night and day - the effort to get a cast out was WAY less... the action of the rod made things so much easier.



If there was an activity that's only point was to hold water in a container, I bought a sieve to learn how, and then finally tried using a bucket, it was that profound. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

-Drew

[themadison]

I had a Cabela's rod when I first started and that thing was like trying to cast with a telephone pole! Then I got a Loomis 5wt. and what a difference that made.
I also have a TFO and a Lamson reel - love 'em both.

[Gren]

I just bought this selection from Orvis (not sure how long it'll be available)

A nice selection for the price! (.50 a fly)


http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf...&dir_id=758

[Gren]

Something that might be helpful for people getting into Fly Fishing:


$20 Flycasting Lessons at LLBean in South Windsor


I'm heading over on Monday to try it out..

[Gren]

Aside from the fact that it was hotter than hades outside today, this was a lot of fun.

I had definitely picked up some bad habits in the short time I've been teaching myself to flycast and the instructor did a great job of politely pointing them out, and working with me to correct them.

My "Aha" moment came when he told me I was bringing the rod too far back (I was at more of a 11-3 o'clock) and holy crap, what a difference bringing the angle forward produced.

To cap it off, I had planned to pick up some waders/vest at llbean later this month.. so the unexpected 10% coupon they give me at the end was icing on the cake.

-Drew

Something that might be helpful for people getting into Fly Fishing:


$20 Flycasting Lessons at LLBean in South Windsor


I'm heading over on Monday to try it out..

[JohnB]

Drew; Something to think about. Although LL Bean does not call it a lifetime guarantee, they have a satisfaction guaranteed policy. Which means if you purchase a pair of waders from them and in a year or even 10 years they leak or wear out you can bring them back and they will replace them if you wish to upgrade to a more expensive model they charge you the difference. Not a bad investment: (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Gren]

I sure picked a great year to get into fly fishing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

90% of fly fishing in the area seems to be a no-go this summer.

This is the first time I think I've looked forward to the rainful of a possible hurricane...

I still have yet to get up the Farmington to try the upper TMA..



I'm hoping to head up to Barkhamstead on 9/11 to take a class and get SOME stream time in - we'll see how it goes.

-Drew