Howdy!
When is the last time you tried somethin’ new. I mean brand spanking, makes you humble NEW?
Recently I went out to the river with my great pal Walt to learn a few basics about the wonderful world of fly fishing.
Say hi to Walt.
He taught me lots.
We practiced knots and casting on the field and along the banks of the San Miguel River.
He has lots of awesome gear…
Here are a few things I learned…
- Casting goes way beyond 10 & 2. If you got trees behind you, don’t do a giant overhead cast.
- You will not look like Brad Pitt in A River Runs Through It your first time out. (Actually this may never happen.)
- Make sure you have a great friend and amazing guide who really knows this sport. Don’t go at it alone.
- Fish go after all sorts of flies. From teeny tiny eggs to nymphs to aquatic bugs to full on terrestrial critters. All depends upon the season, nature dictates what artificial fly to use.
- You gotta choose the fly that is right for the situation at hand.
- There are loads of confusing knots that need to be tied correctly for success.
- Fish swim downstream so cast up…let you line float down.
- Fish like to hang out in areas where the current is calmer..near rocks and stuff.
- You will tangle your line.
- Make sure you have enough clear leader so your fish don’t see your line.
- People take the time to make their own flies so they can mimic the natural bugs in the water.
- I like the flies with pink on them. They are only used at certain times, much to my dismay.
- Try not to tear your ACL while skiing…this will give you the opportunity to get off the bank and into the water.
All that said…I respect fly fishing more than ever. Now that I realize the nuances and precision that go into the sport.
I always thought of it as a slow & not active enough sport for me. That is bull****
This is an amazing way to be at one with nature, enhance your mind and your body.
I learned I can wear the pink flies in my Tilley hat…even though I can’t use ’em all the time.
Before you head outdoors to learn how to cast you need to get yourself a fly rod and reel.
I checked in with my pals at Telluride Angler and ended up with a beautiful Scott fly rod and a Nautilus reel.
Both are made in the USA. The Scott rod is made locally in Montrose, CO.
I purchased a 8.5 foot, 5 weight fly rod. This is the perfect setup for the creeks and lakes around here.
If you were out in the deeper water…let’s say fly fishing off shore in Florida or Patagonia you would go for a heavier weight rod.
Make sure you test some rods at the angler shop to see which one suits you best. They even have women’s specific models.
John, my informative guide at the store…talked me through process of choosing the perfect rod. He rigged up a few of ’em and we went out the back of the store to practice casting.
The rods felt really different and it was obvious which one was the perfect fit for me.
When you first practice casting you will most likely be in a big open field…with nothing to get your line caught on.
You will practice Overhead casting and all sorts of other ones like Roll Cast, Side Cast and Steeple Cast.
My best advise is take your time, try not to get too frustrated and enjoy the outdoors, great company & process of learning something new.
So you might be wondering if I caught anything…well not yet.
But stay tuned for Fly Fishing 101.1…The Catch.
Enjoy your weekend!
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That looks like it was loads of fun! It has been far too long since I last went fishing!
Kevin, I have been trying to get out there more…tricky as life gets so busy. I’m craving it like crazy though!
Hopefully you can get out there again really soon Kevin….soooo fun!
Sounds like fun! (Love the pink flies, too!) 🙂
Ha! Aren’t they the perfect accessory!
Love this post! Although, I have never tried fly fishing, I recently hooked my first worm on a fishing hook, and rowed the boat while my two friends and I took our kids fishing. Love trying new things (even if we didn’t catch any fish)! The kids had a blast, and you’re right about it being so peaceful and relaxing :-). Looking forward to part 2!
Wow! That sounds like so much fun! Awesome that you shared that experience with the kiddos 🙂
Looks so fun Marla!! xoxo
Wish we could do this together Jenny!
Love this Marla. Every bit of it!
What a fun new hobby to take up! I love that you’ve gone all “Colorado mountain girl” with the shooting and fishing, haha – too cool! Such a great example for your kiddos, too – they should never be afraid to try new things, like their mama!
You’re making me want to grab my fishing pole, so fun (even with the brace!) xo
Oh my goodness! First pheasant hunting and now fly fishing? What can you NOT do? Colorado is totally in your blood. 🙂
Ha! Traci you are awesome! Thanks…. It sure is 😉
Sounds like so much fun!! Never done this before.. We are always up for a challege
The flies look super cute in your hat!
Why thank ya Nessa!
My boys are dying to go..guess it’s time I learned:).
Oh girl….they need to! Bet the fishing is great where y’all live!
You look so rugged and tough and strong and totally in your element!
A fun and interesting activity! perfect for enjoying the beautiful countryside.
Cheers,
Rosa
Absolutely is Rosa!
So cute, Marla!
You are definitely an adventurous gal, Marla!! Love learning all about fly fishing 🙂
Love that top pic of you! And what a great lesson in fly fishing. Will be trying this in Colorado soon!
That is awesome Kelly! Enjoy 🙂
Looks like you had a great time 🙂