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Post by BTLowry on Feb 14, 2019 21:02:27 GMT -6
How does a person learn from a distance?
Books?
Videos?
I imagine the best way to learn is by finding a mentor to take you in and teach you
i will say that I have not been to LMF yet that I did not meet someone that is willing to share info and get me catching fish
But in the event someone is not willing to help or I get up there and nobody is around I would like to know how to choose a fly, how to read the water to know where the fish should be, how to figure how far up the line to put an indicator to get the right depth, and on and on
I figure I can learn what I can and sharpen that knowledge on the water
if there is already a thread addressing this don't hesitate to point me that direction
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Post by huntnfish2much on Feb 14, 2019 21:54:52 GMT -6
Most everyone here will tell you to hire a guide. I recommend the same. Not knowing your level of experience, I would also go to your local fly fishing club and soak up all the combined years of knowledge there.
You should seek out a casting coach and take some casting lessons, too. A guide won't come out and say it, but they prefer to guide someone that has at least some basic skills.
If you're near an Orvis store, they can hook you up with casting lessons. I know they used to offer a class on the basics of fly fishing. There are other reputable fly fishing stores and outfitters that offer lessons, too.
I'll reiterate the suggestion of joining your local fly fishing club.
JR
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Post by fwood on Feb 14, 2019 22:05:00 GMT -6
On my first trip to Beavers Bend I had no clue for setup of the gear for this location. I had gone with friends that had been there before and they showed me what they were doing. I caught a few fish but wasn't really satisfied that I really knew anything. I had previously fly fished for warm water fish for many years and been successful. I learned that some of the patterns for bass and panfish would also work for trout, such as woolie buggers and streamers. Still not satisfied, my next stop was the fly shop in the park. A huge wealth of knowledge is there. My next step was to hire a guide for a trip, letting them know I was a trout novice (as if they wouldn't already have recognized that) and what my expectations were. I just wanted the basics and to catch a few fish. And with that first guided trip I was more successful immediately than learning from my friends that were novices themselves.
I started catching fish virtually immediately. The guide chose the fly patterns and told me why for those flies. Showed me a basic rig for nymphs and droppers. Explained how to determine the depth from the indicator etc. He was my initial teacher and I tried to be a good student. I probably caught 6 or 7 fish on that outing and I was very happy with that. I've used that same guide and several others since then. I always learn something different and add to what I knew before.
Utube has so much content about trout fishing and fly fishing you could never see it all. If there is a local fly fishing store in your area, I'd recommend you stop by there. Many give lessons on the basics for free even. You just have to get out there and do it. Don't be afraid to ask questions or have a few failures.
After posting this I reread your question.
1). Find a local shop or even better a local fly fishing club.
2). Go fly fishing. Sounds crazy but start in your local waters, keep it simple and catch some simple fish (perch, small bass).
3). Take some entrance level casting lessons (likely the local fly shop or club). Learn to roll cast.
4). Read some books on casting and fishing techniques
5). Practice, practice, practice
6). Hire a guide. Explain what you're looking to achieve. If he's not receptive to what you're trying to do, hire a different guide.
Rememder it's a journey, continue to learn and expand your knowledge.
Enjoy it, but it's really not about the fish.
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Post by glitchmo on Feb 14, 2019 22:48:03 GMT -6
Guide - Probably the fastest way. You're paying someone to a) show you how to catch fish on that water system and b) knowledge dump
Go fishing - go fish whatever water is closest whenever you can. If absolutely nothing else, you will get better at casting
Talk to people fishing - Most people will share tips, flies, methods, etc... (especially if I see you're fishing C&R)
Read everything - Just do a bunch of google searches on whatever topic you're looking for. Try general, try specific, try different wordings. That will get you Forums Articles Fishing reports
Orvis podcast - Some people hate Tom. I don't. I've found it a valuable resource for increasing at least the breadth of my knowledge. It probably won't help you catch more fish in the run you're fishing tomorrow, but I think I've learned a ton overall, and its helped me be much better at reacting to new situations. Fish a lot And don't be surprised when two or more of those give you conflicting or opposite advice. There are several right ways. |
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Post by lipripper1983 on Feb 14, 2019 23:34:14 GMT -6
I read articles online and books I picked up from amazon. Lots of youtube videos. And then I taught myself with the knowledge I read about and have been very successful so far. You can do just about anything nowadays thanks to the wealth of information that you can find on the internet.
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Post by golferjeff on Feb 15, 2019 8:57:02 GMT -6
How to choose a fly..... you can't go completely wrong with any mayfly nymph imitation in size 14-20. Egg patterns are dirty but will always give you a chance. Tailwater like LMF - midge pupae always a good choice.
Depth of indicator - 1.5x water depth is a good start. Add shot as necessary.
Where to fish - find a bubble line or the convergence of two currents. Fish will always be where the food is. Also the line between slower and faster water (seam).
I learned to flyfish by reading books. Many others prefer youtube. I felt compelled to learn bugs, life cycles, and trout history.
And what everyone else said - go fishing, hire a guide on new water, ask questions.
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Post by BTLowry on Feb 15, 2019 20:20:56 GMT -6
Thanks for tha advice
Anybody from the Tyler area?
Or know if Lonestar Flyfishers is still an active club? Website has not been updated in over a year and I don't do the book of faces
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Post by FlyAndStream on Feb 15, 2019 20:56:30 GMT -6
I’m from Lindale, let’s fish together one day.
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Post by huntnfish2much on Feb 15, 2019 21:11:06 GMT -6
I live in Longview. I'll check with my friend, David, to see if they're still active. For the longest time, he was a member of the East Texas Fly Fishers and that club in Tyler.
Oh, by the way... I looked it up yesterday. The Fly Fish Texas event is happening TOMORROW, 02/16, in Athens, TX. That used to be THE show to go to for fly fishing and fly tying instruction.
I don't know why there wasn't more information put out about it. They usually have some really good speakers and instructors.
JR
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Post by dainw on Feb 16, 2019 8:33:01 GMT -6
I mean, you can read all the books and watch all the YouTube videos you want, but there’s no substitute for on the water experience. You just have to get out and fish, figure out what works and what doesn’t. You’re gonna have to have some days that you get skunked and fall on your face. Hiring a guide can shorten the learning curve a little. Just have to put in the time..
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Post by BTLowry on Feb 16, 2019 9:17:18 GMT -6
I’m from Lindale, let’s fish together one day. Would love to and I am in Lindale as well, Tyler was just a bigger target  |
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Post by slim on Feb 16, 2019 9:55:06 GMT -6
Two days at 2018 Trout Camp was a great way
to meet and learn. It was just not enough time.
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Post by adamant on Feb 18, 2019 18:15:12 GMT -6
I've always been fascinated with fly fishing but have never tried it, as a kid growing up my uncle would fish the rivers on the Tule Indian Reservation in the Sierra Nevada's. I watched him limit out everytime with Rainbows and German browns. I would like an honest answer as what to buy from an experienced fly fisherman on a good starter rod and reel. Amazon has great deals and was looking for a good starter combo. I've fished all my life from rivers (trout) bass, salmon, deep sea fishing but all have been with spinning combos. Any help as to rod length/weight, line, weight forward/ floating and tipet length? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
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Post by hankinsfly on Feb 18, 2019 18:57:20 GMT -6
You should get outfitted in person at the Beavers Bend Fly Shop. That way you can cast a few rods and give em a wiggle before you buy. Buying online, you just don’t know what the rod will be like until you have it in hand. Support the shop!
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Post by turfdawg on Feb 18, 2019 19:24:02 GMT -6
I've always been fascinated with fly fishing but have never tried it, as a kid growing up my uncle would fish the rivers on the Tule Indian Reservation in the Sierra Nevada's. I watched him limit out everytime with Rainbows and German browns. I would like an honest answer as what to buy from an experienced fly fisherman on a good starter rod and reel. Amazon has great deals and was looking for a good starter combo. I've fished all my life from rivers (trout) bass, salmon, deep sea fishing but all have been with spinning combos. Any help as to rod length/weight, line, weight forward/ floating and tipet length? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated If there is anyway you can I would get a guided trip from the shop first. |
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Post by Fenwick on Feb 18, 2019 19:32:55 GMT -6
adamant: First, start at the Beavers Bend Fly Shop, the business behind this website. That'll pretty much do it for all the gear. Getting advice in the shop and going for a half day with a guide will inform you of the essential kit we all carry: A fishing license Fly rod Fly reel Fly line Fly line backing Leader Tippet Fishing line nippers Strike indicators Hemostats aka foreceps. Zingers / retractors that keep you from dropping your line nippers in the drink Split shot A fly box Flies A pack or vest to carry these items on you Chest waders A belt for the waders Wading shoes A clear rubber fishing net that is preferably 12 inches deep A bungee for the net 100% UVA / UVB filtering polarized sunglasses Baseball cap with a visor / something like that
Personal preference and more often than not your personal budget determines the brand and model of the gear you acquire but that generic list is what we all have on us streamside. For the most part (though some here will differ in opinion) the Lower Mountain Fork and rivers out west could generally be considered a 9 ft. 5 wt. rod environment with 4 wt. leader and 5 wt. tippet.
The Euro style you read about in here is a whole 'nuther creature from the old school traditional norm. Start with the traditional basics. Of the 1001 "How To" books on fly fishing I found one simple and straightforward quick read to my liking: Common Sense Fly Fishing Author: Eric Stroup Publisher: HeadWater Books www.headwaterbooks.com |
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Post by adamant on Feb 19, 2019 22:07:42 GMT -6
adamant: First, start at the Beavers Bend Fly Shop, the business behind this website. That'll pretty much do it for all the gear. Getting advice in the shop and going for a half day with a guide will inform you of the essential kit we all carry: A fishing license Fly rod Fly reel Fly line Fly line backing Leader Tippet Fishing line nippers Strike indicators Hemostats aka foreceps. Zingers / retractors that keep you from dropping your line nippers in the drink Split shot A fly box Flies A pack or vest to carry these items on you Chest waders A belt for the waders Wading shoes A clear rubber fishing net that is preferably 12 inches deep A bungee for the net 100% UVA / UVB filtering polarized sunglasses Baseball cap with a visor / something like that
Personal preference and more often than not your personal budget determines the brand and model of the gear you acquire but that generic list is what we all have on us streamside. For the most part (though some here will differ in opinion) the Lower Mountain Fork and rivers out west could generally be considered a 9 ft. 5 wt. rod environment with 4 wt. leader and 5 wt. tippet.
The Euro style you read about in here is a whole 'nuther creature from the old school traditional norm. Start with the traditional basics. Of the 1001 "How To" books on fly fishing I found one simple and straightforward quick read to my liking: Common Sense Fly Fishing Author: Eric Stroup Publisher: HeadWater Books www.headwaterbooks.comI really appreciate the feed back. I have and carry most of the basics, agIn I've been fishing for 45 yrs but never fly fishing. Your advice is very helpful, thank you |
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Post by coldwaterfly on Feb 20, 2019 7:21:48 GMT -6
Both of my parents fly fish and so did my late grandfather. I learned how from them, but I do enjoy watching YouTube videos that focus on different techniques and tactics.
Rolf Nylinder (from Europe) has the best fly fishing videos on YouTube hands down.
A close second is Tightloops Fly Fishing, however they focus mostly on photography and Instagram, but they have some insane footage from Yellowstone a few years back.
I would encourage you to never stop learning and trying new things. Get out on the river and put it into practice.
-Cory
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Post by freebird on Feb 22, 2019 11:20:42 GMT -6
I highly recommend the guide Trey from the fly shop. He's very clear, concise, and patient. He taught me a number of things, but most importantly put me on A LOT of fish!! Everyone I've met at the BBFS has been extremely friendly and helpful whenever I've gone out there  |
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Post by BTLowry on Feb 22, 2019 18:00:17 GMT -6
I highly recommend the guide Trey from the fly shop. He's very clear, concise, and patient. He taught me a number of things, but most importantly put me on A LOT of fish!! Everyone I've met at the BBFS has been extremely friendly and helpful whenever I've gone out there I don't know Trey but I have fished with Jenn and she was patient, encouraging and full of helpful pointers Most everyone I have met in the shop and on the water has been pleasant and helpful Any of you listen to any fly fishing related podcasts you would recommend? I usually have something playing while I am working around the house and sometimes when I am traveling back and forth to work. |
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