The final point, The Big Picture, resonates most with me. I truly love packing for a fishing trip. Taking inventory of flies and leaders, obsessing over which gear will make the cut (and then packing it all) feels like part of the trip itself, and makes my week in Montana/Maine/wherever extend to a month or two in the mind.
Can't wait for 'The Optimist'. This is making me want to go outside and practise some casting (and tangling lines, fumbling knots with cold hands ...) Bring on the spring!
As someone fairly new to DIY fly fishing (have been 10-12 times guided), the Big Picture is always hard to keep in mind. Especially after you fall in the river and it takes you 15 minutes to set up a double nymph rig...
Would love an article or suggestions about how to not look like a Bassmaster-turned-fly-fisherman. Tips on stuff that is American-made and made from natural, non-synthetic materials would be great!
One other thing I would add, as a newb who started right before the pandemic, is as cliche as it sounds Be Patient. Fly fishing was one of the first sports where I knew I was slowly improving but I couldn't see the benefit clearly, ie catching more fish.
I knew my casting was getting better but I didn't catch fish. I fell in the river less and wasn't taken an hour to tie on a new fly but still no fish. I read and listened to so many books (a couple recommended by Mr. Coggins!) It felt like I was reading waters and environment better and I still didn't catch fish. I asked lots of questions and hired a guide... caught a fish!
Then I caught a couple out on my own but still no where near what seasoned anglers do.
Unlike other sports I have experience with the improvement is dependent on an animal. A golf ball really doesn't care how hot or cold it is, what time of day it is, and doesn't spook at your shadow.
Still holding out for David's 3 hour interview with John Gierach about fishing, writing, and life in general.
Orvis stores in pre-pandemic times used to offer 101 casting class and a 201 advanced class that included local fishing. I have no idea if that still exists but the one on one instruction was very helpful. Other shops I’ve bought rods and gear from generally will also provide you with instruction. Plus Orvis has tons of videos online. I’ve been off and on trying to break into fly fishing for a long time, and I’m really looking forward to fish for largemouth bass in ponds this spring.
The final point, The Big Picture, resonates most with me. I truly love packing for a fishing trip. Taking inventory of flies and leaders, obsessing over which gear will make the cut (and then packing it all) feels like part of the trip itself, and makes my week in Montana/Maine/wherever extend to a month or two in the mind.
Can't wait for 'The Optimist'. This is making me want to go outside and practise some casting (and tangling lines, fumbling knots with cold hands ...) Bring on the spring!
Just don't fish the Driftless region. No trout here, and the scenery is hideously ugly. Did I mention there are no trout?
As someone fairly new to DIY fly fishing (have been 10-12 times guided), the Big Picture is always hard to keep in mind. Especially after you fall in the river and it takes you 15 minutes to set up a double nymph rig...
Would love an article or suggestions about how to not look like a Bassmaster-turned-fly-fisherman. Tips on stuff that is American-made and made from natural, non-synthetic materials would be great!
Love this David!
One other thing I would add, as a newb who started right before the pandemic, is as cliche as it sounds Be Patient. Fly fishing was one of the first sports where I knew I was slowly improving but I couldn't see the benefit clearly, ie catching more fish.
I knew my casting was getting better but I didn't catch fish. I fell in the river less and wasn't taken an hour to tie on a new fly but still no fish. I read and listened to so many books (a couple recommended by Mr. Coggins!) It felt like I was reading waters and environment better and I still didn't catch fish. I asked lots of questions and hired a guide... caught a fish!
Then I caught a couple out on my own but still no where near what seasoned anglers do.
Unlike other sports I have experience with the improvement is dependent on an animal. A golf ball really doesn't care how hot or cold it is, what time of day it is, and doesn't spook at your shadow.
Still holding out for David's 3 hour interview with John Gierach about fishing, writing, and life in general.
Orvis stores in pre-pandemic times used to offer 101 casting class and a 201 advanced class that included local fishing. I have no idea if that still exists but the one on one instruction was very helpful. Other shops I’ve bought rods and gear from generally will also provide you with instruction. Plus Orvis has tons of videos online. I’ve been off and on trying to break into fly fishing for a long time, and I’m really looking forward to fish for largemouth bass in ponds this spring.