Fly Fishing is Easy and Fun

By Mia Sheppard

Growing up as a kid I have found memories of catching fish with my family.  I still visualize clear river bottoms, playing on the shoreline and watching the wiggle of a fish on my line. Those memories kept me going back to rivers and eventually  I started fly fishing. There was a lot to learn about a fly-rod such as, what weight rod and line to use,  how to cast, tye on a fly and where to go, it was intimidating but achievable and something new to learn.

 My first introduction, I borrowed a rod from a friend and he showed me how to tie on a fly and the basic casting stoke of stopping the rod tip at 10 and 2 o’clock, an hour later  I was on the river fishing.

Fly fishing is simple and fun, this is how to simplify.  Start with a singlehand rod. You can fish for all different types of species once you know the basic skills… trout, steelhead and multiple saltwater fish such as roosters, bonefish and Tarpon are a blast to target with a singlehand.   You will discover skills such as; fighting a fish on the reel, mending the line for better presentations, and the basic casting stroke that can be applied to a two handed rod down the road. Fly-fishing is Zen on the water and a great weekend sport to share with the family

You can fish for all different types of species with a single hand… trout, steel head and all the saltwater fish in the ocean. Learning with a single hand you discover skills such as; fighting a fish on the reel, mending the line for better presentations,  and the basic casting stroke that will be applied to other equipment down the road.

 Three recommendations for starting the journey are:

1. Go to a local fly shop or club, the amount of knowledge, resources and wiliness to teach a newcomer is overflowing. 
2. Borrow a rod first, some fly shops will loan gear. 
3. Attend a clinic or clave in your region.

Gear

Gear doesn’t have to be expensive, here’s a few links to companies that make rods under $500.00 Rajeff Sports, Orvis, are making fantastic price-point rods and reels.

Links to women specific sights

http://www.flyfishergirl.com/

http://wulffschool.com/staff.html

http://reel-women.com/rwblog/sample-page/lori-ann-murphy/

http://www.intlwomenflyfishers.org/

How to Resources

http://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/video-lessons/chapter-one-the-basics-of-fly-fishing

http://takemefishing.org/fishing/fly-fishing/fly-casting/fly-casting-basics/

 Find a Club

http://www.fedflyfishers.org/Resources/Locate/ClubsCouncils.aspx

Mia lives in Oregon with her husband, daughter Tegan and pointer Cedar. When she isn’t doing dishes, swing a fly for steelhead or guiding for Little Creek Outfitters she  works to conserve our public lands for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.  She is also an ambassador for Simms Fly Fishing, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, and Rajeff Sports andWooldridge Boats.

Check out Mia’s previous post about how to row a boat here…