I'm getting into fly fishing and need tips

[texas_ex2000]

Not sure if this is the right forum, but wanted to hit up Hornfans for tips, wisdom, advice for a newbie getting started.

 

[dalhorn1]

my only advice I can offer is: buy a book and learn to tie your own flies, always go for one model up from what you're eyeing, and free your calendar each summer for a trip up to the Rockies, Tetons or Idaho/Dakotas.

Depending on where you live, go practice in water, not standing on the side of a pool.

 

[brntorng]

Find a local fly fishing club and attend a meeting. They're located throughout Texas and across the country. Where you located? Lots of free advice and plenty of fishing partners eager to teach you how to get into the sport. It can be as expensive as you want it to be. Plenty of acceptable to outstanding gear choices available across the price spectrum.

You don't have to tie your own flies, but it will allow you to tailor flies to what you're trying to catch more so than buying ready tied flies. Don't tie because you think it will save money. It won't. But it is satisfying to catch fish on flies you've tied and even designed.

 

[NickDanger]

I would be happy to tell you all that I know. PM if you want me to. Stay away from Austin Angler. Represents everything wrong about fishing.

 

[brntorng]

That won't be hard. Austin Angler closed a few years ago. I didn't care for the shop, either, but there were some really good guys who worked there. Three fly shops in the Austin area, soon to be four. Five if you count the measly fly fishing section at some Academy locations.

Sportsman's Finest--Bee Cave
Living Waters--Round Rock
Cabela's--Buda
Orvis--Arboretum (opening soon)

 

[NickDanger]

I flyfish for serenity. I don't like to be owned by my gear or by the need to have the biggest fish (dick). If you want to get into it for the escapism as opposed to the trophyism, I can help.

 

[brntorng]

I, too, fly fish for the serenity, but I enjoy learning to excel at catching fish while I'm enjoying nature. If you want to learn to catch fish with a fly rod, you know how to get in touch.

 

[NickDanger]

I meant no offense.

 

[brntorng]

None taken. I know fly fishers who are happy to just get outdoors and don't care if they ever catch a fish and others who are just as hardcore as Bassmasters guys. In the end, fly fishing is just another technique to add to a fisherman's arsenal. I've heard it compared to archery in the hunting world and I think that's a good analogy.

 

[NickDanger]

This is just my personal perspective.

Flyfishing requires so much concentration it crowds out the rest of stuff for me. If the rest gets crowded out, I really don't care about the number or size of the fish.

 

[texas_ex2000]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm in DC right now. Secret...it's a great underrated spot for outdoors activities. You have the Chesapeake and Annapolis a 35 min drive to the East and the Blue Ridge Mountains/Shenandoah 40 mins West. And you have great fishing opportunities right in the city along the Potomac. Can't wait for the foliage to get in and head to the streams next week. If I catch anything, I'll post my first trophy pic here.

 

[brntorng]

You're right, plenty of fly fishing opportunities around DC. The spring stripped bass run in the Chesapeake is a great fishery if you can time it right. Good luck!

 

[Mrmyke709]

Rio Grande perch from the San Marcos...this is a big male, he was maybe 1/2 a pound off from being a state record on 4x tippet.
Used a foam grasshopper.

 

[Bye Week]

Nice!

 

[BMBMD]

Take casting lessons from a certified instructor. And learn how to tie good knots-albright, loop, improved clinch, nail, blood.