New to fly fishing and hooked! BUT, I need help with casting. So here is my question. Cabela's and Bass Pro both have their classes and then there are private casting classes. Wish is best? Can the free class's be as productive than a private class? Thanks for any input!

Obviously the paid classes will likely be more one on one etc. But the help available at the BPS and Cabela's ain't shabby. Why not do the free classes and then be in a better position when/if you elect to take paid classes?

Thanks rrhyne56! That is what I was thinking as well, just was not sure how good the classes were at Cabelas and BPS. Really appreciate the input!

I would like to mention that Orvis offers classes. The classes are also free. You can check the link below to find the store nearest you. I hope this helps.

http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?subject=2232

I took both of the beginner classes at Orvis in the Woodlands and had a great experience, Jerry and Jose were awesome, helpful and extremely patient.

What I know about fly casting was self-taught & all learned while on the water fishing . Catching fish is the best motivator to keep learning.. I have found that most folks will figure things out for themselves with the proper motivation. That being said, when it comes to fly casting there are very few who do it well or correctly right from the start. The trick is to learn good technique and understand your physical limits as well as the gears. Don't push for more distance out of a cast than you or your gear can handle as this practice results in the types of injury that take a long time to heal. Most of the guys I fish with are over 50 and have age related sore joints and muscles from too many years of pushing ourselves and our gear too hard. If taking a class or two can help you learn good technique with fly casting then please do so.. it will pay in the long run and keep you flying for years to come..

I have taken the bass pro class first hour is going over basic fly eqpt. then you go learn two basic casts I felt it is worth it.

I'm probably biased, but I think there is a lot of value to getting some formal casting instruction from a good instructor. A lesson will significantly shorten the learning curve.

I don't think the cost of the lesson is as important as who the instructor is. I've seen some poor instructors that charged a lot of money for their "lessons" and I've received some free help from some incredibly talented instructors.

Hey, for the price, how can you pass up a free lesson from Cabela's, Bass Pro, Orvis, etc.? Usually, these are group lessons and the amount of material covered will depend on how large the group is, smaller group size is usually better for the students. But, these classes are a great place to start.

Local fly fishing clubs often have opportunities to learn to cast. They can also help you to sort through your area's casting instructors to identify the better one's if you do want to go the private lesson route (I usually take at least one private lesson each year).

If you've got a good instructor, you will learn more during a private lesson than you will during a public group lesson. But the key is to find a good instructor.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone for the input!!!