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Newbie to the Sport #13664453 08/11/20 08:12 PM
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ExileOnMainSt Offline OP
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Hey everyone,

As the thread title suggest, I am totally new to the sport of fly fishing. However, having done it once in Wyoming, it has always been in the back of my mind to pursue it. Due to Texas seeming like not the best and most welcoming place to fly fish, I haven't really pursued it, but I'm willing to give it a go now.

Now I'm not looking for all the secrets to fly fishing in this thread. Just looking for little tips to help get a beginner going in the right direction. I live in the San Antonio area, so any tips for this general area would be greatly appreciated. I know this is probably a super general topic, but just thought I would give it a shot in hopes of finding a forum mentor of sorts.

Thanks,
Exile

Re: Newbie to the Sport [Re: ExileOnMainSt] #13664466 08/11/20 08:22 PM
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4Weight Offline
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I would find a friend who fly fishes to loan you a rod to practice with. I did that 15 years ago when I started. Tie on a strike indicator and practice in the yard or in the street. Make sure he has an old line on that reel as the concrete will tear it up a bit. That is the way I learned to cast. Go watch some youtube vids on the fundamentals and get after it.


Aztec Anglers San Juan River Guide Service
www.aztecanglers.com
Re: Newbie to the Sport [Re: ExileOnMainSt] #13664485 08/11/20 08:32 PM
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COFF Online Content
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Bass Pro Shops used to put on a free casting 101 class once a month. Pretty good way to get some basic instruction. Not sure if they still do this in Corona times, but you'd have to check your local store.

After that, get a practice caster and look up the Lefty Kreh on youtube.


Re: Newbie to the Sport [Re: ExileOnMainSt] #13664609 08/11/20 10:35 PM
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IslandJim Offline
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Exile: You live near lots of great flyfishing water. Right now, many activities are curtailed due to the Pandemic, but check with alamoflyfishers.com and hillcountryflyfishing club.com, and see if they can give you some guidance. The flyfish shops like Orvis and others can probably help, but may want to sell you something. Austin has several shops. I recently decided to take up the sport again after a 60-year interval. I went to a casting clinic in Corpus and was surprised how well I did with five minutes of supervisory help! I watched the Mad River Outfitters Youtube series and it was very helpful. Good luck! IslandJim


I'm an Eighth Day Adventist. On the Eighth Day, God went fishing!
Re: Newbie to the Sport [Re: ExileOnMainSt] #13665058 08/12/20 11:43 AM
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ExileOnMainSt Offline OP
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Thanks everyone for the tips and references to other sources of information!

One final thing, can someone give me a good link or a good description of the stream access situation here? I've read TPWD's articles and whatnot on the issue but it makes my head spin haha. Maybe it's just because I'm new to this arena.

Re: Newbie to the Sport [Re: ExileOnMainSt] #13665336 08/12/20 03:39 PM
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Glitchmo Offline
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Originally Posted by ExileOnMainSt
Thanks everyone for the tips and references to other sources of information!

One final thing, can someone give me a good link or a good description of the stream access situation here? I've read TPWD's articles and whatnot on the issue but it makes my head spin haha. Maybe it's just because I'm new to this arena.


Try this link

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/stream_access_report

The short version is: If a river is big enough to be floatable, it is generally legal to wade or float it as long as you stay within the riverbed. It's not 100% clear, so I would respect no trespassing signs, even if you're pretty sure you technically have the right to be there.

Road crossings are good access points, public parks, etc...

Re: Newbie to the Sport [Re: ExileOnMainSt] #13665603 08/12/20 06:48 PM
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Texas is a great place to fly fish. You just need to change your prospective. I have documented fly fishing records on over 20 species of fish in Texas. Most of them were not from rivers or streams. If you are just starting out, I would suggest starting with sunfish. You are in a great area to find sunfish, including bluegill and redears. You may even run into a Rio Grande cichlid. Check out the bluegill sunfish forum for locations. There is also good fishing for several bass species. Trout is seasonal and they stock in your area. One of my freshwater favorites is to catch carp on a fly. Good luck and let us know how you do.

[Linked Image]

Re: Newbie to the Sport [Re: ExileOnMainSt] #13666640 08/13/20 05:30 PM
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hadite81 Offline
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Started fly fishing in January, and fell in love with it. I taught myself after watching a few YOUTUBE videos and some land practice. A bit harder out on the water, but came to me fairly easy. ( not saying I am doing it right though...)
I fish the Guadalupe in the winter for trout after the stocking. I am trying to find the time for summer fly fishing, but too hot.
I am in the SA area as well. If so inclined, I have a couple of vids up on YT showing my first time casting and catching fish. nothing compares! Video is a two parter, and poking fun at myself... LoneStar Renegade tv

Re: Newbie to the Sport [Re: ExileOnMainSt] #13667053 08/13/20 11:35 PM
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Jim Ford Offline
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Contact Living Waters Fly Fishing in Georgetown and order a copy of Aaron Reed’s new book, ‘Fly Fishing Austin & Central Texas’. It’ll give you access points to more places than you can fish in years, with tips on how to fish them. Well worth the investment. There are some beautiful rivers and creeks within a short drive, and you’ll be surprised at how secluded some of them seem. I’ve fished some of them and can’t wait to go back.

Re: Newbie to the Sport [Re: ExileOnMainSt] #13667091 08/14/20 12:04 AM
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welcome to the TFF! thumb


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IGFA World Record Rio Grande Cichlid. Lake Dunlap.

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Sinner's Prayer. God forgive me a sinner. I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior !
Re: Newbie to the Sport [Re: ExileOnMainSt] #13667973 08/14/20 07:30 PM
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Canoeman1947 Offline
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Aside from Aaron Reed's excellent book, there is also "Flyfishing the Texas Hill Country" by Kevin Hutchinson. This book is out of print, but copies can still be found (though might be pretty expensive). Also, available in Kindle books from Amazon, there is "Flyfisher's Guide to Texas" by Phil Shook, for $9.99.

Larry

Last edited by Canoeman1947; 08/14/20 07:34 PM.
Re: Newbie to the Sport [Re: Canoeman1947] #13669608 08/16/20 05:45 AM
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1. There are 14 pages of advise in the first thread above. 2. Many public ponds have grass banks,devoid of brush, with many bluegill or crappie. That's a great place to practice casting and catch a few fish. 3.. there are many great videos on casting, or check internet for a nearby ff club. Covid has shut down many club instructional outings, but some individuals or clubs may still offer help with social distancing. 4. Look on YouTube videos for the COAF Field Team channel; they post here and frequent many public ponds with good casting and fly selection hints

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