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New Needing Help
#6987466
12/29/11 03:16 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
JPF
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19 |
Hey guys & gals, My wife bought me a fly rod and reel for Christmas because I have always though fly fishing was something I would love to start doing. Here's my problem - I have absolutely no idea what I am doing. Now I've been with a friend but I really only know how to cast (not great but ok).
Do you folks know of any good resources (magazines, books, websites) for beginners?
Any good places in north TX to practice?
Any basic rules on fly selection?
What all basic gear will I need?
I hope I don't sound too incredibly ignorant in my questions, I just really want to get started on the right foot. Thanks for the help, I'm sure your answers will bring up more questions for me, try not to be too hard on me!
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6987482
12/29/11 03:22 PM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,239
rrhyne56
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,239 |
Welcome to the zoo  We usually have GTGs in the area. Keep an eye out here. Also, Texoma on the Fly will happen next month as well as Red River Rendevous. Try to attend both. You'll meet a ton of great folks. Cabelas and Bass Pro both have regular casting classes. Call for details.
"have fun with this stuff" in memory of Big Dale RRhyne56, Flyfishing warden
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6987514
12/29/11 03:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 188
kentuckytroutbum
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 188 |
JPF-
I understand your pain. When I started fly fishing it was confusing because it seemed that there was a ton of info out there and you don't know what is useful and valid.
Since you are a "beginner", I would recommend you get a book named "LL Bean's Guide to Fly Fishing" authored by Dave Whitlock. Whitlock has fly fished for years, and is quite an accomplished fly tyier and water color painter. His illustrations in the book were done by him, and are very informative. He goes through the types of lines, leaders, tippets, flies, etc. Which knots to use to connect the backing, lines, leaders, tippets, flies,etc. Also, his discussion of the life cycle of various aquatic insects is great. Also, he explains various streamside equipment that you will eventually want to get such as waders, nets, floats, drift boats, and other things. His chapters on casting take you through the basic steps in the cast, and also the solutions to casting problems.
The book is softbound, and about 1/2 inch thick. I still refer to my copy if I get stuck on an issue.
Bill
Last edited by kentuckytroutbum; 12/29/11 03:41 PM.
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6987575
12/29/11 03:48 PM
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,244
RexW
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,244 |
Where are you located? Give us the general area and we may be able to give you some contacts that can help.
Fly Fishers International certified casting instructor TFO Rods pro staff
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6987666
12/29/11 04:11 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 264
fwkid
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 264 |
I always suggest going with a guide for a day or finding a friend who is an experienced fly fisher, nothing like actual experiencing and actually "getting it" before you dive into this crazy addiction.
The first time I ever fly fished was with a friend who showed me the basics, I never really understood what a tippet was or a false cast or nymphing until I was actually on the water. From there on, everything I read made so much more sense. Now I'm the one taking him fishing.
Fun times ahead.
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6987826
12/29/11 04:54 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
JPF
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19 |
I am in Fort Worth. Thanks for the book reference, just ordered it off Amazon. My brother goes every year to NM and I am invited this year and want to make sure I get the most out of the trip.
This spring I'd like to find some spots to practice and get more knowledge about flies, seasons and techniques. Any and all help/criticism is welcome!
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6987891
12/29/11 05:19 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 468
wwest
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 468 |
Idea to deepen the addiction: Go over to Bass Pro and grab a few wholly buggers and small poppers. Then go to any pond where fishing is allowed and practice your roll cast..much easier learned on water than on grass...and short 1-2" strip retrieve along the bank. Bam-o, its a bluegill! And so it begins............... 
In this life there is fly fishing and tying...and then there is all that other stuff in between that doesn't matter.
Will
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6987896
12/29/11 05:22 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 400
Super8mm
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 400 |
There is also a group called Fort Worth Fly Fishers that have monthly meeting and try to have a couple of outings a month, one local and one further away.
They are great in helping you with casting and all sorts of things. There meeting are the first Tues of the month so one is coming up soon.
I am proud of our troops
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6987963
12/29/11 05:44 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
JPF
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19 |
Where are the meetings located? I'd like to try to make the next one.
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6988078
12/29/11 06:21 PM
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,244
RexW
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,244 |
The Fort Worth Fly Fishers can help you get started. Les and Russell should be along here soon and they can answer questions about the group. Here's the link that shows where they meet. http://www.fortworthflyfishers.org/wb/pages/home.php
Fly Fishers International certified casting instructor TFO Rods pro staff
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: wwest]
#6988139
12/29/11 06:40 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 188
kentuckytroutbum
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 188 |
Idea to deepen the addiction: Go over to Bass Pro and grab a few wholly buggers and small poppers. Then go to any pond where fishing is allowed and practice your roll cast..much easier learned on water than on grass...and short 1-2" strip retrieve along the bank. Bam-o, its a bluegill! And so it begins............... There is a Cabela's near Ft. Worth, might be closer to you than Bass Pro. Nothing against BP, but personally, I prefer Cabela's. IMHO Bill
Last edited by kentuckytroutbum; 12/29/11 06:46 PM.
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6988285
12/29/11 07:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 42
sdoherty84
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 42 |
Stephen at Backwoods on 7th street is a great place to start. He always spends hours with customers, he will take you out to cast rods across the street and you will find yourself with the indoor practice rod in no time. He is a great resource to go to anytime. PM me for some great fishing spots around town.
Calling Fly Fishing a hobby is like calling Brain Surgery a job.
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6988667
12/29/11 09:07 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,959
Trout Bum
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,959 |
well, let me chime in. i am russell the president of the fort worth contingency. we have a great club, and can help you get started. our next meeting will be tuesday the 3rd. go to our website for details. there is also a map under the become a member, or meetings tab. great bunch, and great club. come see us!!! pm if you need anything
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6988755
12/29/11 09:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
JPF
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 19 |
Thanks Russell, I hope to be able to make it on the 3rd!
John
Last edited by JPF; 12/29/11 09:32 PM.
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Re: New Needing Help
[Re: JPF]
#6989359
12/30/11 12:02 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 268
MHawk82
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 268 |
I took a 1 hour casting lesson, watched a bunch of videos on youtube, and three weeks later was on a steelhead trip. I recommend watching some of Lefty Kreh's vids on youtube. Then just get out and practice. I think that each time I get out, even if the fish aren't biting, there is something learned. You'll learn your "real" range while out on the water without the distraction of fish. By "real" range I mean where you can cast comfortably, efficiently, and put the fly where you want it.
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