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!

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.

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

Where are you located? Give us the general area and we may be able to give you some contacts that can help.

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.

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!

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 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.

Where are the meetings located? I'd like to try to make the next one.

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

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

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.

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

Thanks Russell,
I hope to be able to make it on the 3rd!

John

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.