New to fly fishing

[joeymarine]

I picked up a fly rod over the winter and began teaching myself how to cast on opening day on the Rockaway River. Let's just say that it didn't work. Between the wind and the current I'm lucky I didn't tie myself in a knot.

I decided that White Meadow Lake was a better way to learn. 5 trips later, just about ready to give up....I finally get the hang of casting. Well, what might resemble casting. Ok, I got the fly in the water further than at my feet.

I was starting to get discouraged when last night, it finally happened. The right fly, in the right spot. BAM! Bluegill. Crappie. Crappie, Bluegill. Nothing special, nothing big. But my first fish on a fly rod. Seeing the swell and the fly disappear was amazing. I'm hooked.

Now to get back on the river and catch me a trout!

 

[tomfly]

Just hang in there everyone has experiences that you described. You will get the hang of it, there is a learning curve. It will all come together and when it does, you will see that it is worth the learning pain.

 

[NJFred]

Congrats on getting involved in the best of all sports. My suggestion for your casting is to watch a number of on line videos. You'll find some very good ones. Go out on a nearby lawn and practice your cast. Start short and then go longer as you feel more comfortable with short distances.

We are all here to help you! Every fly fisherman has had a lot of help by others along the way. I can tell you everyone of us feels we are obligated to help newbies like yourself. We have a wonderful debt to pay! One of the beautiful aspects of the sport.

Please post your progress and questions so we can see how you are doing and help in any way we can!

 

[lightenup]

Make sure you don't false cast in front of Simms, he will heckle you.....
Welcome.....and good luck!!!!

 

[Trout Guy]

Congrats on getting involved in the best of all sports. My suggestion for your casting is to watch a number of on line videos. You'll find some very good ones. Go out on a nearby lawn and practice your cast. Start short and then go longer as you feel more comfortable with short distances.

We are all here to help you! Every fly fisherman has had a lot of help by others along the way. I can tell you everyone of us feels we are obligated to help newbies like yourself. We have a wonderful debt to pay! One of the beautiful aspects of the sport.

Please post your progress and questions so we can see how you are doing and help in any way we can!

Well put.

One of the biggest factors in fly fishing for trout, is being able to stealthily sneaking up on them. They spook at the slightest noise, cast of a shadow, poorly placed cast, etc.

 

[emoussa]

Get out on the south branch raritan tonight. Last night around 8, sulphurs started coming off like crazy. Best hatch ive ever seen. Tie on a size 16 yellow dry fly with a similiar emerger as a dropper and hold on!

The gorge is packed with fish! We really should have more C&R areas in this state..

 

[lightenup]

Get out on the south branch raritan tonight. Last night around 8, sulphurs started coming off like crazy. Best hatch ive ever seen. Tie on a size 16 yellow dry fly with a similiar emerger as a dropper and hold on!

The gorge is packed with fish! We really should have more C&R areas in this state..

Before the hatch starts , swing a pheasant tail soft hackle, and then as they start to hatch fish the same fly in the film....deadly when the sulphurs, or any mayfly are hatching...

 

[fluid1]

I strongly recommend getting a guide if you can afford it. I learned more about casting, knot tying, flies and reading water from great guides I was able to hire over the years. In NJ, Google Autumn Brook Angling. Great guy, very pleasant demeanor to hangout with.

If you don't want to pay, videos are definitely the way to go, and just watch people on streams you go. Most of all, take the time to just enjoy the activity.