Hi, the wife and I, are going down to derbyshire in july, for a couple weeks fishing holiday, (coarse of course), but on the site is a couple of trout pool/lakes, I fancy I might have a go at fly fishing for trout, but the problem is, I've never cast a fly-line before. Am I going to get myself into a tangle, is there a knack to casting? it looks quite difficult to me, or will I get away with conventional float casting technique? Mind you, I'll keep well away from other fly fishermen, I would'nt want to spoil thier day.

Cheers... "Potential fluff chucker"

...hoppy

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been there done that

Hi Hoppy,

Blimey - a text description of fly casting's gonna be difficult....!!

I'll have a go but I really would recommend either finding a friendly "fluff chucker" to show you the basics or buy a book and practice in the garden...

1st - Wear some protective headgear! I'm not joking, when you first start casting a fly you WILL whack yourself in the back of the head.... a fly in the ear bloody hurts I cna tell you....

Anyway - forget all you know about casting in the conventional style... think of casting the fly as a bit like gaining momemtum on a swing...you know, swing your legs back on the back swing and swing your legs forward on the forward swing?

Of course, you won't be swinging your legs but it's the same principle...

Assuming your right handed, hold the rod in your right hand RELAX, strip off some line from the real with your left hand, hold the line in your left hand just below the rod....

Think of the rod as an extension of your right forearm and imagine that your wrist is locked.... start with the rod parallel to the ground, then at the same time as pulling the line down (through the rings of the rod) quickly but smoothly raise your arm to 90 degrees, the rod will bend and the line will stream out behind you..........

hmmm, this is REALLY hard to describe and I'm not sure I'm doing it justice....I think you really do need a quick half hour's personal tuition to show you the basics... sorry mate....


Simon

Well it's a start Simon, thanx.
I'm not sure, but I think there may be someone on site to show me the "ropes" so to speak, if not, I'll ask around.
Cheers...hoppy

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been there done that

Hoppy
If you go to the Fishing in Wales site there is a very short video on the overhead cast that may give you the basic idea.Also there are some animations of casting on several flyfishing sites on the net. Nothing beats one to one help though. Once you are hooked invest in a couple of lessons its well worth it.

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Umber

Thanx, Umber, I've just had a browse on the wales sites,the vid looks well and some other sites are very informative too,
grand stuff
cheers...hoppy.

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been there done that

the most important thing is no matter how good or bad you think you are is wear some shades gotta keep your eyes

Hi Umber,
What is the web site for that fishing in wales. My wife is trying to learn to fly-fish and wants a look at it.
Cheers
Dave

Found it. Any other sites we could look at on how to learn how to fly fish would be appreciated. Espescially if they have short video clips. Thanks
Dave

Hello Dave, hoppy here, I've had a look at the welsh site you're looking for,try it. http://www.fishing-in-wales.com/index.htm
some useful stuff on there.
good luck...hoppy


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been there done that

Cheers Hoppy,
Didnt know it was so easy to tie knots in a leader
Good fun this though, trying to fly fish that is.
Must get there one day before my better half starts taking the mick.
Dave

Hi Dave, I see Hoppy has given you the Welsh
web site. Heres another you can try, not sure it any videos on it though:- http://www.sexyloops.co.uk/ Hope you do decide to have a go, dont forget its not only for trout fishing, many coarse fish can be caught on the fly. great sport.
ATB Umber.

Hello Dave and Hoppy, This site does not have a video but uses photographs in I think quite a clear manner. Give it a try. Starts with a roll cast and continues with the
overhead cast.
http://www.troutandfly.co.uk/guide.html
Umber

Cheers guys, I shall certainly have a go at this. Practising like mad in the garden ready for Cornwall in July.
Dave

BIG tip - don't start learning or practising with the wind in your face. You'll wonder why you can never get it right! (In time you'll be able to cast into a gale). With a breeze behind your back you will find the leader and line flick out nicely, which builds confidence. My first week trout fishing was in Ireland, loch fishing which is a bit of a cheat because with the howling gale we were usually fishing in there was no trouble getting a long line out - but it meant I was able to develop a smooth rythmn which served well on dry land. You cant do better than have a hour or two tuition from a pro - most trout fishery managers will get you started for twenty quid or so and will spot where you are going wrong - usually letting the rod go past the vertical backwards, and bending your wrist - both no-nos. The way to beat those two traps is to imagine not letting the rod go past 11 o'clock, and stuffing the rod handle down your sleeve!
Good luck, its great fun once you master it. Pike on a fly is much more fun than trouting, and bass taste nicer so don't think its all put and take rainbow trout fisheries!