On 11/22/03 1:06 PM, in article
, "Graham"
wrote:

Anybody got any good tips on Fly fishing and how to get started? I
want to know what it´s all about, how you get started, the equipment
you need and stuff like that.

Hi Graham, you've already got lots of good advice. Here's mine. First, go to
your local sporting goods store and purchase a 5 or 6 weight fly rod, reel
(non-automatic), and a weight forward or shooting head line (Or use my dad's
idea. Buy a double-taper line and cut it in half. Tie it onto 50 yards or
more of backing, with the heavy end outward. When it's worn out, take it off
and use the other half.). Expect to spend £50 or so for a decent setup, but
not more than £80-100. This is a beginner's rig. Wait until later, as
mentioned, for the more expensive stuff, when you figure out what you like
best and what works for your kind of fishing.

If the proprietor recommends something different for local fishing
conditions, go with that recommendation. What I suggest above is a good
general rig, which will work well in many situations. You'll also need some
tapered leaders and flies. If you are in the right store, the sales person
there will be giving you lots of good advice on which flies to use on what
local waters, and will show you how to tie all the stuff together. Good fly
shops here in the states usually offer casting lessons as well. Take that if
you can. If your clerk is just looking at you stupidly, and doesn't
understand what you mean by 5 weight shooting head line, then you are not in
the right store. Many large department stores and sporting goods chains sell
equipment, but you want a local shop that specializes in flyfishing, and can
help you get started correctly.

It's also a good idea to hire a local guide if you can. Here in the States,
the shops often have guide services or guides on staff. You can learn this
by yourself, but having a guide help you the first time out is a great
shortcut. Once you've gone with a guide for a day, or half-day, go back out
and practice what you learned.

When fishing a new area, stop in the local flyfishing shop and ask about
local fishing conditions and what flies and techniques people are using.
Purchase several of the flies they have recommended, even if you usually tie
your own. It's a good way of saying "thank you" and gives you something to
imitate or improve when you go back to your own bench.

Practice flycasting on a lawn or park if you must, or a pond or swimming
pool if you can. Tie a piece of yarn on the end of your tippet and see if
you can land it in a specific spot. Accuracy is better than distance at
first. Distance will come with time, if you practice correctly. That's why
casting lessons and periodic checkups are helpful. We all get into bad
habits from time to time, without noticing and having someone else watch you
cast can be very enlightening.

Best advice of all, FISH OFTEN! Nothing helps more than practice in real
conditions.

Tight lines!