James At Division 2

[Arofishing]

Headed up stream from Division at the James last night. The fishing here was unlike almost everything I've done this summer. This section of the river is quite narrow, has quite a few obstacles and structure in the way of down trees, even some 5 foot drop offs from the shore, and is just gorgeous. From what I hear that is what fishing Crane is a lot like. By far one of my favorite stretches of river.

Started off the night with a 10 inch Largemouth that my friend scared up to me from down stream . Caught a fat Goggle eye and 3 or 4 small smallies. Rounded out the night with a nice 12 inch small mouth. I've attached a picture of the fly I used. I made it a few nights ago, and currently its the closest I can get to a wolly bugger without marabou and hackle, but it definitely works! Just made for my friend and another one in black for myself. (Note that the bug in the photo is the one I used last night, so it's a little beat up.

[OzarksRiverman]

I need to learn how to fly fish. Using the old spinning gear is great, but it's starting to get old (and easy).

[Arofishing]

I need to learn how to fly fish. Using the old spinning gear is great, but it's starting to get old (and easy).

Well so long as you have the desire to learn, I wouldn't say it is all that difficult. I am self-taught, really just beginning in July, using OAF and Youtube as my main references. Just don't expect to cast much over 30 feet in the beginning and you should do fine.

My friend (who got into fly fishing the same time as me) had the same attitude regarding the ease of catching fish on his spinning gear. It was getting to the point where he was just expecting to get a fish and it wasn't as rewarding. In certain conditions, I'd say fly fishing is actually easier (if top water is working, much better and varied options with a fly rod), but on the whole I'd say its more challenging: space restrictions (have to be cognizant of surroundings), harder to throw big bugs and keep smaller fish off, can't get down deep very easy, can't cast as far, you have to play a fish and can't just muscle it in (this I find the most rewarding part about it). All that said, once you get the hang of it, I think you have more control over the placement of your bug and with enticing the fish (you can be much more delicate, giving it the slightest twitch with your control hand instead of moving the entire rod). I've found that bass fishing is bass fishing regardless of fly rod or spinning. They'll eat almost anything, including the ugliest stuff I've concocted in the most amateur of ways. Trout, now there's a whole 'nother story. Going to the North Fork of the White next weekend and I am hoping I don't get skunked!