Evolution as a fly angler

[trythisonemv]

I am very addicted to fly angling these days and have enjoyed watching my skills evolve from a sloppy , fish spooking newbie to an accurate, educated fly fisherman . To really get into the science of trout and how they feed in the water column has been top of my list. I have studied hours of video and spent long days logging hundreds of casts on the stream to get to where I am. I am astounded every time I find new strategies or figure out how fish are biting on a certain Day. I have a desire to continue learning and to start sharing my skills with others who want to get into fly fishing. I have taken a few people out and have had the pleasure  of having access to this site and be able to post and give advice to folks. You're never to old to learn or except constructive criticism 

[laker67]

Good for you Alex. You will spend a lifetime learning,  and learning to love this sport. Each new day can be just a little more exciting than the day before. Each new fish a little more special than the one before. And the ones that get away or the ones that are impossible to fool, are the most special of all. A lifetime of memories will await us all.

[fishinwrench]

It is an activity chock with fulfillment.  Careful not to spend too much time fretting things that don't matter (drag free drifts, tight loops, tuck and steeple casts, ect.) and use that salvaged time to perfect things like staying upright in fast water, and navigating slick rock.   Try not to fart in your waders, and always go pee TWICE before putting them on. 

[Gavin]

De-evolution to practical is possible too. Fly fished exclusively for 20 years. Still better than good at it. Get my most satisfaction out of making a good cast and watching them come and get it. Toss a bait caster mostly for bass. bought 50/30/20 fly/spin/cast for trout but snook & tarpon have been 100% fly. Will toss caster and a walking bait at those snook next time though. 

 

[trythisonemv]

The peeing thing is solid advice nothing worse than having to drop those waders in the woods! Lol and I have fallen twice now which brought a good laugh! Fooling the selective ones is my favorite though

[fishinwrench]

"Selective trout" is another magazine term that you'll grow out of.    Writers throw that into articles just to make their stories longer or more interesting.  It's not real.  

[trythisonemv]

I don't know about that wrench. I have had days where they would be eating flies and no matter how close I got it to them no takers until I switched to a smaller size fly. I think there is at least some selectivity there lol

 

[jtram]

Trout are a generally dumb fish. Regularly smarter than me but I truly believe over thinking it has cost me more fish than anything else. I have probably caught more fish on a #10 prince than any other fly. Not to mention I fish #14 midges, and that is WAY bigger than the natural. Get your fly down and they will probably (maybe, hopefully) eat it. Stupid fish.

[fishinwrench]

2 hours ago, trythisonemv said:

I don't know about that wrench. I have had days where they would be eating flies and no matter how close I got it to them no takers until I switched to a smaller size fly. I think there is at least some selectivity there lol

 

True, you're not gonna catch every fish in the river no matter what you do.  But darn few will not open their mouth for a little yellow/orange ball or something olive that we like to call "leeches".  

[ness]

23 hours ago, trythisonemv said:

You're never to old to learn or except constructive criticism 

Shoulda been "too". Shoulda been "accept".