I'd like to learn to fly fish this year, so what's the best way to get into it? Take a class? Buy some gear and go stand in a field like a weirdo practicing without a fly on the line? Is it better to spend a bit more money and get a better setup than entry level stuff when I'm starting out?
Here is my perspective based on having fly fished for almost 45 years.
Learning to fly fish is not that difficult. Learning to turn it into an art form can take a little while. With the right teacher (no need for an instructor) you should be able to cast enough to catch fish.
It is better to learn on water because you cannot load the rod as well when casting onto grass.
Learning all the nuances of fly fishing, such as what flies to use (dry, wet, naturals, artificials, patterns), how to read water, when to use a floating line, slow sink tip, fast sink tip or full sinking lines and under what conditions, will take a lot more time, just like any other sport (did you learn to downhill in a day?).
You can buy a combo rod kit like the Dragonfly II in a 5 or 6 weight single hand fly rod that comes with a reel. This is an example available at Canadian tire:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/sports-rec/fishing-accessories/fly-fishing/dragonfly-expedition-2-combination-fly-rod-9-ft-1780681p.html?utm_campaign=bazaarvoice[HTML_REMOVED]utm_medium=SearchVoice[HTML_REMOVED]utm_source=AskAndAnswer[HTML_REMOVED]utm_content=Default
It costs about $160. Do not dis the rod based on its availability from CT. I purchased one of these combos 5 years ago and it is a very good basic (somewhat slow action) rod that has caught me a huge number of fish. You do not need a fancy reel, it's only somewhere to store the line. When fishing for smaller fish you fight the fish on the line and do not need a reel with a decent drag system. Buy a floating line and if you want to continue to fly fish buy yourself a fast (6 ips) sinking line for fishing in lakes.
Do not buy a fancy rod until you know you want to continue to fly fish. Even though I have quite a few nice rods, I still fish with the Dragonfly. Once you are addicted then you soon find you have a whole stable of fly rods for all types fishing and different species of fish.
I would recommend you start with the 6 wt, because this will allow you to catch trout and fish up to pink salmon (coming next year) and even small coho. More fun than most people can imagine.
Learn to fly fish with the floating line, it's a lot easier than a full sink or sink tip line.
This series of instructional videos makes the process of learning to cast very clear:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRxehBEnCX8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g-9nudZCDY
This one is also pretty straighforward:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl0yc7LwWrk
A great place to learn and practice is one of the many stocked lakes in the Lower Mainland, such as Rice Lake or Lefarge.
Makes sure you have a license and understand all the regulations and understand what you can keep and what is catch a release. Aalways fish with barbless hooks and please respect the fish.
If you are located anywhere near North Vancouver and are truly interested in learning to fly fish, I can give you a lesson and supply the gear up at Rice Lake.
PM me.
