Casting Classes

Harry Crofton, a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor and a Texas Parks and Wildlife licensed freshwater guide, has put together a program of classes and casting clinics that provide something for everyone. Casting instruction is based on the five essential elements of fly casting that make up all casts as identified by Bill Gammell and his late father Jay. Individual and group instruction can be provided. Wheter you are getting ready for that once in a lifetime trip to jump tarpon or just workin' over the bass in your favorite stock pond, casting instruction with a Certified Casting Instructor can make your fishing experience more enjoyable. What follows is a brief description of fly casting and fly fishing instruction in the Houston area that provides something for everyone - from the novice to the guy trying to reach that redfish in the next cove. Equipment is provided for all lessons.
Why use a Certified Instructor ?   E-mail me any other questions.

Getting Started - Your First Fly Casting Lesson

Casting classes for beginners are designed to teach a person who is brand new to fly fishing. It is assumed that the student hasn’t received any organized fly casting instruction and has had little exposure to fly fishing in general. Everyone learns at a different pace but most students acquire the necessary skills to start fishing with a fly rod after a couple of instruction sessions. Review a typical Beginner class plan.

Intermediate Fly Casting Lessons – Learning the Essentials

The intermediate level casting classes expand your knowledge to include all five essentials of fly casting. This level provides the building blocks required to advance most casting skills and to make you a better fly fisherman. These classes are structured so that you are exposed to the five essentials of fly casting. You will be taught to analyse your cast and to make corrections and provided with practice drills. Look over a typical Intermediate class plan.

Customised Fly Casting Instruction

Instruction can be provided that focuses on your particular area of interest. Want to start or improve your double haul? Want to improve your presentation and accuracy? Want to cast nymphing rigs or bass bugs? Need to execute slack line casts? ... I can help. Customised instruction is a great way to drop old habits and develop new, efficient skills that will make your time on the water more enjoyable. Review a typical Customised or Advanced Class plan.


What About Equipment Requirements?

If you don't own a rod yet don't rush out to buy one before taking the Getting Started class. Equipment can be provided for the lesson and it may be better to take a few classes before investing in gear. If you already have a rod, bring it.


A Word About Safety

Because your safety is an important part of the learning experience, students will be required to wear eye protection and a hat. With classes outside it is always prudent to use sunscreen, bring insect repellant, and have some cold drinks in the car.

On the Laxa near Myvatn, Iceland Releasing a redfish near Rockport - photo courtesty of Sam Caldwell Harry Crofton releases a red for futher duty - the painting by Sam Caldwell The best part of the day on the Grenlaeker near Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Iceland A Llano Guadalupe bass being released Redfish in Rockport Lightning on the South Llano near Junction Texas After a day bonefishing near Tulum Geared up to deal with the midges on the Laxa An isolated tarn near Talyllyn (Gwynedd), Wales

Updates

Maryland small stream fishing

posted 18 Aug 2010

Small stream fishing in Maryland

Got a chance to fish a small stream in Maryland recently with my brother and his boys. Spectacular setting for wade fishing a small stream that sees little if any fishing pressure. A 2 wt was the choice for the day, Here is a picture of one of the smaller sunfish caught that day.

http://friendsofthedevilsriver.com/

Friends of the Devils River

posted 30 May 2010

Friends of the Devils River

The Friends of the Devils River sponsored the first annual "Run for the River" raffle benefiting the Nature Conservancy of Texas and Dolans Falls Preserve. I didn't win first place prize - a three-day Gerald-Bailey-guided trip down the Devils - but check out the photo of the custom paddle that I did win.

What?

posted 25 May 2010

What?

Two trips to the Llano in May and this is one of the fish caught. But I don't exactly know what it is. Click on the picture to get a better look. If you can identify it let me know by e-mail.

Llano in May

posted 12 May 2010

flower

The river has finally come down to fishable levels after the rain in late April so I took my first trip of the year to fish the Llano. Not sure I have ever seen so many wildflowers. The Guads and sunfish were as coopertive as ever.

Ron at Seven Lakes

posted 4 May 2010

Ron

The picture shows Ron with one of the bass caught on a recent Saturday at Damon's Seven Lakes. Ron bid for and won a year long Seven Lakes membership at the TFF Auction. To get a jump start on fishing the Lakes, the auction item came with me guiding to show him the ropes along with some coaching to improve Ron's casting.

Spring Classic at Bass Pro

posted 24 February 2010

Fly Lines

I will be at Bass Pro Katy for the Spring Fishing Classic on Saturday and Sunday the 27th and 28th of February. On Sunday I will give a presentation on selecting flylines covering the basics of fly line construction and the right lines for use in various fishing situations.

Classes at Bass Pro

posted 1 February 2010

Casting Class

I will be conducting casting classes at the first Fly Fishing Festival held by Bass Pro Pearland on Saturday the 13th of February. Come on down and check out the other events that Brent Ewald has lined up.

Belize

posted 29 November 2009

Belizian Bones

Great trip down to Ambergris Caye for some snorkeling and fishing. The local bonefish may not be big but they were plentiful. Check out Severo Guerrero if you need a guide.

Herve's mackeral

Herve taught me (and the guides) a new twist on the ballon indicator. Check out this king mackeral caught just outside the reef at Ambergris Caye.

Back to the Llano

posted 20 October 2009

Miss Prissy

Spent my birthday in Castell for some fishing on the Llano. With the recent rains in the Hill Country, the river was in great shape and the fish were very cooperative. Caught some of the biggest Rio Grnade perch that I have ever seen. Thanks again to David and Lucy.

Breambugs.com

posted 21 September 2009

Miss Prissy

Great prices and instant service. Last year I forgot to put up a stock of Miss Prissys before my spring Llano float. Breambugs delivered everything overnight. For next week's trip I planned better, so express delivery was not required. Check out Breambugs' website and tell Don I said hi.


Golden Gate Casting Club

posted 6 September 2009

Golden Gate Casting

On a recent trip to San Francisco I took the time to visit the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club's casting pond located in Golden Gate Park. It isn't the easiest spot to find in the park but it is worth a visit especially if you bring a fly rod.


Offshore Fly Line Selection

posted 1 June 2009

Fly Lines

Join me at Bass Pro's Pearland store on Saturday the 6th of June for a presentation on selection of fly lines of offshore fly fishing. I will cover the basics of fly line construction and the right lines for offshore use.


Llano Float and Fish Trip

posted 1 June 2009

Llano

I just returned from six days of fishing Llano up near Castell with my good friend Herve. We floated the river between the 87 bridge and Castell, splitting the trip into a two day float. The river was lower than I had seen it in the past but the fishing was good. The trip included my first sighting of a mountain lion and a screech owl. The largest bass was a 17 1/2" largemouth although Herve contends he broke off a few larger ones.