Instruction for Beginners
Casting and fishing 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 at a different pace but most students acquire the necessary skills to start fishing with with a fly rod after a couple of instruction sessions.
The introductory program recommended for most indivduals is structured around three separate sessions. The first session, typically two hours long, focuses on safety, fly fishing and fly casting as they differ from other fishing styles, reviewing the equipment including rod, reel, line, leader, tippet, and flys, and the basics of casting with details on grip, stance, line control, loading the line, and a basic pick up and laydown cast. The second session at one hour reinforces the casting instruction in the first lesson with adequate time for self discovery. A second casting tactic, the roll cast, is introduced. The third lesson, also an hour long, is geared towards improving the efficiency of the casting stroke and learning how to handle the "fishing" part of fly fishing.
All equipment required for the class is provided. I encourage potential students to wait until after completing the instruction before purchasing any gear. Of course, if you already have the gear bring it. Classes are taught in one of two locations located in the Galleria area of Houston. Other locations can be arranged.
Because your safety is an important part of the learning experience, students are requested to wear sun glasses for eye protection and a hat. With classes outside it is always prudent to use sunscreen, bring insect repellent, and have some cold drinks in the car.
A typical lesson plan for a beginner follows:
- safety
- fly casting and fly fishing
- understanding the terminology
- description of equipment
- how to set up a fly rod
- grip
- line control
- line management
- stance
- casting stroke and the 'stop'
- loop formation
- foundation pick-up-and-laydown cast
- roll cast
- shooting line
- hook, play, land, and safely release fish
- false casting
- dealing with the wind
- essential knots
- etiquette
View and print out a copy of a typical beginner's lesson plan.