Fly fishing can be a little bit of a daunting sport at first but one way for beginners to improve their skill is to hire a guide. Whether it be a float trip on a river or a walk and wade on a stream, a good guide will advance not only your casting but also all the other skills involved in the sport. A few things can help make your first guide trip a success.
First make sure the guide knows your skill level and what you want out of the trip. Be honest with him/her about your casting ability and your desire to improve. Let them know that you want to tie your own knots etc. So you can improve your skill level.
Secondly ask questions, ask why you are using the particular fly you have on, ask why you are fishing it where you are etc. Most guides are happy to share their knowledge of fly fishing and “their” water.
Thirdly, pay attention to the instructions given, there is good reason for the instructions the guide is giving you, act upon them. If they ask you cast again, cast again, if they say closer to the bank, cast closer to the bank if possible.
Lastly don’t be intimidated by the guide, they want as much as you do for you to have a good time. Make sure and have fun, treat catching a fish as a bonus. Take time to look around at your surroundings and ask questions about the flora and fauna and most importantly, relax, it’s just fishing.
Take time to look around at your surroundings and ask questions about the flora and fauna and most importantly, relax, it’s just fishing...
