Sticks and Stones Fly Fishing Camp (06/28/2016)

Day One (6/28/2016): 

The morning fog lifted off the stream as the campers started rigging up their fly rods.  This was a special morning in that all five fisherman were newcomers to the sport of fly fishing.  It's always important to make a great first impression for the new anglers, to make it a memorable experience that they want to come back and do again. 

                               

We spoke about the types of fly choices that can be made, how to assemble a fly rod, reel and a basic knot to connect the fly to the tippet.  Once all of the fly rods were ready to use, I had them use a Temple Fork Outfitters office caster to get used to the basic false and roll casts --  the two types of casts that we would most likely use throughout the day.

I'd also like to take this chance to recognize that all of our fly rods have been graciously donated by the Temple Fork Outfitters Company.  We really enjoyed using the NXT Series Rods and Reels, they are a great product from an outstanding fly fishing company!  If you are looking to buy a rod and reel combination, no one offers a better product for the price.

As the instruction progressed and the anglers understood more about the concepts of fly casting and safety, we had the boys go out in the water and experience the real thing! Before they left the parking lot we tried to instill in them that it isn't all about catching trout, it's about the whole experience.  We wanted the boys to take it all in, the environment, wildlife, relax and step away from other issues that are going on outside of fly fishing.

Wouldn't you know it, ten minutes later we hear one of the boys yell out, "FISH ON!"  He played the fish like he had done it before.  Although the fish came off as it got to his feet, we told him that it absolutely counted!  All of the fisherman were super excited for their friend to experience the thrill of catching a trout on a fly.  As the day went on the boys were getting more and more used to casting with the occasional snag, but we would quickly untangle it and let them know that it happens to everyone.

A bit later into the session another boy (pictured below) caught another nice brown trout which was a great way to end the first session of our fly fishing camp.  We look forward to fishing again on Thursday and having another great day on the stream!  Awesome work today!