Going fly fishing in a couple weeks, what shoes to wear?

[Hammock Parties]

Going to be standing in a river, obviously.

I need some new sandal-type shoes anyway, so I thought I'd get some I could use on this trip, too. Was looking at the store tonight, but though I would do some research first.

Is something like this going to work?

https://content.backcountry.com/images/items/900/CHA/CHA007D/ASKHUN.jpg

Does it even matter what I buy, as long as they are a decent pair of flip flops? Because these are $80 and I don't want to be laughed at like the guy in the other shoe thread.

I was going to buy like some $10 cheapos but don't want to fall on my ass in the river or something if that's a danger with the wrong pair of footwear.

[eDave]

$40.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61NElbI3A-L._SL1500_.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/BIEN-Fishing-Bootfoot-Waterproof-Hunting/dp/B07F6GQ529/ref=asc_df_B07F6GQ529/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=311998322334&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16491992578991354114&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029997&hvtargid=pla-567707472386&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62421706072&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=311998322334&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16491992578991354114&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029997&hvtargid=pla-567707472386

[Hammock Parties]

Yeah I don't think that's for summer fly fishing.

[TribalElder]

Fly fishing for trout happens in cold ass water usually

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

Just wear some socks . Don't need to splurge on stupid shit

[Tombstone RJ]

Try these:

https://fanatics.frgimages.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productimages/_3377000/altimages/ff_3377447-08833c704b64723727edalt1_full.jpg&w=900

[Buehler445]

I work too much to fish but I think it is legit waders, yo.

[mr. tegu]

Where at? But yes, the water will be much colder than you think. Waders with appropriate boots over them are generally what’s required.

[displacedinMN]

https://excitedsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/7C302D8E160CC00A5506140192AD7C0D.png

We are so helpful around here.

[mr. tegu]

You could go cheap if you think the water is shallow enough.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/white-river-fly-shop-three-fork-insulated-lug-sole-hip-waders-for-men

[Hammock Parties]

So this won't require waders.

Stop posting them.

[mr. tegu]

If you want to risk the water temperature and get something you might use more, Keen water sandals are awesome. They wear like a tennis shoe with support and grip but are breathable and waterproof.

https://www.keenfootwear.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-keen_catalog_master/default/dw0a22f5de/product-images/M-NEWPORT-H2/1001907/1001907_P_PDP.jpg

[srvy]

I would go chest waders in cool spring fed streams. If not just some water shoes or boots.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814wO+31SDL._AC_UL320_.jpg

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81sYOLPcsCL._AC_UL320_.jpg

[HonestChieffan]

freeze your ass off in trout water.

[Hammock Parties]

We will be in Washington, BTW.

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

We will be in Washington, BTW.

2 pairs socks , you'll be fine.

[threebag]

http://log.liminastudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/DSC00006.jpg

[mlyonsd]

Old pair of tennies you dont care about.

[Hammock Parties]

If you want to risk the water temperature and get something you might use more, Keen water sandals are awesome. They wear like a tennis shoe with support and grip but are breathable and waterproof.

https://www.keenfootwear.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-keen_catalog_master/default/dw0a22f5de/product-images/M-NEWPORT-H2/1001907/1001907_P_PDP.jpg

oh interesting - i might go with these

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KKGX911/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyS1pJRUFSWllWWkxIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjc4OTY0Wk 40QVNOQkdQT01NJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2MDcyODAySzJWSERQNFUzRDA3JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsMiZhY3Rpb2 49Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1&psc=1

[Hammock Parties]

Old pair of tennies you dont care about.

I had also considered this. Maybe I will.

[srvy]

Trouble with water sandals is pebble and pea gravel get in and hurt like hell when you step down.

[displacedinMN]

I would go chest waders in cool spring fed streams. If not just some water shoes or boots.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814wO+31SDL._AC_UL320_.jpg

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81sYOLPcsCL._AC_UL320_.jpg

Now your talking.........

[frozenchief]

Washington state? The. Why wouldn’t you need waders? Water there can
Be quite cold depending on where you are.

I’ve been fly fishing for over 15 years. Can’t remember last time I wasn’t fly fishing. So here’s what you need to decide:

1. What is your water temperature? you say you won’t need waders but if water temp is < 70, you’ll be surprised how fast water can take heat away from your body, especially flowing water.

2. What is the bottom of the river like? Is it sandy or rocky? How large are the rocks? How fast is the water? If the water flows fast over rocks, you need something with grip. Trust me on this. Rocks can get slick and in fast moving water, it does not take much to fall down.* If water is fast, I would urge you to get a wading stick as well. Wading stick is just like a cane but designed to be used in water. Extremely helpful when traversing either large underwater rocks or fast flowing water or, worse, both.

If it were me and I knew, absolutely knew I did not need waders, I would use the following shoes:

https://www.simmsfishing.com/shop/mens/footwear/riprap-shoe-felt-s17

Simms is a great manufacturer of fly fishing gear. Top quality. I spent $500 for their waders over a decade ago and I am still using them. And if I have a problem, they would honor their warranty and either repair or send me new ones. Their quality and guarantee are top notch.

Second, these shoes have felt soles. Nothing grips like felt in fast moving water. Unfortunately, some parasite eggs can live in felt, so felt soles are banned in some states. My research does not put Washington on that list, but I know several western states do prohibit felt soles. Alaska, my state, prohibits felt soles, which really sucks when I have to go on the Naknek and other waters. If I am right and Washington does not prohibit felt soles, get these. They run a little small so order ½ a size larger than you would expect. I use a similar pair of sandals when I go salt water fishing.

If you have other questions, feel free to PM me. I can give you some good recommendations about: rod, reel, line, flies, presentation, casting, etc. I will tell you beware because once you catch a fish on a fly rod and you see how challenging it is to cast and then to land, you can quickly become addicted.


* this is another reason to consider water temperature. I’ve lost my footing and a nice sunny day suddenly because quite cold as your whole body is submerged.

[KS Smitty]

Why do you think you wont need waders? Most of the fly fishing streams are fed by glaciers, the sun doesn't shine a lot in Washingtom and the water moves swiftly. I would look for a USGS or USCOA site that can show real time temps of whatever streams/rivers you'll be fishing. We have an artisian spring that runs 55 degrees year round, that's cold ass water and you don't want to have your feet in it for more than 2 or 3 minutes.

[Fat Elvis]

2 pairs socks , you'll be fine.

LMAO

[threebag]

2 pairs socks , you'll be fine.

He’ll have to fuck them before he puts them on

[Flying High D]

Pro tip: make sure you can squat while wearing them.

[Graystoke]

Going to be standing in a river, obviously.

I need some new sandal-type shoes anyway, so I thought I'd get some I could use on this trip, too. Was looking at the store tonight, but though I would do some research first.

Is something like this going to work?

https://content.backcountry.com/images/items/900/CHA/CHA007D/ASKHUN.jpg

Does it even matter what I buy, as long as they are a decent pair of flip flops? Because these are $80 and I don't want to be laughed at like the guy in the other shoe thread.

I was going to buy like some $10 cheapos but don't want to fall on my ass in the river or something if that's a danger with the wrong pair of footwear.

Although those look great, look for a pair of sandals with no overlaying straps or hanging material. They need to be snug. The reason for no overlaying straps is the fly line will get hung in the material at your feet.
That water is going to be cold as F. Waders are the way to go

[Hammock Parties]

Waders are the way to go

PSA: Waders are not required.

[Hammock Parties]

Why do you think you wont need waders?

It may have somethnig to do with the fly fishing guy telling me: YOU DON'T NEED WADERS.

[Hammock Parties]

If it were me and I knew, absolutely knew I did not need waders, I would use the following shoes:

https://www.simmsfishing.com/shop/mens/footwear/riprap-shoe-felt-s17


$120?

You're subjecting me to even more ridicule than the Chiefs sneaker people.

[loochy]

1.) The water will be cold as hell. Hope that it'll be a sunny day because you'll get cold AF.<br />
<br />
2.) You shouldn't wear regular shoes. You'll end up breaking your ankles or knees because of slipping on the rocks. You need the ankle support from a stiff pair of boots and you need the grip of a felt/vibram rubber/metal studded sole. I can't believe that the guide won't have boots that you can wear.<br />
<br />
3.) For what it's worth, when I do wet wading in the summer I wear my boots and a pair of neoprene gaiters/gravel guards. The setup looks similar to what you can see me wearing here:

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/e0GMJiZ"><a href="//imgur.com/a/e0GMJiZ"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ptlyon]

The looch... Bangin some browns

[loochy]

The looch... Bangin some browns<br />
<br />
Wet wading at Tahoe!<br />
<br />
It was cold in the morning.<br />
<br />
The gaiters are nice for keeping your feet warm plus keeping mud, sticks, and pebbles out of your boots.<br />
<br />
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1193/3666/products/guard-sock-simms-orange-fishing-gear.jpg

[Megatron96]

If the guide says you won't need waders, you probably won't need them. I wouldn't recommend sandals; too much crap gets between your feet and the insole that hurts.

I'd buy a cheap pair of hiking boots at Wally world. And a cheap wading stick.

When I first started fly-fishing that's what I did (wasn't sure at that point if I was going to really like fly-fishing). This covers your need for a good tread pattern and your need for ankle support. Later, if you decide you really like wading, you can get the Simms/Orvis/whatever boots and waders.

I have 6 sets of waders, 5 pairs of boots, 4 pairs of neoprene wading socks. That's over $3000 in footwear alone. But I'm obsessed.

What I have learned in nearly 20 years of fly fishing, is that you don't need to actually wade much. Nowadays I spend very little actual time in the water (excepting a few tailwaters I fish), and if I do, I usually don't get deeper than my knees. I can't remember the last time I was in over my waist. It's been almost ten years I'm sure. Point being, you should ask your guide/friend exactly what to expect while wading. How deep, how fast the water, how cold, bottom composition, etc. But as a general rule, if you don't have to get deeper than your knees, you don't need waders.

Also, remember that the spot that you usually think would be a great place to stand in the water and fish, that's almost 100% of the time where the fish are. Figure out how to fish the spot you would've been standing in.

If you opt for the neoprene wading socks, remember to wear some kind of sock underneath it or getting in/out of them will be a real pain. I'd recommend a med.-weight merino wool sock or a capilene sock, but anything besides cotton will do. While on that subject, don't wear cotton underwear. Basically don't wear cotton. Cotton takes forever to dry and if you do get your junk wet, and the water's cold, and the air temp is below 75, or it gets windy, your berries are going to be fairly uncomfortable for the rest of the day. Duluth Trading Armachillo underwear works well. But again, anything not cotton will do.

Also if you get the neoprene socks, remember to turn them inside out and let them air-dry to prevent fungus. This will reduce odor and will prevent the fungus from eating your socks.

Hope some of that helps.

[loochy]

I'd buy a cheap pair of hiking boots at Wally world. And a cheap wading stick.
This covers your need for a good tread pattern and your need for ankle support.



If you opt for the neoprene wading socks, remember to wear some kind of sock underneath it or getting in/out of them will be a real pain. I'd recommend a med.-weight merino wool sock or a capilene sock, but anything besides cotton will do.



This is all wonderful advice. Definitely don't go with sandals or water shoes. You'll turn your ankles and jam and cut your toes from slipping on the rocks.

[scho63]

Ask him what he wore.....that should work.



https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/9iHAWeWJFVC4N1EW71i-i4lwpoQ=/1200x0/smart/filters:quality(70)/arc-anglerfish-syd-prod-nzme.s3.amazonaws.com/public/QYXJDA67HBHGLON5UBL52THVPQ.jpg

[frozenchief]

From the upper Copper River in SW Alaska. This rainbow was about 26" or so.

[loochy]

From the upper Copper River in SW Alaska. This rainbow was about 26" or so.

Yeah, but shouldn't have worn waders and you should have worn flip flops.

[ping2000]

Bilbo fishes in these.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190816/db74b2875c01a288ef27cd4f54260781.jpg

[Hammock Parties]

Yeah, but shouldn't have worn waders and you should have worn flip flops.

listen

clearly, my fly fishing guy knows we will not need waders

so just drop it fer crissakes

[ping2000]

listen



clearly, my fly fishing guy knows we will not need waders



so just drop it fer crissakesSo . . no?
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190816/eb7f7e640f78d99a172593e479d2ca6e.jpg

[mr. tegu]

Have you practiced your fly fishing cast yet?

[Hammock Parties]

1. Didn't need waders

2. Fly fishing sucks

[ptlyon]

ROFL

[TambaBerry]

From the upper Copper River in SW Alaska. This rainbow was about 26" or so.

Damn nice rainbow the biggest I've caught was 21inches in the Gallatin river Montana

[loochy]

1. Didn't need waders

2. Fly fishing sucks

1.) OK.
2.) Wrong.

[patteeu]

1. Didn't need waders

2. Fly fishing sucks

Tell us about your misadventure.

[Hammock Parties]

Tell us about your misadventure.

Learned about fly fishing.

Learned it sucked.

Learned I will never do it again.

[patteeu]

Learned about fly fishing.

Learned it sucked.

Learned I will never do it again.

Your words paint a vivid picture.

[TambaBerry]

Fly fishing is for real athletic people sorry Clay

[loochy]

Fly fishing is for real athletic people sorry Clay

I wouldn't say that. I run across my share of big bellied fatties and old men. They just can't wade out to the deeper / swifter spots.

[loochy]

Learned about fly fishing.

Learned it sucked.

Learned I will never do it again.
Learning to cast isn't the easiest thing in the world and it takes a little bit to pick up, so I get how that would be frustrating.

[Rain Man]

Learned about fly fishing.

Learned it sucked.

Learned I will never do it again.


I don't understand fishing. It's a fish. You're engaging in a battle of wits and strategy against a fish.

[ptlyon]

I don't understand fishing. It's a fish. You're engaging in a battle of wits and strategy against a fish.

So you're saying he was punked by a fish?

[Graystoke]

I don't understand fishing. It's a fish. You're engaging in a battle of wits and strategy against a fish.

It's tougher then it sounds. You need to think like a fish. You need to read the water, present properly, give them the food they are feeding on and have proper timing....man now I want to go fishing

[frozenchief]

Learning to cast isn't the easiest thing in the world and it takes a little bit to pick up, so I get how that would be frustrating.

This is true, although the necessary casting skills vary depending upon where you are and what species you are targeting.

Saltwater fly fishing for permit - no margin for error if you want to catch a fish. Freshwater with little fishing pressure - don't have to be able to cast so well. Trout in Montana are subjected to pretty high fishing pressure so presentation and drift have to be just right. Rural Alaska or even Kamchatka have next to no fishing pressure and a dead drift presentation can catch good sized fish.

It took me some time to get to the point where I wasn't a bad caster (I don't claim I'm good - just not bad) so I completely get the frustration.

I like fly fishing because it is generally more challenging but also more rewarding. It is a lot harder, and hence more fun, to land a fish with fly gear. I see people just crank in silver (coho) salmon after putting eggs on a treble hook. That hook is really set and it is comparatively straight forward to just crank the fish in. A single hook fly, though, is much easier to dislodge and the fight is better. So I'd encourage you to stick with it. If you get into it, fly fishing can be really rewarding. In a week and a half, I take off to remote AK to go with some friends. Should have some more pics of trophy rainbows and char.

[Rain Man]

It's tougher then it sounds. You need to think like a fish. You need to read the water, present properly, give them the food they are feeding on and have proper timing....man now I want to go fishing

I'm sure it is. It just seems a little unfair. We have thumbs and stuff.

I do need to learn some survival skills, though. I have other people kill all of my food in exchange for market research, and when civilization eventually collapses I'm not sure that I'll be able to keep that relationship.

[Graystoke]

This is true, although the necessary casting skills vary depending upon where you are and what species you are targeting.

Saltwater fly fishing for permit - no margin for error if you want to catch a fish. Freshwater with little fishing pressure - don't have to be able to cast so well. Trout in Montana are subjected to pretty high fishing pressure so presentation and drift have to be just right. Rural Alaska or even Kamchatka have next to no fishing pressure and a dead drift presentation can catch good sized fish.

It took me some time to get to the point where I wasn't a bad caster (I don't claim I'm good - just not bad) so I completely get the frustration.

I like fly fishing because it is generally more challenging but also more rewarding. It is a lot harder, and hence more fun, to land a fish with fly gear. I see people just crank in silver (coho) salmon after putting eggs on a treble hook. That hook is really set and it is comparatively straight forward to just crank the fish in. A single hook fly, though, is much easier to dislodge and the fight is better. So I'd encourage you to stick with it. If you get into it, fly fishing can be really rewarding. In a week and a half, I take off to remote AK to go with some friends. Should have some more pics of trophy rainbows and char.

Have you fished Kamchata?

[Bwana]

1. Didn't need waders

2. Fly fishing sucks

Let me guess, that was your 1st time, you didn't have a clue what you were doing and your fly presentation was like a brick hitting the water. Does that about cover it?

[eDave]

1. Didn't need waders

2. Fly fishing sucks

The entire experience is amplified if you wear waders.

[ptlyon]

Fly fishing for pan fish would be a blast

[frozenchief]

Have you fished Kamchata?

I have not but my fly fishing buddy has. He and I have fished together for probably 10 if not 15 years. He said it was a lot like SW Alaska in terms of geography and next to no population. He said that Kamchatka had huge numbers of decent size rainbows. He said they averaged about 35-40 fish a day and the largest would be 26-27" with averages in the 21-23" range.

I've fished all over SW Alaska and a good day is about 25-30 rainbows and averages are in mid 20s - 24-26". If you want a 30" rainbows, SW Alaska is the place to go. Kvichak and Naknek rivers would be my top 2 places. I've never been on Kvichak, oddly enough, but I've fished the Naknek probably 20+ times. Never fails to produce and is a great fishing river, although it can be deep and the water is fast over slick rocks.

You hear about all of these hallowed waters in SW Alaska: Tularik, Copper, Battle, American, Agulowok, Nushagak, Togiak, Kvichak, Good News, Koktovik and they do produce great rainbows but the truth is you don't need to be any good at fly casting to catch good fish. You just have to have the $ to get out there.

[ptlyon]

The entire experience is amplified if you wear waders.

So are farts

[Graystoke]

I have not but my fly fishing buddy has. He and I have fished together for probably 10 if not 15 years. He said it was a lot like SW Alaska in terms of geography and next to no population. He said that Kamchatka had huge numbers of decent size rainbows. He said they averaged about 35-40 fish a day and the largest would be 26-27" with averages in the 21-23" range.

I've fished all over SW Alaska and a good day is about 25-30 rainbows and averages are in mid 20s - 24-26". If you want a 30" rainbows, SW Alaska is the place to go. Kvichak and Naknek rivers would be my top 2 places. I've never been on Kvichak, oddly enough, but I've fished the Naknek probably 20+ times. Never fails to produce and is a great fishing river, although it can be deep and the water is fast over slick rocks.

You hear about all of these hallowed waters in SW Alaska: Tularik, Copper, Battle, American, Agulowok, Nushagak, Togiak, Kvichak, Good News, Koktovik and they do produce great rainbows but the truth is you don't need to be any good at fly casting to catch good fish. You just have to have the $ to get out there.

That's great info.
I would love to fish SW Alaska or Kamchata.
You see these videos of throwing mouse patterns in Kamchata and seeing the explosive top water takes. The only thing I have ever caught on a mouse pattern has been Bass and Pike.
Exotic places take $...hence I fish Wyoming/Colorado/Utah/Idaho and my home state of Iowa

[frozenchief]

That's great info.
I would love to fish SW Alaska or Kamchata.
You see these videos of throwing mouse patterns in Kamchata and seeing the explosive top water takes. The only thing I have ever caught on a mouse pattern has been Bass and Pike.
Exotic places take $...hence I fish Wyoming/Colorado/Utah/Idaho and my home state of Iowa

PM me if you want some suggestions but I can tell you that if you fish the high mountain West, you will already have a lot of the gear you need as far as waders and layers. I don't know the rod sizes you have, but when I go to SW, i usually take a 6 weight and an 8 weight. I learned on a 7 weight Orvis silver label but it broke years ago on a fat char on the Naknek. One of these days I'll pick up another 7 weight.

If you're fishing WY, CO UT, you likely have a 6 weight and the waders, etc, for colder weather so you won't have to shell out as much $ for gear. Guys that come from VT or TN are used to small waters with small fish and a 4 weight generally won't cut it.* They have to spend more money for gear.

The big cost for Alaska is having to fly everything out to remote areas. Given the terrain, weather and lack of resources, there are more plane crashes than other, more civilized parts of the world, which drives up insurance. And freight rates are calculated on planes going out full and returning empty so there's no back haul to lower costs. So the less that the lodge has to ship out, the lower the cost. That generally means, though, that the lower the price, the more rustic the accomodations, meaning, wall tent compared to dry cabin compared to lodge.

Also, fly-outs get very expensive because of the costs involved: maintenance, fuel and insurance. If you go to a place with no fly outs, you can save some money. I've found that low end remote Alaska cabins are about $5K a week. That usually doesn't include fly outs, wall tents and simple meals with no alcohol. Don't get me wrong. That can be some great fishing. But if the salmon run is late for some reason (dry weather, for example), the number of rainbows following the salmon will necessarily be low and with no plane, getting to rivers with fish becomes harder. Costs go well over $10K per week, but usually those are for high-end lodges with lots of fly outs, gourmet meals (prime rib and king crab), lodges with power, water and WiFi.

I already have the gear because I live here and I take several day trips throughout the year. I don't have to fly to Anchorage, which saves $. And I know enough people that I've gotten breaks on some lodges, usually because we make arrangements a year in advance and we promise that we will bring 10+ people and essentially book the entire lodge for the week. I also lived in SW Alaska for several years and so I've been able to hop out for a long weekend and go upriver to someone's cabin or I know someone with a plane who can get us into some remote areas, sometimes rivers that don't even have a name. I've done float trips, which can be nice but setting up and taking down a tent in the rain several days in a row is not much fun.



* A trip focused solely on grayling to grayling water might justify a 4 weight but a lot of our grayling water also has decent size char and next thing you know, you've got a 25" char on a 4 weight rod and a 20+ minute fight as you try to avoid breaking your rod. I wouldn't travel all the way up here, though, just to go for grayling.

[Hammock Parties]

Fly fishing is for real athletic people sorry Clay

I hiked six miles up the incredibly steep Manastash ridge and enjoyed it far more yesterday.

And played Ewok and LOTR music while I did it.

So kiss my ass.

[TambaBerry]

I hiked six miles up the incredibly steep Manastash ridge and enjoyed it far more yesterday.

And played Ewok and LOTR music while I did it.

So kiss my ass.

Lmao just fucking with you dude that's my favorite part of fly fishing, standing in the river in the mountains

[frozenchief]

Lmao just ****ing with you dude that's my favorite part of fly fishing, standing in the river in the mountains

you are more athletic than me. My favorite part is sitting on the river bank drinking a beer after I just landed a fish.

[Megatron96]

Learned about fly fishing.

Learned it sucked.

Learned I will never do it again.

Hahaha. Sorry you didn't have a good time. Well, at least you didn't spend money on waders and wading boots, right?

[patteeu]

you are more athletic than me. My favorite part is sitting on the river bank drinking a beer after I just landed a fish.

LMAO I'd be happy enough sitting on the river bank drinking a beer watching you land the fish.

[lewdog]

I could have told you that you’d suck at it after watching your form running hills.

[Hammock Parties]

I could have told you that you’d suck at it after watching your form running hills.

We never actually fished.

The whole thing sucked. I did learn the theory of fly fishing though, best practices, and enjoyed casting on land.

I've always been pretty good with a pole, so it came naturally.

Kind of a scam though. Glad I didn't pay.

[lewdog]

We never actually fished.

The whole thing sucked. I did learn the theory of fly fishing though, best practices, and enjoyed casting on land.

I've always been pretty good with a pole, so it came naturally.

Kind of a scam though. Glad I didn't pay.

Wait, why didn’t you fish?

[Hammock Parties]

Wait, why didn’t you fish?

Beats me. We learned about how to do it for about five hours and I was hot so I went and sat in the car for the last hour. Didn't care.

I'm certain that if I had attended Fly Fishing 301 - where you actually fish - I would have hated flicking a line around after about 30 minutes and also gone and sat in the car.

[Megatron96]

Beats me. We learned about how to do it for about five hours and I was hot so I went and sat in the car for the last hour. Didn't care.

I'm certain that if I had attended Fly Fishing 301 - where you actually fish - I would have hated flicking a line around after about 30 minutes and also gone and sat in the car.

5 hours of instruction? On land? Seems overzealous.

I usually spend about 30 to 45 minutes showing someone how to cast and then get them on the water. I'll just make some adjustments to the person's casting technique/mechanics for about 10-15 minutes and then let them have at it for awhile. The point is to get into some fish, after all . . .

[Hammock Parties]

Yep. Seemed scammy.

[ptlyon]

We never actually fished.

The whole thing sucked. I did learn the theory of fly fishing though, best practices, and enjoyed casting on land.

I've always been pretty good with a pole, so it came naturally.

Kind of a scam though. Glad I didn't pay.

We've always heard that

[srvy]

So you mean to tell us you went all the way to Washington to listen to some dude lecture on fly fishing?

[Hammock Parties]

So you mean to tell us you went all the way to Washington to listen to some dude lecture on fly fishing?

No - it was a planned activity by someone else.

Here to visit family.

[Megatron96]

Yep. Seemed scammy.

Maybe it was. Though I'm trying to think how one could make any kind of real money trying to scam beginning fly fishermen. It's not like there's a massive number of would-be fly fishermen just waiting to be fleeced by scammers. I read somewhere a few years ago that there are estimated to be less than two million fly fishers nation-wide. Not a huge market.

In all honesty, fly fishing is something of an acquired 'taste.' It requires the person to learn to cast, which is quite different from conventional casting, and a lot more difficult in the beginning.

Then it requires that one learn to "fish," which includes fly presentation, line control, learning to "match the hatch," etc., and so on. Some of these skills are also part of conventional fishing, but many aren't.

These two skills are usually taught concurrently once a basic cast has been learned, and the learning curve for skills such as line control, fly selection, etc. are fraught with "bumps in the road" which can be very frustrating.

Though most people like fly fishing a lot more if they catch a fish or at least get one on the line. Five hours of instruction without getting a line wet/feeling a tug on the line seems excessive.

[Hammock Parties]

Not gonna lie, the guy had good information. It was a good class. I learned a lot.

Mostly I learned, without even getting a line wet, that I would never do any of it ever again.

And I'm someone with a lot of patience who loved fishing off the Florida coast a few years ago.

[lewdog]

Not gonna lie, the guy had good information. It was a good class. I learned a lot.

Mostly I learned, without even getting a line wet, that I would never do any of it ever again.

And I'm someone with a lot of patience who loved fishing off the Florida coast a few years ago.

There's fishing and then there's fly fishing.

One takes tons more patience and actual skill.

[Naptown Chief]

Crocs. Sorry if Q

[Hammock Parties]

I did get some crocs out of this ordeal. They'll come in handy.

Success - nominal.