As a novice fly fisherman, one of the best things I ever heard from a guide was: “there’s fly casting and there’s fly fishing”. The lesson - there’s fish right at your feet. There’s no need to make 20 yard casts or excessive false casts. Accuracy, good drifts, and stealth trumps long casts every time. Started implementing short distance roll casts + high sticking and tripled the amount of fish I caught immediately.
True, but a lot of times people refer to trout fishing only. You do need longer accurate casts when fishing streamers for bass or hitting the flats for redfish. Maybe not all the time, but often.
@@rudyruiz9521 true. I do a lot of bass fly fishing but in my experience, stealth and light fly drops are negligible. At least everywhere I’ve been successful with bass.
And if you don’t cast at least those 20 yards in saltwater with 2 false casts, you’ll probably catch a lot less. Upgrading your casting game is essential in the salt.
Dear Chris, I have been fishing for about 60 plus years. Today I purchased my first flyrod combo! I have never had a flyrod in my hand before. I watched your video and can't wait to hit the lake tomorrow. Never too old to learn something new. Orlando Ron
Love ya buddy! You just give informative relatable tips especially for beginners~ my fav one is the dull hook…I’ve lost Sooooo many fish because of this! It is a priority
As a self taught fly fisherman, great advice. As a beginner, one of the things I struggled with was performance anxiety. I would see some anglers casting really far effortlessly and felt really quite embarrassed by my efforts. None of my friends or family knew anything about fishing. I had casting lessons which where okay but the best advice came from fellow anglers on the bank. Never be too proud to ask. I found that many were only too keen to impart knowledge developed over decades. One of the things they told was relax, it’s not gym workout
Very good info. Relax, let the rod do the work, work on smooth accelerations and distinct stops, and remember that the line does what the rod tip does. Then you'll be on your way.
In still learning and what I find is all the experienced anglers throw 50/60 feet of line out. I'm watching them thinking god I wish I could do that. However! I notice that they are catching their fish within the last few feet of the bank when using lures. I can't cast that far so when they are casting they are missing all the fish in and around the bank and drop-off. I tend to get all my fish in this area. So don't worry about casting for miles, sometimes a couple of feet from the bank is perfect.
I chose this video for my wife to watch, then went into the kitchen to make dinner. Then I heard a voice I recognized, lol. Sure enough, Chris Niccolls! We have more than one thing in common. 👍🏼📷🎣
I have watched your camera videos for years. So fun to see you in this space. Great video!! Self taught here and there were a few good nuggets in there for me.
Self taught here also. Now though, I'm teaching my son and daughter and it definitely reminds me of the trials and tribulations to perfecting the art. Not that I've reached perfection but watching my son sure makes me feel near. The good thing is that they both really enjoy it so far and I was able to get them both into some large rainbows first trip.
Thank you sooo much for the video. I just got my first fly fishing rod yesterday. Can’t wait to try it out for my first time. I love fishing 🎣 just never done fly fishing. Much love from Beanees Rotties is Vegas.
Solid advice. I picked up a lot by reading books on the subject when I started my fly fishing "career" back in the 80s. This was way before Internet and UA-cam, but I had a good library nearby. Even some stories from a guy who used to fish in northern Finland back in late 1800s up at Petsamo. That's what got me hooked. Not actually fishing much for three decades, I recently began again and noticed that a lot had changed with new gear and techniques, but the fundamentals are the same.
I’m so happy I found this video. I just bought my first fly fishing pole this weekend and I’m 24 years old I have no idea what I’m doing 😂 no one has shown me. Thank you UA-cam dad for showing me
@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary what is the clear leader part called? Also do you have a video where you show how to cast? I’m worried I’m not doing it correctly
hey chris you remind me a lot like my dad i’m going fly fishing tomorrow morning and i would like to say that this video has taught me a lot and i can’t wait to go in the morning thank you man!
Great video ! I am a 25+ year bass fisherman and moved to Idaho which has some great bass fishing but now expanding to fly fishing as well. So many great rivers and creeks around here and very excited to add this to my fishing adventures. Thank you for this video and look forward to more from you.
Wow! I had to do a double take. I'm in my mid 30's and recently I have been trying to get into different hobbies other than photography. Who other than Chris frikken Niccolls to provide the guidance I trust and need for my next adventure. This was a true gem to stumble upon! Algorithms folks! You rock Chris!
as someone who just started fly fishing last year, all of these tips are spot on! although i found myself doing 40 foot casts with 40 feet of line in the air and having bad presentations as you said, i eventually started shooting line and man oh man what a difference it makes!
Thanks for the lesson. I stored this on my FAVORITES list. I've never been fly fishing but now, at eighty, I want to tey. Truth be told, I was last fishing at about 8-9 yrs old.
Thank you so much! Great video. I hope to try these tips out and start to learn this spring. I fly fished about 7 or 8 years ago under the guidance of a real Pro, Old Timer! It was so fun. However, I forgot a lot of what was shown to me. Now I live right on the perfect river to fly fish in my retirement, and I would like to learn and show my son. He's 4, but I would like to get a hang of it so that at the right age, I can show him this. There's something so special about this kind of fishing. I love all kinds of fishing and have done so since I was 5 years old with my father. I'm now 50 and my son is 4, I have been showing him everything that is cool outdoors that I have had in my life, always reminisced and longed for, and felt that it has had something very good in the development of the kind of man and father I've become. Camping, Fishing and Hiking in the Adirondack Mountains where I am so blessed to live has got to be one of the biggest treasures and blessing in my life, and I wish to teach my family these great things and experience the joy of this as I had it all the time, every day as a kid. When it comes to NY politics, it makes me sick to my stomach with all the liberal taxes, laws, welfare, rules, liberal etc, etc.... However, putting that out of my head as I'm not big enough to change it, other than my voice and vote, I soak up all I can in the outdoors. Thank you, :)
Woman here- a new one to fly fishing: thank you! I started my fishing with a “zero” rod as some call it with no drag and boy.. that was a hassle but a good lesson. I love your advice & plan to implement as soon as my husband and I hit the CO rivers in April for those trout. Sty blessed & hook em’!
Hey I'm glad you found the video useful, and are continuing your fly fishing journey. Fishing Colorado would be a dream come true for most of us. Even though we have amazing rivers here in Alberta, most of the fly fishing literature we grew up with talk about rivers in Colorado, and Montana and there is a mystique built up that is worth exploring.
Such an excellent, thorough and "get to the point" instructional video! Very happy to have spent 10 minutes watching this before fly fishing for the first time! Thank you, looking forward to seeing more!
I am just starting this wonderful hobby. I grew up along the Gulf Coast of Texas where sand trout and redfish abound. Now, I am landlocked with access to rivers and streams. So, thanks for your useful advice. I will be looking around a bit on your and other YT sites.
This is an excellent video that captures all of the “next step” issues that anglers need to learn shortly after they learn all the basics of fly fishing. Great video and thanks!
Cool tips. I'm not even a beginner, because I haven't even tried fly fishing. Been Bass fishing for a lifetime with heavy ass baitcasters and all that stuff and figured that it really is time to try this because it's a part of life. Thanks for the video.
Let me preface by saying I've never fly fished before but the first two tips apply to all fishing. Absolutely spot on!! Don't prerig your line, for the most part you have no idea what the water looks like or what to tie on until you see the water. And #2, fish the bank before crashing into the water. Wonderful advice, I do both with spinning gear.
Really helpful. I started out using my great grandfathers fly rods that were passed down to me, at the time I didn't have any knowledge of weights of rod's, line's ect so got really annoyed at how bad I was at casting with them. I was lucky enough to bump into a guy at my local tackle shop who took time out of his day to explain the best way to start out and what I should be using for different waters.
This may sound a little crazy but I fish my favorite lake and fish for cutthroat. Late fall, early winter. To many other things to do, less people to contend with so it’s a once a year thing. Enjoyed your tips, much easier to review before going out then have a huge learning curve at the water.
With 25 yrs. Fly Fishing under my belt it was 6 yrs.ago that I figured out how to catch the big ones in lake's. I'm a pretty good caster but when trolling I strip it in straight with large coils in the bottom of the boat. Remove weed cast it out to the side. One two three. Sometimes it really fly's out. But I just take whatever distance it goes. I put in 200 9 hour days in a row and that really helps you learn finer points. Anyways awesome video I learned something. Thanks.
Excellent advice! I did a lot of fly fishing in my home state Colorado last year and let’s just say I got skunked a lot of times but now that I know what I should do based on your tips, this year will definitely be different. Thank you!!!
I've been fly fishing for over 20 years... I think I do every one of those things you warned us about... I rig up in the van... I plow into the river without looking.... I false cast way to much... I've honestly never sharpened a single hook however..... Man I love to fly fish and maybe I'll do it better in the future... Seems like the more often I fish the worse I am... When I get to fish every 6 months instead of every six days I think more deeply about these sorts of things.... Weird how that happens...
Chris, I have loved your style of teaching since your Photography videos. Your fluid flow of information is always easy to follow and useful. You sir have a natural gift of gab :-). Would love to see some fly tying videos too.
I've been fly fishing for 36 years. Embarrassment is the cost of entry. If you can't handle looking like a foolish beginner, you'll never become a graceful master. Now get out there and fish!
I'm from New Zealand. I find that it's best to loop the flyline in your hand rather than let it fall on the ground. This is particularly important when fishing in the Central North Island area where there is a lot of pumice grit. It also doesn't get caught up in rocks & twigs on the bank.
I concur. Even when you're in the river with a floating line. Floating on the water won't damage the line, but surface tension drag as the line comes off the water will reduce your line speed, accuracy, and consistency when you're shooting line. And if your don't take the time to clean and treat your line so it floats like a cork, it gets much worse. Shooting line with loops in your hand instead of on the water gives much better results. But it's not that easy to do at first. You have to train your off hand to do something finicky like coiling the loops. It's an acquired skill, but it's worth the effort.
Definitely good advice. Anything one can do to protect their line and avoid mishaps is a good move. Better distance too for casting, and shooting line. Always ways to learn and improve.
Not a single tip was lost with me but the one that was the "Aha" moment was regarding casting with 50 ft of line for a 50 foot cast. I can say I even understood the concept of shooting line but have not been using it in practice. I have developed the bad habit of single hauling line out to the 50 foot mark where I can tell I have just enough out and making my final cast onto the water (which involves another bad habit you mentioned, false casting and tiring out). I have wondered for a long time why my presentations have often been so abrupt and just didn't stop to pinpoint why. I have the full length of my line in the air and when I make the final cast the fly comes to abrupt end in the air and makes for a slam down nasty presentation on the water. I can't wait to get out and get back to basics and leave a little line dangling so I can shoot that section of line and make a more delicate presentation. This is guaranteed to scare less fish and maybe even bring a few more in for a looksy.
Happy to help! Once you learn to shoot line, you keep your false casts shorter, conserve way more energy and get much better presentations. Glad it's all coming together for you.
I have never fly fished, but I have had experience fishing in general. The best advice I was taught came from my grandfather, an avid fisher and golfer. He'd watch me rush casting and reeling, and would say, "You got somewhere to be?" Sure, we all want to land a fish, but most of us aren't fishing to put food on the table. So it's important to step back and just enjoy being there. A day fishing with no bites is better than a day in the office. Just be patient and enjoy the experience.
I recently at 45 years old decided it was time to try fly fishing again... The last time I did it I was in boy scouts at 14 years old I didn't have the patience Nor the understanding....I'm super glad I watched this great tips ... looking forward to get out there when work slows down
if I may suggest, having too much line out when casting will make the line land in a (long) puddle, I think it would be nice to recommend "line braking" -- ie if you have 30ft of line out on the bank, and see a rise 20ft away, you CAN cast to 20ft, and instead of letting the line go use your (left) hand holding the line to "brake" it do it unrolls nicely install of making a puddle. You'll quickly get the feel of when you "should" brake (when you feel the energy of the cast is going away) and brake gently with your hand then, and let the line unroll without the "ping" return you get if your line is too short, or the large long blob of line if there's too much out.
Great video and thank you Chris. I also watch your photography reviews and this is just as interesting and informative. I have just started fly fishing and found this most helpful. Thank you.
I appreciate the tips. I’m still learning things out but having fun with it. Still trying to be as productive(if not more) as I am with spin rod, but hopefully that will come in time. Thanks again for the video, all your recommendations are appreciated 👍🏽🎣
The biggest thing I wish I understood when I started fly fishing was rod loading. I started as a *really* young kid in the 90s when no such resources existed. All you had were a few books, A River Runs Through It and your own wits…so I didn’t understand why my casting was so inconsistent, inelegant and tangly. Until one day when I was about 12…for whatever reason, I slowly accelerated the rod back, slowly accelerated it forward and BOOM. All of the sudden, my casting improved about 500% in the span of 10 seconds. I wouldn’t know what “loading” was for another 10-15 years but it didn’t even matter. Rod loading and using the correct leader for any given weight of fly. If I could go back in time and talk to 1994 fly fisherman me, those would be the first two things I’d cover. Immediately followed by “brook trout are goofy…just get their attention with something, don’t spook them and be gentle”.
I have only still water fly fished so far, but just a week ago I had this same huge revelation of rod loading. I slowed my cast by just a half second or so. Just till I felt the weight of the line unfurling in the back cast and slowly accelerated to a forward stop….bam had a perfect cast. It’s teaching me to slow down all of my movements. I think I finally understand after 2 years of trying.
I was NOT expecting Petapixel guy for a fly fishing tutorial lmao. Good to see Chris’s endeavors ranging from multiple things, and can’t wait to go out on my first fly fishing trip soon.
Nice presentation. I have fished seriously for bass for 50 years. I recently made the dive into fly fishing. I guess I was a little intimidated by this beautiful form of fishing. Thanks for the level headed approach.
Planning on fly fishing this spring, and I’m doing some research….and whaddaya know? My go-to camera review guy is a fly fisherman! That made me smile.
Awesome. I bought some property in Blue Ridge GA and I can walk to the Toccoa. I just got my Fly Rod yesterday and can't wait to go up and try it out. Your videos will help immensely.
I'm currently learning to fly fish after a long time purely carp fishing. This is all amazing advice. This guy is brilliant, im gonna be watching all of his videos on youtube ❤❤❤
I’m new to fishing and I want to learn this skills of fly fishing. I just bought today three fishing pole cases different sizes. The guy sold me one of his salt water fishing rod with the reel a nine footer one. When I got home I was excited to put the pole on the case but it won’t fit. I didn’t know that this is a different kind of fishing cases specifically for fly fishing. Now I have to buy my self a whole set of fly fishing gear and learn this sport. Thank you for sharing this a good beginner video.
Wow!! You are amazing! Everything you mentioned… I did lol 🤦🏼♀️ out of excitement. Love your energy, how you speak & explain everything. Thank you so much for making these videos. Your new fan Michelle 🤗🎣
Respect to this guy for still replying to comments years later!
Of course! I appreciate all your questions and want to be as helpful as possible.
@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary...you sir just earned a like & sub
As a novice fly fisherman, one of the best things I ever heard from a guide was: “there’s fly casting and there’s fly fishing”. The lesson - there’s fish right at your feet. There’s no need to make 20 yard casts or excessive false casts. Accuracy, good drifts, and stealth trumps long casts every time. Started implementing short distance roll casts + high sticking and tripled the amount of fish I caught immediately.
True, but a lot of times people refer to trout fishing only. You do need longer accurate casts when fishing streamers for bass or hitting the flats for redfish. Maybe not all the time, but often.
@@rudyruiz9521 true. I do a lot of bass fly fishing but in my experience, stealth and light fly drops are negligible. At least everywhere I’ve been successful with bass.
Going to try tankara for those reason's this year
And if you don’t cast at least those 20 yards in saltwater with 2 false casts, you’ll probably catch a lot less. Upgrading your casting game is essential in the salt.
Great advice ,I understood right from the get go this was aimed at other novice fisherman (I am exactly that), so I appreciate the short line advice.
Dear Chris, I have been fishing for about 60 plus years. Today I purchased my first flyrod combo! I have never had a flyrod in my hand before. I watched your video and can't wait to hit the lake tomorrow. Never too old to learn something new.
Orlando Ron
Congratulations on the new fly rod. Let us know if you have any questions!
just decided to get into fly fishing... i didnt realize my first search would bring up my favorite camera reviewer
Hey that's awesome! I'm glad to hear that you are starting your journey. Let me know if you have any questions.
Same here 🤣
Love ya buddy! You just give informative relatable tips especially for beginners~ my fav one is the dull hook…I’ve lost Sooooo many fish because of this! It is a priority
The fact I went from a Petapixel video and then decided to watch some fly fishing stuff only to find the Chris again is hilarious.
Going from an A7S3 review to fly fishing is hilarious
As a self taught fly fisherman, great advice. As a beginner, one of the things I struggled with was performance anxiety. I would see some anglers casting really far effortlessly and felt really quite embarrassed by my efforts. None of my friends or family knew anything about fishing. I had casting lessons which where okay but the best advice came from fellow anglers on the bank. Never be too proud to ask. I found that many were only too keen to impart knowledge developed over decades. One of the things they told was relax, it’s not gym workout
Very good info. Relax, let the rod do the work, work on smooth accelerations and distinct stops, and remember that the line does what the rod tip does. Then you'll be on your way.
Video was about fly casting ...performance anxiety ... were you projecting ?
@@Clambelly splashing everywhere 😂
I hope those are fish "splashing" everywhere !
In still learning and what I find is all the experienced anglers throw 50/60 feet of line out. I'm watching them thinking god I wish I could do that. However! I notice that they are catching their fish within the last few feet of the bank when using lures. I can't cast that far so when they are casting they are missing all the fish in and around the bank and drop-off. I tend to get all my fish in this area. So don't worry about casting for miles, sometimes a couple of feet from the bank is perfect.
This is the best episode of DP Reviews yet!
I chose this video for my wife to watch, then went into the kitchen to make dinner. Then I heard a voice I recognized, lol. Sure enough, Chris Niccolls! We have more than one thing in common. 👍🏼📷🎣
I’ve watched this one three times, before buying my fly kit, after buying, and today(6 months later). Thx for the tips, now I’m fully understand.
I have watched your camera videos for years. So fun to see you in this space. Great video!! Self taught here and there were a few good nuggets in there for me.
Glad I found this. Ive never been a big fan of traditional fishing but something about fly fishing just has me wanting to give it a shot. Thank you!
Self taught here also. Now though, I'm teaching my son and daughter and it definitely reminds me of the trials and tribulations to perfecting the art. Not that I've reached perfection but watching my son sure makes me feel near. The good thing is that they both really enjoy it so far and I was able to get them both into some large rainbows first trip.
Thank you sooo much for the video. I just got my first fly fishing rod yesterday. Can’t wait to try it out for my first time. I love fishing 🎣 just never done fly fishing. Much love from Beanees Rotties is Vegas.
Congrats! I wish you lots of luck as you start out. Let us know if you have any questions.
Solid advice. I picked up a lot by reading books on the subject when I started my fly fishing "career" back in the 80s. This was way before Internet and UA-cam, but I had a good library nearby. Even some stories from a guy who used to fish in northern Finland back in late 1800s up at Petsamo. That's what got me hooked.
Not actually fishing much for three decades, I recently began again and noticed that a lot had changed with new gear and techniques, but the fundamentals are the same.
I’ve been fishing for 40 yrs, and just taking up fly fishing. Great tips and presentation. Thank you
Very comprehensive, not an insult to new fishers. Good job man.
I’m so happy I found this video. I just bought my first fly fishing pole this weekend and I’m 24 years old I have no idea what I’m doing 😂 no one has shown me. Thank you UA-cam dad for showing me
Glad I could help! I'll happily answer any questions you might have as well.
@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary what is the clear leader part called? Also do you have a video where you show how to cast? I’m worried I’m not doing it correctly
I'm just getting into fly fishing in the UK and found this video really helpful. Thank you.
Im self taught myself and listening to what you’re saying reminds me of all the problems I had to go through and learn from
I suspect most of us fly flingers are self taught, nowadays we do have learning videos on UA-cam to help however.
This will be my first year fly fishing. Thanks for the great tips.
I have been fly fishing for quite a while but never hurts to be reminded of the basics and great presentation.
UK here. Great tips for a novice like me. Thanks for your time brother.
hey chris you remind me a lot like my dad i’m going fly fishing tomorrow morning and i would like to say that this video has taught me a lot and i can’t wait to go in the morning thank you man!
I appreciate that! Good luck to you.
1:20
Man oh man, what a simple concept to understand, yet one I've never personally heard of. Will keep this in mind
Great video ! I am a 25+ year bass fisherman and moved to Idaho which has some great bass fishing but now expanding to fly fishing as well. So many great rivers and creeks around here and very excited to add this to my fishing adventures. Thank you for this video and look forward to more from you.
Wow! I had to do a double take. I'm in my mid 30's and recently I have been trying to get into different hobbies other than photography. Who other than Chris frikken Niccolls to provide the guidance I trust and need for my next adventure. This was a true gem to stumble upon! Algorithms folks! You rock Chris!
Congrats on starting your fly fishing journey. I think you'll find it immensely rewarding! Thanks for watching.
as someone who just started fly fishing last year, all of these tips are spot on! although i found myself doing 40 foot casts with 40 feet of line in the air and having bad presentations as you said, i eventually started shooting line and man oh man what a difference it makes!
Thanks for the lesson. I stored this on my FAVORITES list. I've never been fly fishing but now, at eighty, I want to tey. Truth be told, I was last fishing at about 8-9 yrs old.
Thank you so much! Great video. I hope to try these tips out and start to learn this spring. I fly fished about 7 or 8 years ago under the guidance of a real Pro, Old Timer! It was so fun. However, I forgot a lot of what was shown to me. Now I live right on the perfect river to fly fish in my retirement, and I would like to learn and show my son. He's 4, but I would like to get a hang of it so that at the right age, I can show him this. There's something so special about this kind of fishing. I love all kinds of fishing and have done so since I was 5 years old with my father. I'm now 50 and my son is 4, I have been showing him everything that is cool outdoors that I have had in my life, always reminisced and longed for, and felt that it has had something very good in the development of the kind of man and father I've become. Camping, Fishing and Hiking in the Adirondack Mountains where I am so blessed to live has got to be one of the biggest treasures and blessing in my life, and I wish to teach my family these great things and experience the joy of this as I had it all the time, every day as a kid. When it comes to NY politics, it makes me sick to my stomach with all the liberal taxes, laws, welfare, rules, liberal etc, etc.... However, putting that out of my head as I'm not big enough to change it, other than my voice and vote, I soak up all I can in the outdoors. Thank you, :)
Nature is the world's greatest playground!
Woman here- a new one to fly fishing: thank you! I started my fishing with a “zero” rod as some call it with no drag and boy.. that was a hassle but a good lesson.
I love your advice & plan to implement as soon as my husband and I hit the CO rivers in April for those trout. Sty blessed & hook em’!
Hey I'm glad you found the video useful, and are continuing your fly fishing journey. Fishing Colorado would be a dream come true for most of us. Even though we have amazing rivers here in Alberta, most of the fly fishing literature we grew up with talk about rivers in Colorado, and Montana and there is a mystique built up that is worth exploring.
Iv'e been catching some brown trout on dry flys here in CO last week. Have you been out fishing yet this year?
Such an excellent, thorough and "get to the point" instructional video! Very happy to have spent 10 minutes watching this before fly fishing for the first time! Thank you, looking forward to seeing more!
Appreciate that Fred! thanks for watching, and let us know if you have any questions.
Good video. I am returning to trout/fly fishing after almost 30 years. I appreciate the tips and could definitely use all the tips for sure.
This is one of the greats videos for beginners thank you
We appreciate you saying so. Hope it helps you get started!
I was like, I think this guy looks familiar. Then I remembered he was from the camera store! Man of many talents. Great video
Me too!🤣
I am just starting this wonderful hobby. I grew up along the Gulf Coast of Texas where sand trout and redfish abound. Now, I am landlocked with access to rivers and streams. So, thanks for your useful advice. I will be looking around a bit on your and other YT sites.
This is an excellent video that captures all of the “next step” issues that anglers need to learn shortly after they learn all the basics of fly fishing. Great video and thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Well said!! 👍
Cool tips. I'm not even a beginner, because I haven't even tried fly fishing. Been Bass fishing for a lifetime with heavy ass baitcasters and all that stuff and figured that it really is time to try this because it's a part of life. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for my 1st fly fishing lesson. I'm going to give it a try today! Appreciate you!
Let me preface by saying I've never fly fished before but the first two tips apply to all fishing. Absolutely spot on!! Don't prerig your line, for the most part you have no idea what the water looks like or what to tie on until you see the water. And #2, fish the bank before crashing into the water. Wonderful advice, I do both with spinning gear.
Absolutely right! Big thanks for your comment.
Really helpful. I started out using my great grandfathers fly rods that were passed down to me, at the time I didn't have any knowledge of weights of rod's, line's ect so got really annoyed at how bad I was at casting with them. I was lucky enough to bump into a guy at my local tackle shop who took time out of his day to explain the best way to start out and what I should be using for different waters.
Same, using my grandfathers old bamboo south bend. It needed 5wt line, I had 7 or 8 on it.
Even seasoned fly fishermen can benefit from this very informative video. Reminders are always needed for ever fly guy/ gal out there.
This may sound a little crazy but I fish my favorite lake and fish for cutthroat. Late fall, early winter. To many other things to do, less people to contend with so it’s a once a year thing. Enjoyed your tips, much easier to review before going out then have a huge learning curve at the water.
With 25 yrs. Fly Fishing under my belt it was 6 yrs.ago that I figured out how to catch the big ones in lake's. I'm a pretty good caster but when trolling I strip it in straight with large coils in the bottom of the boat. Remove weed cast it out to the side. One two three. Sometimes it really fly's out. But I just take whatever distance it goes. I put in 200 9 hour days in a row and that really helps you learn finer points. Anyways awesome video I learned something. Thanks.
Excellent advice! I did a lot of fly fishing in my home state Colorado last year and let’s just say I got skunked a lot of times but now that I know what I should do based on your tips, this year will definitely be different. Thank you!!!
Glad you found it helpful. I wish you luck when the weather warms a bit.
Thank you for the tips! My wife and daughter just got me my first fly rod this year, and your advice has helped!
My sincerest thanks!!!
I've been fly fishing for over 20 years... I think I do every one of those things you warned us about... I rig up in the van... I plow into the river without looking.... I false cast way to much... I've honestly never sharpened a single hook however..... Man I love to fly fish and maybe I'll do it better in the future... Seems like the more often I fish the worse I am... When I get to fish every 6 months instead of every six days I think more deeply about these sorts of things.... Weird how that happens...
Best advice I’ve heard for starting out fly fishing>>>>>cheers.
Chris, I have loved your style of teaching since your Photography videos. Your fluid flow of information is always easy to follow and useful. You sir have a natural gift of gab :-). Would love to see some fly tying videos too.
Thank you very much! We have a whole playlist of fly tying videos. Please check them out.
the tip about the bank is really useful even for spinning fishing
Thank you for this helpful video!! Going fly fishing for the first time this weekend. Your pointers will save me a lot of time and embarrassment.
Hope your trip went well! If you have any questions send them our way.
I've been fly fishing for 36 years. Embarrassment is the cost of entry. If you can't handle looking like a foolish beginner, you'll never become a graceful master. Now get out there and fish!
Thanks, really like that type of info that focuses on the subtle details others leave out.
I love your camera videos. Imagine my surprise when I’m in the market for a new fly rod setup and I see you here on this channel.
same here lol
Very, very same
Thanks for the tips, I’m new and excited to catch fish and learn how to figure out to fish wherever I am
I'm from New Zealand. I find that it's best to loop the flyline in your hand rather than let it fall on the ground. This is particularly important when fishing in the Central North Island area where there is a lot of pumice grit. It also doesn't get caught up in rocks & twigs on the bank.
I concur. Even when you're in the river with a floating line. Floating on the water won't damage the line, but surface tension drag as the line comes off the water will reduce your line speed, accuracy, and consistency when you're shooting line. And if your don't take the time to clean and treat your line so it floats like a cork, it gets much worse.
Shooting line with loops in your hand instead of on the water gives much better results. But it's not that easy to do at first. You have to train your off hand to do something finicky like coiling the loops. It's an acquired skill, but it's worth the effort.
Definitely good advice. Anything one can do to protect their line and avoid mishaps is a good move. Better distance too for casting, and shooting line. Always ways to learn and improve.
About to buy my first set up today!! So excited. Just moved out to Oregon and I need me my first steelhead ASAP.
Not a single tip was lost with me but the one that was the "Aha" moment was regarding casting with 50 ft of line for a 50 foot cast. I can say I even understood the concept of shooting line but have not been using it in practice. I have developed the bad habit of single hauling line out to the 50 foot mark where I can tell I have just enough out and making my final cast onto the water (which involves another bad habit you mentioned, false casting and tiring out). I have wondered for a long time why my presentations have often been so abrupt and just didn't stop to pinpoint why. I have the full length of my line in the air and when I make the final cast the fly comes to abrupt end in the air and makes for a slam down nasty presentation on the water. I can't wait to get out and get back to basics and leave a little line dangling so I can shoot that section of line and make a more delicate presentation. This is guaranteed to scare less fish and maybe even bring a few more in for a looksy.
Happy to help! Once you learn to shoot line, you keep your false casts shorter, conserve way more energy and get much better presentations. Glad it's all coming together for you.
Really helpful tips for me man thank you. I especially found the slack for casting helpful as that was really confusing to me at first.
This was a fantastic video!! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this!
I haven't fly fished since my early 20s and my grandfather just gave me his own fly rod.. This video was a great little refresher for me. Cheers bud
I have never fly fished, but I have had experience fishing in general.
The best advice I was taught came from my grandfather, an avid fisher and golfer.
He'd watch me rush casting and reeling, and would say, "You got somewhere to be?"
Sure, we all want to land a fish, but most of us aren't fishing to put food on the table. So it's important to step back and just enjoy being there.
A day fishing with no bites is better than a day in the office. Just be patient and enjoy the experience.
I recently at 45 years old decided it was time to try fly fishing again... The last time I did it I was in boy scouts at 14 years old I didn't have the patience Nor the understanding....I'm super glad I watched this great tips ... looking forward to get out there when work slows down
if I may suggest, having too much line out when casting will make the line land in a (long) puddle, I think it would be nice to recommend "line braking" -- ie if you have 30ft of line out on the bank, and see a rise 20ft away, you CAN cast to 20ft, and instead of letting the line go use your (left) hand holding the line to "brake" it do it unrolls nicely install of making a puddle. You'll quickly get the feel of when you "should" brake (when you feel the energy of the cast is going away) and brake gently with your hand then, and let the line unroll without the "ping" return you get if your line is too short, or the large long blob of line if there's too much out.
Aha, that makes lots of sense. Thanks.
I’m moving from Texas to Colorado and very interested in learning. Your video is informative and not intimidating.
Thank you!
Great video and thank you Chris. I also watch your photography reviews and this is just as interesting and informative. I have just started fly fishing and found this most helpful. Thank you.
Chris sucks n so do you
As a DPPreview fan, I'm glad to stumble on this page for my new hobby!
Thanks Tony! Glad to hear about you getting into fly fishing!
Photography and fly fishing, Chris?? Pretty sure we just became best friends!
I'm up for that!
That’s why I recognized him!
i have never heard of shooting your line but it makes so much sense, im gonna give it a try next time im out!
I appreciate the tips. I’m still learning things out but having fun with it. Still trying to be as productive(if not more) as I am with spin rod, but hopefully that will come in time. Thanks again for the video, all your recommendations are appreciated 👍🏽🎣
I just started fly fishing and this really helped me. I have been fly fishing for a month and have gotten decent just from some of thse tips.
Just bought my 1st fly rod today at Cabelas. I know nothing about it. YET. I appreciate your insight and look forward to seeing more!
Wait, isnt he the camera guy?
I live in England and recently got together with an American woman who fly fishes . This really helped . Thanks .
The biggest thing I wish I understood when I started fly fishing was rod loading. I started as a *really* young kid in the 90s when no such resources existed. All you had were a few books, A River Runs Through It and your own wits…so I didn’t understand why my casting was so inconsistent, inelegant and tangly. Until one day when I was about 12…for whatever reason, I slowly accelerated the rod back, slowly accelerated it forward and BOOM. All of the sudden, my casting improved about 500% in the span of 10 seconds. I wouldn’t know what “loading” was for another 10-15 years but it didn’t even matter. Rod loading and using the correct leader for any given weight of fly. If I could go back in time and talk to 1994 fly fisherman me, those would be the first two things I’d cover. Immediately followed by “brook trout are goofy…just get their attention with something, don’t spook them and be gentle”.
I have only still water fly fished so far, but just a week ago I had this same huge revelation of rod loading. I slowed my cast by just a half second or so. Just till I felt the weight of the line unfurling in the back cast and slowly accelerated to a forward stop….bam had a perfect cast. It’s teaching me to slow down all of my movements. I think I finally understand after 2 years of trying.
2nd week fly fisherman. Thanks for giving me a good foundation.
wait wtf isnt this the guy who does the camera gear reviews? how is he in every hobby i have???
It’s me! Looks like you and IU have very expensive hobbies.
I was NOT expecting Petapixel guy for a fly fishing tutorial lmao. Good to see Chris’s endeavors ranging from multiple things, and can’t wait to go out on my first fly fishing trip soon.
Thanks! Good luck with your first trip, and let us know if you have any questions.
Wait a minute, I know this guy from camera videos…
Nice presentation. I have fished seriously for bass for 50 years. I recently made the dive into fly fishing. I guess I was a little intimidated by this beautiful form of fishing. Thanks for the level headed approach.
You're very welcome! Let us know if you have any questions.
Fly fishers are the cyclists of the fishing world lol
Planning on fly fishing this spring, and I’m doing some research….and whaddaya know? My go-to camera review guy is a fly fisherman! That made me smile.
Thanks Eric, glad you enjoyed it.
The best fly vid for beginners iv watch yet. Well done
thanks for tips ! nice to se you on fishing, only se and love you camera reviwes!
Liked and subscribed shortly before 1 minute in. I like your teaching style and advice. Thank you!!
Thanks, glad you're enjoying it!
"Shooting the line" ...exactly what I needed to see and hear today. I've wasted so much energy. I'll be practicing and growing from this. Thanks man!
Happy to hear it! Thanks for watching Michael.
I’ve fished for a bit but found this video insightful and well laid out with good advice.
Love it 👍
Regarding the line being on the floor getting snagged....
I just bought a line basket that goes round your waist. 👍👍👍
Never went fly fishing before but after this short EXCELENT tutorial, I'm going out today to give it a go. Great video. Cheers!
Have fun! Thanks for watching, and we are glad to help you out on your journey!
Thank you so much. As a newbie I appreciate any help!
This was a great video with helpful tips, and I'm thankful you took the time to make it. Best of luck to you on your journey!
Awesome. I bought some property in Blue Ridge GA and I can walk to the Toccoa. I just got my Fly Rod yesterday and can't wait to go up and try it out. Your videos will help immensely.
Have fun! We'd love to fish those waters in the future, but the mighty Bow is in our backyard so we are doing pretty good.
I'm currently learning to fly fish after a long time purely carp fishing. This is all amazing advice. This guy is brilliant, im gonna be watching all of his videos on youtube ❤❤❤
I appreciate that very much! let me know if you have any questions.
@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary thank you, I will definitely be intouch to ask you lots of questions as I go along😁😁🐟🐠🥰
I’m new to fishing and I want to learn this skills of fly fishing. I just bought today three fishing pole cases different sizes. The guy sold me one of his salt water fishing rod with the reel a nine footer one. When I got home I was excited to put the pole on the case but it won’t fit. I didn’t know that this is a different kind of fishing cases specifically for fly fishing. Now I have to buy my self a whole set of fly fishing gear and learn this sport. Thank you for sharing this a good beginner video.
thanks for that very helpful for a lure fisher coming to fly fishing for the first time.
You are great. The tips are basic and good. Nice and easy stile.
I’m getting into fly in NC after years of salt in Florida. Appreciate it, great tips
Wow!! You are amazing! Everything you mentioned… I did lol 🤦🏼♀️ out of excitement. Love your energy, how you speak & explain everything. Thank you so much for making these videos.
Your new fan
Michelle 🤗🎣
Thanks for watching Michelle. We appreciate the support of our channel!
Came across the video and thought hey that background bridge looks familiar! Excellent tips
!
It's a good bridge! Both as a bridge and as a landmark to some excellent trout waters!
Super guilty of having a fly on the line before I even see water. Such a bad habit, thank you for the lesson!
Glad I watched your vid. I saw a couple bad habits I can address right away. thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Appreciate the views
Nice! Camera gear to fishing gear! Nice to see you in this space too. Thanks for the information.