The Total Fly Fishing Experience — Strategies, Tactics, and the Journey That Never Ends
The idea of a total fly fishing experience remains etched in my mind when I'm teaching my kids. It grounds me in reality and confirms that Thoreau was correct when he wrote: "Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after." My adult life has revolved around fish, water, and far-away destinations in pursuit of our finned friends. It still plays a huge part in my everyday way of life.
When we think about the marriage of fly fishing and fly tying, we have the perfect combination. I cannot think of a better hobby and sport. It is highly contagious in the way it gives back many lessons, both on and off the stream. When I was much younger, it was always about the desire to catch impressive numbers of fish. This desire extended to multiple species, not just trout.
A new fly caster after just 5 minutes of instruction
The Fly Fisher's Triad
Over the years, I've conveyed this concept for all species of fish using a triad of three topics to assist your journey as an angler. My friend Paul Bourcq and I discuss these three topics often, especially since he's had some incredible journeys to exotic destinations recently. These topics are strategies, tactics, and mechanics. Mechanics involve being fluent with what's possible through understanding casting.
Mechanics are the easiest to teach and learn. Tactics include how we control the flies in terms of action and can be taught in short order on the stream. Strategies take the longest to grasp and involve recognizing bug activity and what water types they favor. Strategies also influence your tactics depending on the organism's "habits."
With the advent of social media over the past decade—hashtags, tweets, Facebook, Google images, and more—I think the allure of "grip and grins" (holding fish selfies) will fade away soon enough. It really comes down to you and your journey: how much do you want fly fishing to consume you? Looking back over the past three decades, I'm grateful for the riches bestowed in my community and the people who were part of it. Many clients have remained close friends since I started guiding in 1987.
Fly Fishing Is About Sharing Information
This includes memories from the WCU fly fishing classes I taught and the great students who became lifelong friends. It includes the beginnings of the Delayed Harvest concept and how influential Bobby Setzer of the NCWRC was in its implementation. I'm proud of the wonderful programs for veterans (Project Healing Waters), cancer survivors (Casting for Recovery), and Boy Scouts of America. Young people are the shining stars of our sport for the coming years. Coaching Team NC and Team USA Youth for competition-style angling with some incredibly talented anglers, and hosting champion anglers from abroad for loch-style clinics here in Bryson City—these experiences have been invaluable.
FFI casting instructor gathering in Cleveland, TN
It's the friendships solidified over the years that make this overall experience great! I've met and eventually taught with most of my childhood mentors, many of them through clubs such as the FFI (Fly Fishers International) and TU (Trout Unlimited). Fly fishing shows have also opened many opportunities for meeting others passionate about the fly fishing industry. As an instructor, I've always felt that teaching was my calling. In guiding, there's almost always a necessity to get back to basics with casting fundamentals, along with various nuances of tactics and techniques.
Friendships of Fly Fishing
The travels in pursuit of clean air and water and the friends met along the way also play a huge role in the overall experience. Fly fishermen are very similar to my friends from the Appalachian Trail, kayaking, cycling, and adventure racing days. These outdoor recreational "fun hogs" care deeply about having pristine places in their communities where they can share their pastime with others.
The friendships we make, the communities we serve, and the exotic destinations are all part of this magical total fly fishing experience! That OCD part isn't a bad thing either—having the drive, determination, and work ethic to go along with your journey is essential. Real improvement requires that recipe, as do all things. I guess it really depends on your contentment: whether you're happy with a few fish or a few techniques, or whether you want to master many techniques and apply them to catching large numbers of trout.
Your Fly Fishing Journey Is About You!
I think these goals change for all of us along the way. Nowadays, I really prefer fishing for the greatest challenging fish. When a situation is solved on stream and numbers start coming too easily, I find myself bored rather quickly. The best way to keep it interesting is finding new situations. So, to each their own—which is why the sport remains so fascinating for a lifetime! For some, it might be all about experiences, and for others, it may be more of an educational journey.
Stay an advocate for protecting your right to clean water in your community and the waters you frequent. The best way to have that voice is through organizations like the FFI and TU mentioned above. There you'll find others like yourself who are committed to preserving and protecting our resources for future generations. The total fly fishing experience will continue thanks to the efforts of people in conservation clubs. So, in hindsight, perhaps Thoreau was correct: "it is not the fish they are after."