Intro to Fly Fishing - Ages 16+

Come join our Adult Intro to Fly Fishing class to learn everything you need to know about fresh water fly fishing from rods, reels, line and knots. This class is perfect for
beginners or those looking to increase their knowledge. Fly fishing can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, move your body and does not have to break the bank! This 6-week course will cover all the basics you need to get started, stay tuned for our supplemental course following Intro to Fly Fishing, “Fly Tying”!

Date: Thursdays, February 1 - March 7, 2024

Time: 6:00pm - 7:00PM

Fee: $25.00 per person

Location: Exeter Recreation Building, Downstairs Room, 32 Court Street, Exeter NH.

Details on what will be taught in this class

                              Fly-Fishing (Tools)

The Uniform -The “Vest” most see it as a requirement.  Pros and Cons

How many trinkets will it hold?  How many do you need?

Waders, Hip boots, Water shoes

Hat- wide brim, Sunglasses, 

Sun Screen, BUG REPELLENT, doggie bag

Wading staff, Net, Kleenex, water bottle

Rods - What to consider before buying.  What kind of water do you plan to fish?  What is your
              target species?  Cost? - everyone's main question.  
              Materials used in construction and how the construction effects use (show bamboo,
              graphite/carbon fiber, fiberglass rods)
              Rod length, weight and spine also effects use (show different rods) 
              Personal preference- Grip. Reel seat, guides…
              Maintenance.
Reel -The least important piece of fly fishing gear.  
           Size, weight, Drag
           Left vs Right wind
           Spare spools
           Cost & Maintenance
Line -The most important component.
           Floating, sinking, sink tip, reversible
           Weight matched to rod
           Backing, Leader, Tippet (see diagram)

           (load line then backing to measure the amount of backing for the reel, then unwind
           and spool backing and line, practice even winding)
           Leader tapered vs built, tippet weight to match species
           Maintenance
Knots - You only need a few but you want to be able to tie them blindfolded
               Backing to reel- simple slip knot, two half  hitches
               fly line to backing- water knot, unequal diameter
               leader to fly line-  super glue
               tippet to leader- water knot (wet before tightening)
               hook to tippet- Improved clinch knot (wet before tightening)
               Maintenance
Fly?  What fly do I use?  The most asked question in fly fishing.  
         What kind of water are you fishing?
         Watch the water first, are fish rising?  Can you see fish? 
         Where are the best lies and can you position yourself to fish them effectively?
         Are they taking flies off the surface? Or just under?
         Searching patterns?  Keep changing,  Reposition, 
         Color, size, type, position, depth, speed, light, shadow, noise, drag.