The beauty of learning something as graceful as fly fishing was always on my mind. I grew up with a conventional rod in my hand, so catching fish was not new to me, but fly fishing was. I had watched my husband fly fish for years. But never truly tempted to learn how to catch fish on fly. I was always more comfortable with a spinning rod in my hand, and was still catching fish.
On a spur of the moment, we decided to take a trip to Turneffe Island Flats Lodge, in Belize. This lodge ¡s a fly fishing paradise. Though I knew we could take our spinning gear, it was time for me to embrace the fly rod.
Fly school was what I needed, and fly school is what we did. We found a class being taught out of our local fly shop. My husband, who had been throwing flies for a long time prior, agreed to accompany me. is would be a lesson for both. I was new to fly fishing, and he was a self-taught fishing guide.
That weekend, we spent the entire day on a football field, learning how to hold the rod and how to look like the professionals. They make this look so easy. I did not believe the way the day was starting, and that it was even going to be possible. The instructor was very patient, and extremely good (thanks Dave). By midday, I was getting excited and not so frustrated anymore. During lunch, we learned how to tie the knots and leaders, and then back to the hard stuff. More back and forth, “hit this spot.” During the next three hours, I learned that I was going to be able to make this trip, and not look like a complete fool. My confidence was up, and the fishing guide had some new tricks, too.
We arrived in Belize, and bonefish were everywhere. Catching one was my problem. “Slow down, relax, and I can do it,” is what I had to keep saying. First day, no luck. Determined, we returned back to the beach, and I kept fishing. “Technique and remember to enjoy what’s around you, calm down.” I replayed these thoughts in my head. Then Bam! Not big but landed my first fish on a fly. I was so excited, and now hooked on something more challenging than conventional rod. Knowing the technique was not the only thing you had to do, but seeing something and getting the fly to it, AMAZING.
Life is too short to stop at something you know well. Try something new.
Warning, it can be addicting. Soon you could own your own set of rods, reels, waders, and flies. It sounds strange, but there is something more to fly fishing. Having your own gear and catching your own fish, with grace. It has a way of connecting you to nature, like nothing else.
Take the time to learn, ask for help. There is always beauty in believing, and it is even more beautiful doing.
By Tamara McNamara, St. Marks Outfitters, redfish@stmarksoutfitters.com.
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