The Mid-Island Castaways fly fishing club will offer its annual beginners’ fly fishing course April 13-15.
Mid-Vancouver Island is blessed with a variety of fish species that will take a fly, including cutthroat and rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, steelhead and five species of salmon, said club member Bruce Morrison. Anglers can fish rivers, lakes and beaches. Today women are fastest growing group of fly fishers, and the local club encourages increased participation by women.
The course, Introduction to Fly Fishing, covers fly casting, knots, how to choose equipment, matching flies to the feeding habits of fish, safety and fishing ethics. The only age restriction is that students must be at least 16 years old.
Students who do not have fly rods can use a club loaner rod. They are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Indicate on your application if you will need a rod. The course takes place at the Qualicum Community Hall, Tiger Lily Farm (Errington) and an area lake or pond. For the Sunday, April 15 class, students should plan to bring their own lunch and water or juice.
Class size is limited to 20 students, so early enrolment is encouraged. The fee for the course is a membership in Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club ($50), plus a $50 charge for the course. Current Castaways members pay only the $50 fee for the course.
Details for the course may be found on the club website, www.midislandcastaways.com, under Club Information, click on the Education tab.
To register for the course, go to either CoastSport Fish Shop in Parksville or the Nile Creek Fly Shop in Bowser. Pick up your applications, fill them out and attach either money or check to the application. Non-members will need to fill out a membership application and a course application. Members only have to fill out a course application. Cheques should be made out to: Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club. Leave your applications/fees at the sport shop.
For info or questions, contact Morrison at 250-248-5914 or rbm123@shaw.ca.
— NEWS staff,
Mid-Island Castaways submission