In his famous book ‘A River Runs Through It’ Norman Maclean said “fly fishing is an art performed to the rhythm of four between two and 10 o’clock.”
This describes the mechanics of casting a line to which a fly is attached to attract a fish.
Much like golfing, fly fishing is a sport that is forever challenging. Learning how to do it is a life-long journey that requires understanding of ecology, biomechanics of casting, selecting rods, lines and reels appropriate for use in various situations, and selecting flies that can catch the fish you target. Catching fish with flies that you tie yourself adds a whole new dimension to this challenging sport.
Fly tying, like any new art form requires some basic knowledge, patience, and practice to build craft skills. It also requires knowledge of the food fish eat and how to imitate it.
Starting on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 12, Mid Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club is offering fly tying classes at beginner and intermediate levels.
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The Beginners Course is presented in a series of five sessions; each session is two hours long. It is geared towards the fly fisher who has never tied flies before, learning under the step-by-step guidance of experienced teachers. All necessary equipment and materials are provided and loaned out as a kit. This allows students to take equipment home to practice between classes and to have the option of attending the club’s Monthly Fly-Tying Nights in February and March.
The Intermediate Fly Tying Course is also offered in a series of five sessions at the same time and location as the beginner sessions. This course takes tying to the next level, where you will be tying flies with patterns that challenge your skills while guided by accomplished fly tiers. Intermediate students are required to supply their own tools; materials are provided. These courses are for club members only.
Membership applications and applications for the fly tying courses are available to fill out at A Blaze in the Northern Fly, 8-698 Beach Rd. Leave applications at the fly shop.
In addition to fly tying, Mid Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club has a full education program for novice to experienced fly fishers, including clinics for single hand and spey casting, specialty workshops on fly fishing techniques such as tight-line nymphing, beach and river fishing for trout and salmon, and an introductory course on fly fishing to be offered in May.
For more information go to the website www.midislandcastaways.com or email info@midislandcastaways.com
— NEWS Staff, submitted
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