“I’d like to get into fly fishing; I just don’t know how to get started.”
That comment comes up quite a bit in conversation when I’m talking to someone about outdoor adventures.
Sure, you run. You bike. That’s why you read TheTVO.com. And you’ve seen fly fishing pieces on TheTVO.com. You’ve seen the photos of serene streams and riffles and anglers playing fish, line taut as a fish jumps out of water – the imagery is beautiful. Maybe it’s time to try it out.
I tell people the easiest way to get started with that first cast is to ask someone they know who fly fishes about the sport. Don’t know a fly fisherman? Or fisherwoman? That’s where your local fly club or social media group comes in.
Your Local Fishing Club
It doesn’t matter where you live in the Tennessee River Valley. A local fishing club is ready to help you.
Check out their website. Maybe give them a call. Find out where and when they’re meeting and go join them. Chances are you’ll be warmly welcomed by people who love fishing and want to share their passion with newcomers. A few clubs and groups are listed below; I’m sure there are more, and I apologize for any I left out.
Huntsville area – Tennessee Valley Fly Fishers
Chattanooga area – Chickamauga Fly and Bait Casting Club
Local Social Media Groups
Smoky Mountains Facebook Group
East Tennessee Fly Fishing Facebook Group
Research, Read, and Watch Videos
There are plenty of resources online on how to get started in fly fishing. I’ve searched and seen some good articles out there. One of the best I’ve found is “How to Start Fly Fishing” on gearpatrol.com.
The Gear Patrol piece breaks it down for the novice fly fisherman – where and when to go, equipment needed, and how to cast. It’s a good read and gives good information and tips. Read “How to Start Fly Fishing” here.
