Fly Fishing Instruction, Why Its Important

Fly fishing is a complex sport. Often times those who try to learn on their own or depend on a friend, who may not be qualified to instruct, wind up frustrated because they develop poor habits and don't catch fish as they had expected.
Through the years I have purchased used tackle from guys who became bitter about fly fishing and decided to hang it up and try something else. It doesn't have to be that way.
I liken fly fishing to playing golf, another complex sport. Instruction from a club pro can get one started on the right track. He will teach you the basics; a good swing, the short game, sand shots, putting and how to manage your game on the course.
We teach fly fishing in much the same way. We start with setting up the rod and reel, the various knots used in attaching backing, line, leader, tippet and fly. Next comes fly casting, line control, fishing on and below the surface, how to handle big fish, reading the water to determine where fish hang out, etc. We even discuss aquatic entomology, in layman's terms, so that the student will have an idea of which flies work best.
Instruction is "On Stream" and usually takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours. We don't stop until the client says that he or she understands what has been taught.
A learning session followed by a day fishing with the guide will help assure a great start into this wonderful, hopefully lifelong, sport.