Geez, I need help

[Solid]

So over the weekend I went out to fly fish for a bit. After reading the stocking report I decided to go check out the Souhegan river in Milford, up along 101a. I saw quite a few anglers out there fishing. I did find a nice spot to wade in and give fly fishing a try. Well I was able to sorta fish, I hope however that nobody saw me, because it is probably going to end up on Americas funniest home videos. I casted into trees behind me, My fly was hitting my rod, I got about 5 knots in my "knotless Leader" I was a mess. I almost fell over like 10 times also due to strong currents. Anyway, it was fun but I sure wish I was better at casting, how do I cast so I don't put knots in my leader? I am still amazed that I did that so many times. I think I will be much better at trolling :roll:

[MJ]

David, seems you and I have the same fly fishing style. I'm still working on my cast, so I will not presume to advise you regards your 'wind knots'. But I will say this; just recently I invested $25 for an hour's worth of one-on-one casting instruction. Tom Jutras of Mountain Rd Fly Shop helped me considerably in that short hour. It was money well spent, and I suspect I'll be going back later on this year for a follow up. On another note, one of the best things I ever purchased was a wading staff. Before using one I came close many times to a chilly baptism. The one I use I acquired through Cabelas. However, a simple sturdy stick picked up along streamside will save your butt far more often than you might like. Fortunately, hoewever, for me, even in spite of my limited abilities, fly fishing-wise, I have a blast every time I am out. Don't abandon wading. It is simply too much fun.

Mark

[Tangled Tippet]

Keep an eye on your backcast,sounds like your not giving the line a chance to straighten out. A hurried forward cast will surely put knots in your leader. I know getting advice from someone called "Tangled Tippet" shouldnt hold much water,,,but trust me on this one.Oh,,by the way,,I always look for trees decorated with flies,,,it tells me the fishing is good in that spot.

[granger]

Hi,

Your post seems to indicate you are pretty new to the sport. Fishing for trout in moving water is tough. Lot's of variables. Don't get dicouraged. I found it easier to begin my fly fishing on warm water species first. In a couple weeks pickerel will be able to be taken on the fly in shallow areas of local ponds where weedgrowth is just beginning to emerge. Bright streamers will work. Here you can begin to perfect the basic casting stroke, line management skills and catch some fish. Then perhaps try on some trout streams. As long as it stays fun and you don't get discouraged you will make progress.

[fessiewig]

Hey Granger . . . . excellent advise! Wish I'd though of it. :D

[Birddogtwo]

I would second a lesson. I started fly fishing 10 years ago and it took me almost a year to catch a trout! I took a casting lesson from Bob Mitchell in Goffstown and not only learned to cast but made a friend. Since that time (although not recently) weve hunted birds and fished together several times. Also Fish and Game puts on weekend programs for free. They cover entomology, equip selection, reading the water, fly selection and casting. One program is at Bearbrook and another Milan or Dummer ...somewhere up there. Good luck and enjoy fishing
Dave

[troutscout]

The back cast seems to be the source of most of my wind knots. That corny metronome scene in "A River Runs Through It" is actually right on the money. Your back cast needs to take just as long as the forward. If you rush it the snapping over of the fly passess it through its own loop an voila = wind knot. If its windy, you might also try a side arm cast keeping the cast to whichever side of your body is downwind. Having waded the Andro to my eyeballs I have no advice on walking around in the water that is of any value!