Hello
After having all the gear for ages my son and I have finaly got around to giving fly fishing a go in earnest. Had some casting lessons and can put a reasonable line out so it was onto the water. First outing-blank, second outing-one fish, 3rd, 4th and 5th outings-blank. Other anglers were getting a few fish so a bit of despondency is starting to set in.
My question is this:- What are your experiences when learning? Am I being a bit impatient or what?

when your out fishing ask other anglers what they are catching on or have a look in the fishing hut for returns with details of flies used etc ,most anglers dont mind telling you what they are catching on

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WHEN YOU LEAVE THE RIVER, TAKE NOTHING, AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINT'S!!!

THA CAN TELL A YORKSHIREMAN ,BUT THA CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH !!

Don't be afraid to ask the other anglers what set up they are using, fly, depth, retrieve etc. That way you can find out what you are doing thats different. Always ask the fishery managers advice before you start. It can be something very small eg using a thicker tippet, so you may not be a million miles out with what your doing. A lot of blanks could be that the fish aren't even seeing your fly because it's at the wrong depth. It's important to try different methods and count down to varying depths to find that winning combination.

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Location - Ospreylia

Watch what those who are catching fish are doing. Talk to them. Check what lines they are using rather than the obvious "what fly". Depth and speed of retrieve are more important factors. Copy their methods. Read the books and articles. Keep a diary. In my early days I went to Chew 5 times before I caught a single fish.

Everybody blanks from time to time, even the most experienced anglers. There may be lots of reasons for your blanks, conditions, tactics, confidence to name a few. Ask other guys around you for some advice, most will be more than happy to help.

Be patient the fish will come. Most of all enjoy the learning experience.

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Eddie
"We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation."
Voltaire

When you start fly fishing it is perfectly normal to blank. You have to get your head around the science of FF so you understand what place, depth, line, length of leader, flies to use, and the right retrieve. Ask experienced anglers to explain their methodology.The problem is that there are so many ways to catch trout and successful fly fishing is about carefull planning and taking as much of the chance element out of it as possible.

Good luck with yor learning process it lasts a lifetime.

Black Knight

Stick with it and don't be afraid to ask other anglers what they are catching on (how deep the fish are and what type of fly). Most anglers will gladly help you, especially if you are a beginner.

Chris

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Casting At Shadows - Christmas Island Fly Fishing DVD

Have a look at how quickly people are retrieving their flies too, as it can give you a clue as to what setup they're using.

Sitting there barely moving it, with a floating line - probably buzzers or small nymphs
Pulling it in like a madman - lures

And i'd say it's normal to blank a lot when you're new to it. But keep going at it, and eventually you will be rewarded. Have confidence in your method too. A lot of beginners chop and change their flies too much. Pick a method, and stick with it until you're sure it isn't working, then go to something else. Cover a range of depths and styles until you find what is working.

tight lines!

I know someone who was a full year between his first and second fish, keep at it and enjoy learning

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i was walking far from home, where the names are not burned along the wall, saw a building, high as heaven, but the door was so small

best thing to do is check the logbook when you sign in, it usually tells you what the fish are being caught on and sometimes where abouts on water.

once you've got that info, head out and see if you can ask some of the other anglers; where they are catching, depth, fly used, pace and style of retrieve and even what sort of time in the day i.e. early morning and after teatime are generally the best times

failing that, you could watch for surface activity and hatches and see if you can work out what the fish are feeding on and try as close as you can to imitate that

and REMEMBER....the most experienced of anglers blank too!