After many years of course fishing i have decided to have a go at fly fishing.
I have bought a 9ft 6/7 rod and real combo with a 6 wieght floating dt line. I am planning to start with small rivers in my local area (Blythe /Anchor / Tame) and my local trout fishery which is Fisherwick. Any and all advice would be well recieved.

Lessons in casting really help when you're starting out

My advice to those new to fly fishing is always the same. Spend as much time and money as possible on the actual fishing and as little as you can get away with on tackle.

The only real way to learn about fishing is to fish and to learn from those who are better at fishing than you are. Make connections with local anglers that fish the waters you intend to fish and you will have tapped into the best source of advice there is--local advice for your actual fishing.

The whole point of fly fishing for me is the fishing bit. No one ever caught anything while standing on a football pitch listening to a casting instructor. Casting lessons may somewhat useful in some circumstances, but don't let the lack of formal lessons keep you from fishing.

The basics of fly casting can be learned by doing about 15 minutes of reading and then some practice in the park. Ignore the Doom Merchants that pull out the old "you'll teach yourself bad habits" line, that's a pile of ****. Any competent instructor can teach over, around, and through any "bad habits" you may or may not have. In the meantime, you'll have gained something more valuable than casting skill, you'll actually know something about fishing.

Good luck.

Grouse

half an hour with the fella at Fisherwick got me enough of the basics to get going mate.

Practice your casting.

Adam

samben ...... You are obvious local to Gailey Trout Fishery near Cannock, you are more than welcome to join me for a few hours on Saturday. The lake is fishing really well at the moment. have a look at the website.

Full day sporting ticket costs only £17 with boats from £5. Gailey trout fishery, near Cannock. 01785 715848
visit Gailey’s website for full details about fishing. www.gaileytrout.co.uk

__________________
www.gaileytrout.co.uk

If you ever want a trip on the midlands reservoirs then send me a PM. I'd be happy to show you around.

So sorry i missed this, have been up to my eyes last couple of weeks. Would like to take up your offer in a month os so if that is ok with you. That will give me time to get a casting lesson and get a bit of practice. I have booked a lesson on the 23rd with Archline angling in cannock and i can practice on the lake behind my house.