Fishing is not just about casting. I'm wondering if any of you have benefited from flyfishing coaching rather than "mere" casting instruction. Reading lies, choosing drifts, tactics, sort of thing.

Does anyone do such fishing clinics on the rivers and lochs? Was it useful? What did it cost? Who would you recommend?

Not sure who up your way but I had a great day with Nick Hart down in Exmoor earlier this year on the river. Basically explained my experience and he tailored it to suit. I'm sure most river guides would do the same if you explain what it is you are looking to get out of the experience.

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Location - Ospreylia

Hi

I couldn't agree more, it most definately is not just about casting, but learning how to cast correctly in the first instance will make the whole experience more enjoyable and make you a more successful fisherman in the long run.

What i believe you are looking for is a guide, he will explain all that you have described and more, and it really should be a shortcut to success.
Most casting isntructors also guide so i am sure you will find some one in your area.


Cheers
Richard

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Richard Jackson
Fly fishing instruction and guiding in the heart of Devon
www.devonflyfisher.com

I agree too. I've used quite a few guides mainly for the coaching rather than the casting tuition (not that i don't need casting tuition, but as you say it's about more than that!).

In answer tro your questions:-
Was it useful? Yes, every time. It brings a whole new appreciation to the sport and there is nothing like 1:1 tuition from a real expert.

What did it cost? Generally £150 per day, some a bit less, some a bit more. Worth it? Definitely!

Who would I recommend? I can't think of any guide I've been with that I wouldn't recommend. Nick hart and gary Pearson, both in Devon so a long way from you. John Tyzak, Stuart minnikin and Roger Beck are all in Yorks/Lancs so still a bit of a trek. Can't help with any guides further north than that.

Good luck

Regards

peter

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Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans
John Lennon

http://walksandfishes.blogspot.com/

I believe there is a groundswell of opinion that agrees that coaching isn't just about casting. The current coaching qualifications are very demanding in terms of casting competency - not just in the ability to perform a wide variety of 'recognised casts' but also in the ability to 'unpick', analyse and teach the various aspects of the mechanics of each cast. In many ways it is understandable that casting coaching has developed in this way because of all the angling disciplines, in fly fishing if you can't manage an effective, basic cast then the fishing experience is going to be severely limited to the point of extreme disappointment.

However, once the basics have been mastered, putting the skills into the context of the river or lake bank will lead to accelerated learning, understanding and incredible enrichment of the experience. It has to be the way to go.

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[I]"I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish, except that we like it and it makes us think and feel."[/I] Roderick L Haig-Brown

[url]www.wildfly.net[/url]

[url]http://www.gameanglinginstructors.co.uk/[/url]

There are quite a few offering guiding and coaching on the Midland rezzies but I actually think joining a club and mixing with experienced anglers achieves the same thing, albeit a little slower.

I would recommend looking for a club in your area.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

Since I started entering competitions I think my fishing has improved loads, you can learn quite a lot just fishing with other anglers on a regular basis.

I do them occassionally on the Tay and Tummel

www.gameanglingscotland.co.uk

want to learn on one of the top clyde style beats drop me a pm

I dont think there will be many casting instructors out there who couldnt guide you or coach you in fishing,i certainly could