Fly fishing is a rewarding and relaxing hobby that forces you to exercise patience, learn proper casting, and experiment with different tackle and artificial flies to reel in predatory fish. Whether you love eating fish, being in nature, or just mastering a new skill, it's an excellent hobby to pick up.

The question is, how do you get started if you have no prior experience?

Why Fly Fishing?

Why choose fly fishing as your new hobby?

For starters, it's highly accessible. While fly fishing does require skill and experience, it's possible to start engaging in the hobby with no prior fishing knowledge – and while it does require some equipment, it's relatively affordable.

According to Trident Fly Fishing, “Anyone can start fly fishing with a few basic pieces of equipment and a good fishing spot. You can hone your skills, acquire more gear, and flesh out your approach to the hobby from there – but there's no rush, and the hobby can be as simple or complex as you want it to be.”

Some of the main reasons people pursue fly fishing include:

  •       Nature. Fly fishing is a great way to get in touch with nature. You'll get to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, cool waters, and beautiful scenery almost anywhere you choose to fish.
  •       Mindfulness. Most types of fishing are peaceful and relatively calm, and fly fishing isn't much different. While it does require a bit more of an active role than other types of fishing, there are plenty of moments for mindfulness as well.
  •       Strategy. Fly fishing requires specific techniques, thoughtful strategies, and ongoing battles against reasonably intelligent prey. It may not be as cognitively demanding as a game of chess against a grandmaster, but it is intellectually rewarding.
  •       Food. In many cases, you'll be able to keep, prepare, and eat the fish you catch. If you love eating fish, this is a massive bonus.

Getting Started With Fly Fishing

Before you can get started with fly fishing, you'll need some gear. Over time, you'll accumulate a collection of different accessories, but you can start with just the fundamentals:

  •       Rod, reel, and line. Your rod, reel, and line are the most important components you'll be working with. Start with something basic and accessible until you improve your skills.
  •       Polarized sunglasses. Without proper protection, the sun will damage your eyes. You'll need polarized sunglasses and some sunscreen as well.
  •       A net. Invest in a good net so you can capture your fish when you reel them in.
  •       A leader. A strong leader will protect your main line from destruction.
  •       Various tools. Various tools, including pliers and nippers, are necessary for managing your fly fishing gear.
  •       Flies (and a fly box). Of course, you'll also need flies for fly fishing – as well as a fly box to store and organize them.
  •       Waders. You should also have a pair of waders so you can comfortably traipse through high waters.

Once you have all the equipment, you'll need to find a good spot.

Consider:

  •       Laws/ordinances. Fishing laws and ordinances vary. Make sure you understand the fishing laws in your area before you attempt to fly fish in publicly accessible waters. Alternatively, get permission from property owners before fishing there.
  •       Accessibility. Some locations are easier to get to than others. Most new fly fishing enthusiasts start with spots that are close to home.
  •       Local fish. Get to know the types of fish that populate your chosen spot, so you can fish for them specifically with appropriate flies and techniques.
  •       Weather. Make sure you understand the climate and weather dynamics in the area as well, so you can dress appropriately. Avoid areas that are excessively prone to volatile weather – especially if you're inexperienced.
  •       Local anglers. Finally, consider the local angler scene. Depending on your goals and mentality, you may prefer a sparsely populated area so you can hone your techniques in private and enjoy peace and quiet. But you may also prefer an area populated with experienced anglers who can coach you and guide you in the art of fly fishing.

Finally, you'll need to learn some of the core techniques that make fly fishing so distinctive. Consider meeting up with a friend or an experienced fly fisherman willing to teach you. Failing that, you can pick up some of the basic techniques from online videos and tutorials.

If you don't like being outside, if you can't stand getting dirty, or if you're grossed out by fish and aquatic life, fly fishing probably isn't for you. But for everyone else, fly fishing is a hobby you should try at least once. And if it's a good fit, it could be a hobby that keeps you engaged, grounded, and active for years to come.