Fly Fishing Basics

• Introduce students to the basic components of the fly-fishing outfit outlined in the Equipment section. Note the function of each. If appropriate, compare the components with their spincasting counterparts.

• Discuss the importance of having a balanced outfit that is appropriate for the fish being sought and the fishing situation. 

• Demonstrate and discuss the proper care of fly-fishing equipment in transit and for storage; included in the Equipment  section. 

• Individual Learning 

  • Check out Fly Fishing Gear and Fly Fishing Tackle Assembly resources from TakeMeFishing.org.

Notes:  If you are working with a larger group, have multiple rods and reels, as well as line and leaders, on hand so students can view components up close. 

Fish Iowa! has placed limited fly fishing equipment with partners. Contact them directly to check on availability.  The Fishing Equipment Loaner Sites list includes sites with spincasting and fly fishing rigs.

Skills test: Students should be able to identify the parts of a fly fishing rig and demonstrate how to match rod, reel and line to create a balanced outfit.

• Discuss the various knots used to assemble a fly fishing rig. 

• Demonstrate each knot  included in the Flies and Knots section: arbor knot, nail knot, surgeon's knot, improved clinch knot.

• Have students practice tying the knots using rope, then line. 

• Individual Learning 

  • Practice knots following instructions on the animated fishing knots website.

  • Check out Take Me Fishing content on Fly Fishing Knots.

  • Watch Take  Me Fishing videos and practice knots:

    • Arbor knot

    • Clinch knot

    • Nail Knot

    • Surgeon's knot

Notes: Use larger rope for demonstrations. Share the link to the animated fishing knots site so students can view it while tying, or provide handouts with steps illustrated.

Skills test: Each student should be able to correctly tie the knots as demonstrated.

• Introduce students to different fly patterns shared in the Flies and Knots section.

• Discuss the different types (patterns). What does each pattern imitate? How is it fished/presented?

• Individual Learning

  • Read the Fly Fishing Flies content at Takemefishing.org.

Notes:  Have enough of each type of fly for participants to be able to examine them up close. 

Skills test: Students should be able to identify the different types of flies and share how they would be fished/presented and what they imitate.

• Review the steps for getting ready and completing the overhand cast shared in the Casting section. 

• Tie a short piece of bright yarn to the tippet to simulate a fly. Demonstrate proper casting techniques and discuss appropriate safety precautions. 

• Place students in pairs and distribute fly fishing rods and reels, one per pair. 

  • Have pairs line up at least 10 feet apart, all facing the same direction. 

  • One student in each pair should prepare to cast while the other watches for mistakes. 

  • Go through the Casting Checklist in the Casting section. 

    • Repeat each step of the casting procedure with the first group of casters as they cast. 

    • Allow them to practice a few times, then walk through the cast with the with the second half of the class. 

    • Partners should take turns casting until both get the procedure down. 

  • Review common casting mistakes as needed and share how to correct them.

• Only after students have demonstrated the correct casting procedure, have them work on casting for accuracy. 

  • Cast toward targets. 

  • Play games such as F-I-S-H or plug golf. (See the Fish Iowa! Basic Spincasting Module Casting Games.)

• Individual Learning 

  • Watch the Orvis Fly Fishing lesson on the basic overhead cast.

  • Review the overhead cast and false casting with the Cortland Line Company's Overhead Cast video.

  • Check out the following resources from TakeMeFishing.org:  7 Fly Fishing Tips video and Fly Casting [to learn more casts].

Skills Test: Each student should be able to cast a fly fishing rod using the correct procedures as demonstrated. Optional: Students also may be tested for accuracy using casting games.

General Teaching Tips for Casting:

• Have a few eight-foot, four or five-weight rods around with slimmer grips for smaller individuals.

• Don’t use flies in practice; tie a short piece of bright yarn to the tippet to simulate a fly.

• Students should focus on casting technique. This will slow them down, make them think, and improve their casting.

• Make sure students keep rod tips down when they are not casting. Successful casting is difficult when rod tips are kept high and are waving about.

• Don’t let students lay rods on the ground. They can be stepped on and broken.

• Watch the length of classes. Concentration becomes difficult as arms weaken.

Safety Notes: 

• Make sure all students are wearing  sunglasses and hats. 

• Practice casting in an area with short grass or a smooth surface with few obstructions to decrease the chances of “flies” getting snagged (e.g., football or soccer field, empty parking lot). 

• Avoid areas covered with blacktop or dirt; repeated casting on these surfaces can destroy fly lines. 

• There should be 50 feet of safe area in front of and behind each caster. 

• Be aware of any overhead obstructions such as trees, rafters (gym), or power lines. 

• Have observers stand on the right side of right-handed casters and the left side of left-handed casters to better observe the casting procedure.

• Emphasize that the caster should make sure others are out of the way before casting and observers should always be alert when their partner is casting. 

• Have students cast directly in front of themselves to avoid crossing lines with their neighbors. 

• Background Information: Equipment section

• List of Fish Iowa! Fishing Equipment Loaner Sites

• TakeMeFishing.org - Fly Fishing Gear

• TakeMeFishing.org - Fly Fishing Tackle Assembly

• • Background Information: Flies and Knots section

  • Animated Fishing Knots website

  • Take Me Fishing content on Fly Fishing Knots.

    • • Arbor knot

      • Clinch knot

      • Nail Knot

      • Surgeon's knot

•  Background Flies and Knots section

• Fly Fishing Flies content at Takemefishing.org.

• • Background Information: Casting section

  • Fish Iowa! Basic Spincasting Module Casting Games

  • Orvis Fly Fishing lesson on the basic fly cast

  • Cortland Line Company's Overhead Cast video

  • Resources from TakeMeFishing.org: 

    •  7 Fly Fishing Tips video

    •  Fly Casting