Fly fishing looks calm until you actually try it

[Brisky1]

In videos fly fishing looks smooth and controlled. In real life it starts with tangles, poor timing and flies ending up in places they should not be. My first real summer doing it was chaotic in every possible way. Eventually it starts to click but nobody really tells you how messy the beginning is.

 

[JohnG123]

Practice, practice, practice....

 

[old oak]

It is messy to start by yourself without training by someone who understands the overall process. I liken it somewhat to archery, where to get over the basics can be frustrating but the rewards are great. To get really good at either takes time and introspection but can lead to many related opportunities for enjoyment such as fly tying, leader building etc. I have found much joy in the many hours I have spent in fly tying, arrow and string making, much as preparation for an upcoming hunt or fishing trip. Hopefully my upcoming turkey hunt / fishing trip to the White Mountains will yield feathers for both hobbies.

 

[Alan]

In videos fly fishing looks smooth and controlled. In real life it starts with tangles, poor timing and flies ending up in places they should not be. My first real summer doing it was chaotic in every possible way. Eventually it starts to click but nobody really tells you how messy the beginning is.

Fly fishing is basically graceful failure repeated until it finally starts looking intentional.