darrinhurst

Technically, so am I. I'm 36 next month.

Strip line?

Ok, so I had a chance to get out and practise some of my casting tonight. I did what some of you suggested and tied some yarn to the end to simulate the fly so that I can see where the leader was ending up. There were a couple of times where I had a knot in the leader again, but by the end of it, I felt that I had figured out what I was really doing wrong. I was using my arm too much and my wrist too little. I found that when I used my wrist more to whip the rod, it shot the line better and extended it further allowing the line and leader to fully extend. I am pretty sure that the next time I hit the water I will do 100% better than last time. Thanks again for the advise everyone.

Wow. Lots of information and advice. Thanks a ton guys! Several parks near my home, so I am sure that I can take the kids to the park while I do some casting and let them goof around for a while, while I goof around. Right now, practise, practise, practise. Next time I am sure I will do better. Thanks a million guys!

Been there, done that. Took the Country Pleasures one back on July 6th. It appears that I still suck even though I ruled during the course. Mind you I didn't have a heavy hook and a strike indicator on it.

Thanks for all the help guys, it is very much appreciated. I was happy to get out the other morning, but I was equally frustrated by the constant untying of knots in my leader. Almost ruined it, but not really.

Should I just use coloured yarn instead of a leader or tie the coloured yarn to the end of the leader?

When I am practising, should I be using a hook or a weight (split shot) on the end to simulate a hook? Or should I just use the line?

Hey guys and gals, just a quick question. Which style, dry, nymph or streamer is typically the best way to learn how to fly fish? I went down to the Bow below Cranston the other morning, and tried out the nymphs that I have, but I found that due to my rookieness (if that's a word) in casting, I was spending more time untying knots in my line caused by my strike indicator and my heavier fly weaving about each other. I found it quite difficult to cast as a rookie, should I be trying the dry fly until I get better at casting, or am I just casting challenged? Thanks for the input.

I have shaw digital phone. I love it. Free Long distance anywhere in north america. never had an issue.

So screw the online ordering bit. I went to a couple of shops this morning on the hunt for some wading boots so i can get started with this whole fishing thing. I tried on a pair of Simms for $110 over at West Winds, and really liked them, liked the dude there too, helpful and nice, didn't want to spend that much, but they were alright considering my narrow foot. Then I went down to Wholesale Sports to see what they had and ended up with a pair of Hodgman's for $90. I know that they probably aren't the same quality as Simms, but they fit my foot so much better and I could lace it up tighter. I did go back to West Winds and pick up some neoprene socks with the built in rock guard, so that I could wet wade in them while the weather is still warm. I went with comfort and I would have spent the exta $20 if I felt the Simms were just as comfortable. And considering that I haven't even hit the water yet I wanted to be a little more budget concious. I hope I made the right decision. Anyone know how the Hodgman's are?

Thanks man.

GAHHHH! They actually DO have them, but not in my size! Dammit all to hell! lol So far as the ethics go, don't worry about it. They still get your money, right? What do they care about how they get it?

Yeah, I know. They charge 30% or a minimum of $30 to cover duty and shipping to Canada. So my $49 wading boots are suddenly $79. Still cheaper than any other boot I have seen locally, but I would need to try them on first. I have talked to Country Pleasures about them, but they don't carry that model. I guess the shopping continues......

Has anyone ordered anything from Orvis, Simms or any other of those guys? I see that Orvis has a great deal on some wading boots, but I am unsure as to order them without trying them on. Has anyone had any luck in doing this?

14? I am just getting into it myself and I'm 36 as of next month. Talk about a late bloomer.....

Best advice yet.

Waders it is! I think I was just convinced of two things. 1. Buy some waders and wading boots. And, 2. Don't eat the fish that come out of the Bow.....

I do believe that the dude that I was talking to at Fish Tales told me about that exact book this morning.

I actually did take a basic fly fishing course through Country Pleasures. It was fantasitc. The class was realatively small as there were only about 10-12 of us and with the two instructors, they were able to give a lot of one on one instruction. Also taught us about what to look for in the characteristics of the water, where the fish would be in the water, what kind of flies are about and what to use. Really did a thourough job. I have always wanted to learn ever since I moved to Calgary, particularly when my wife and I bought a home in Cranston in the SE just off of South Fish Creek park. I thought "What a great location for fishing!" but figured it was damn near impossible to cast fish in the Bow, and after trying on many an occasion, I figured that I was right. Then my wife bought me that introductory course from Country Pleasures, and now I am PUMPED to get my feet wet. Already practised castig in my back yard (even if it isn't big enough) with the new rod and a buddy at work has offered to take me down the Elbow and show me the ropes. I just feel that there is so much more to learn. I can't wait!

Wow, good to see that the Battle of Alberta still has the strength to take over even on a Fly Fishing Board. lol So far as Bert goes, my opinion is pretty much the same as most peoples. His best years are behind him, but he is still a big dude. Get his ass in front of the net on the PP and he can still do some good. Will he snap and cold cock a guy? Who knows. I honestly think that it was a brain cramp that lasted a fraction of a second and he made the wrong decision. It's in the past, the guy paid his dues, let him live his life. One poster mentioned his 40 points from last year and compared them to a number of current fLAMES. Keep in mind that Bert was injured for a great deal of time last year with a concussion, so the fact that he was able to put up those points in, I think it was 69 games, is still pretty good. I am fairly sure that you will see him get at least SOME time on the top line. It will likely be where he spends the pre-season. Iggy has pretty much said that he wants him on his wing, and we all know, what Iggy wants, Iggy gets. As an Oiler fan, I still like the aquisition of Camalleri more than Bertuzzi. The game is getting faster again. The fLAMES needed the speed. Camalleri has it, Bert doesn't. Anyway, just my two bits.

Yeah, I've discovered that already. I took it out of it's case to show to my four year old daughter, and the tip had broken off! Thank God for the lifetime warranty. The shop I bought it from (that morning) swapped it no problem however, so it's all good. Thanks for the advice guys. I was considering the waders/wading boots, but wasn't sure if that was something to invest in so early in my "career", but from what I have heard so far, it surely is a worthwile investment. Even some of the articles I have read basically reccomend them, one mentioned the Bow in particular as the rocks in the Bow can get pretty slick. I guess I'm not done spending money just yet.......

Where in Fish Creek Park were you?

Hi Everyone. My name is Darrin and I am pretty new to the sport of fly fishing. I recently picked up a nice new TFO rod that was recommended by a fellow co-worker as it was a real good value, and picked up a few flies while I was there. Just some basic stuff to get started. I only have a few questions to ask of the more experienced, like what else would you consider as important for one to invest in during their rookie year? Where are some of the better places to go in and around the city? Where is the best place for a rookie to go to thier thier feet wet, no pun intended. Thanks for all the help guys, any advice would be fantastic!

That's awesome. Thanks for asking the question outkast! I am a fairly new (brand new) fly fisher and was wondering where the best place to go would be, I was planning on checking out the local shops in hunt of the best one, but at least I now know where most people's favorite is! Thanks guys!