Thursday, January 29, 2009

Fly Fishing Classes

Have you wanted to learn fly-fishing or how to tie fishing flies? Maybe not, but that’s my new adventure this week.


Source: Moldychum

Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department is offering free fly fishing classes and I jumped on the opportunity. Instructors are Joe Fagan from Arizona Game and Fish teaming with Jim Martin, a professor of geography here in Tucson.

Who’d ever think you’d find fly fishing aficionados in Tucson? I looked online and discovered a lot of folks here enjoy fly fishing. There are clubs and even a local fly fishing store such as Dry River Outfitters.

Yesterday we were introduced to fly fishing and the art of tying flies. The class is well organized, and they've kept the student count down to eight which is very helpful. I am the only woman in the class, a bit disappointing as it would be great sharing this experience with fishing "sisters".


Look at the cute Zebra Midge I made, very tiny, about the size of my thumb. It's amazing how sewing skills translate into making flies—I was very comfortable with that aspect. I did manage to snag my finger twice on the extremely sharp barb.

Saturday morning we'll learn to cast at Silverbell Lake. Rods, equipment, and other materials will be provided to us; a good thing since all I can offer is my enthusiasm.

I’m quite enjoying this venture, which is weird on my part since I cannot eat any type of fish (major death-inducing allergy). Now if I can just avoid hooking a saguaro or two on Saturday.

Resources

7 comments:

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

LOL! I can't see too many women flocking over to learn how to tie a fly on a hook, June! My dad loved to fish, and he taught me how to use worms, and we most often fished from piers on Long Island. I always felt sorry for the fish after I caught them!

I have to visit that Moldy Chum blog just because of its name --lol!

meg said...

Now that is funny- learning to fish when you're highly allergic, but I can see the creative appeal :-D

Kristie said...

So I see that "slowing and relaxing in the new year" plan is working out really well for you, Junebug. :D

You know I loves ya.

Thimbleanna said...

You never cease to amaze me Junie Moon. You're awesome!

FinnyKnits said...

Ooh! Enjoy! I love flyfishing - so much so that I managed to get my Bubba in on it, too, so that I'd have a buddy to go to the river with me.

I've never tied flies, but yours already look amazing. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Bravo June. This is definitely your year for many new experiences. I've always enjoyed fishing though so seldom get an opportunity. I've always wanted to learn how to fly fish but two drawbacks: where I live and the realization that it's an art that needs to be developed. I truly admire you more than you know. Enjoy yourself today (Saturday) and on all your fly fishing classes. I love your sense of adventure!

Amanda said...

June,

I am new to reading here, I actually found you through a post on Sassy Priscilla's Blog.

I am so glad I did! Love your Blog!

I love to fly fish & tie flies. I learned it from my hubby when we began dating. We would fly fish for trout in local lakes when we went camping.

Did you get to use your flies?

Off to read some more,

Amanda