Fly Fishing Lesson

Tom is an avid fisherman and within the last year or so has really been into fly fishing. Him and Ray tie all of their own flys and go out as often as possible to test out the rivers and occasionally lakes. They went on a big trip in June to Montana to fly fish non-stop for 4 days. It was a dream for Tom. I always wondered what it was that he loved about it. Many times when he comes home from fishing he has caught a couple of fish maybe even one but he is always so relaxed. He never keeps the fish, it is all catch and release. So what's the deal? My mom and Ray had the kids today so I decided to figure out the mystery and have Tom teach me what he is so passionate about. We headed out to the Cedar River and after Tom got me dress in his waders and boots (I don't have my own set up of course. Tom's boots were only 5 sizes too big for me so it was a bit awkdard to walk in) we went down to the river. It was such a weird sensation as I got into the river. I mean I know that waders are meant to keep you dry but guess what, they really do! It was strange to be thigh high in water, feeling the pressure of it and being perfectly dry. Tom was pretty sure I was a dork. The river was beautiful and very peaceful. This is nice, OK I am starting to understand. Now the fishing part. Tom stood behind me and taught me the "art" of casting. It actually is quite an art and much easier to watch on "A River Runs Through It" than to do. I must say that I picked up on it fairly quickly and began casting on my own while Tom caught bugs. It turns out that there is so much more to fly fishing than fishing. You have to learn about which bugs the fish are feeding on to know what fly to tie on. Fish are much smarter than I ever gave them credit for! I fished in one spot for a while and then we moved down stream to another hole where Tom taught me a few more tricks to the trade. It is hard to have the timing of it right and not get all tangled up in the line! And you have to be careful not to get caught on the branches or stuck in the rocks. I did both....In the second hole (I think that's what it is called) I got a bite but that's all. I watched Tom fish a little and then we headed back up the river. Walking against the current is a great leg workout! We had a wonderful time and I did get the answer to my question. It is so peaceful out there. No matter what river or lake you are fishing it's just you. There are no phones or t.v.'s. No pressures of work or life. It doesn't matter who you are or where you live. The sound of the water is very soothing. It was so nice to be able to do something with Tom that he loves so much.