The gentle art of fly fishing looks so easy when carried out by an expert, and it is, but to the beginner it can seem like a really complex and somewhat daunting hobby to take up. Where does one start? How does one select the right tackle? And if one ever gets out there ready to fish, where is the best place and what are the correct flies to use? So many questions; let’s see if I can answer a few.

Instruction
There is no substitute for getting off to a good start in any sport, so if you wish to learn fly fishing seek the advice of a trained coach. Many anglers come into the sport having tagged along with a friend on a trip to a lake or river; they may even have had some basic casting instruction from that friend. However, if you are really serious about taking up fly fishing then get a professional to help you right from the beginning. The governing body of the majority of instructors working in the field of fly fishing is The Salmon and Trout Association. Their website contains a wealth of information about all sorts of “fishy “things and it is well worth a look. www.salmon-trout.org Recently a group was formed under the umbrella of the above organization specifically to work on improving the level of instruction and thereby raise the professional standard of all coaches out there. The majority of these coaches have now upgraded their qualifications and, should you wish to seek the best help, look no further than the Game Angling Instructors Association - see the website details below. All qualified instructors are listed on the site and you can select one from the county in which you live. All instructors are fully insured, have to attend regular first aid courses and will have been police checked. www.gameanglinginstructors.co.uk OK, but what if I am not certain that this is the sport for me. The first point of contact should be Bristol Water, after all that is more than likely where you have picked up this magazine. Bristol Water run schools specifically for newcomers to the sport and they are organised by qualified instructors. They offer a really good and inexpensive way to have an initial look at the sport without having to purchase loads of expensive gear. Here are some of the options available through Woodford Lodge during the fishing season:

Beginners’ Days.
If you’d like to have a go but are not sure that fly-fishing is for you, once a month on Saturday afternoons, Bristol Water hold Beginners’ Days. These four hour courses give basic casting instruction with a chance to try bank fishing and when possible boat fishing all for the cost of just £20 per person. This course runs from 2 - 6pm and tackle, licences and permits are provided.

Casting courses
For those who know they want to learn to fly fish or want to improve their technique there are 2 hour casting courses every Saturday morning. These are run by a qualified coach and tackle can be supplied. A maximum of six persons will be accepted and the two-hour course starts at 11am. The cost is £20.00 per session.

Fishing instruction
To follow this up there is a four-hour session of basic fishing instruction, which runs on one Saturday afternoon per month.

Places on all these courses are limited. To reserve any lessons ring: 01275 332339