Fly Fishing has many complexities that are mindboggling if you allow yourself to damper the fun. I’ve been dabbling in fly fishing since the early 1990’s when my good friend, Emily Whitlock and I were roommates. We were some of the “close to senior citizens-or at least it felt that way” at the University of Arkansas who had returned to school to enhance our education.
Emily met and fell in love with Dave Whitlock, one of the most famous fly fishermen in the world. Through Dave’s guidance I flipped my first fly rod in that time space. He was a patient instructor and overall one of the finest persons I had ever met. My first lessons did not include the complex world of fly fishing. Needless to say, to this day I’ve learned so much more, but am still baffled by some of the concepts.
Weights of rods, sizes of reels, backing, sinking and floating line, different sizes of tippet and leaders, which size goes with what? Knots to tie, weights, indicators, and the infamous question of “which fly should I use”. Dry or wet and why? Amazingly enough, I can tie a fly better than I can throw one. It’s a constant learning process, and in my lifetime I hope to get it down pat. Until then, nothing will spoil my fun when I am ready for a day on the rivers or lakes. I fly fish not only for trout, but for crappie and bass on the lake. AND…I have fun.
When I first partnered with Jim in the Fly Shop, I was worried about my lack of consciousness that encompassed the entire realm of the sport. I had my 5/6 weight rod, one reel, same backing and line I’d had for 10 years, and a short tippet that had been cut so many times there wasn’t much left.
If ignorance is bliss, then I was a walking example. Nothing would rain on my parade if I set out for a day of fishing. Yes, my inconsistent casting was frustrating at times. But being out in a glistening river with the waters pressing against my waders sent that frustration immediately downstream. To this day, if I concentrate, I can see Dave Whitlock demonstrating casting methods that made it all look so easy. When I focus and make a conscious effort to follow his instruction, I am proud of my line rolling on the waters with ease. The problem is, that with my concentration span, I sometimes find myself tangled in my line wondering what I did wrong…Phooey with fretting over a windknot, of which I have many on certain days. I accept the fact that maybe practice makes perfect. But even though I played softball all through school, my ball throwing has never gotten better. Just ask my dogs. My focus on the pleasure of certain sports far outweighs the technical aspects. I grant myself graces, and blow off my inconsistency.
Today, as I head to the river I am decked out in my waders and my fly vest is bearing down on my shoulders. I have all the little gadgets to hold my tools, a box full of flies, extra tippet should I mess up too bad and a smile on my face. I promise myself that I will focus on my casting in order to improve my skills. I also tell myself, should I space out, get caught up in the moment and throw that line wildly I will not quit. I refuse to get caught up in being afraid I might look stupid to all those other fisherpeople.
Remember, we have the choice to accept our comfort zone. There are no binding rules that should interfere with enjoying the sport of fly fishing. Some days we’re on, some days we’re off. Inconsistency accepted in my life. Now……..which fly should I use? Where on the river where I go? Do I have enough indicators? Gotta run, I’m feelin’ lucky. Maybe this will be the day I’ll snag that huge brown I’ve seen hanging out below the dam. Until next time…..tight lines!
Chris Chimo
