Tuition - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am planning to start fly fishing how many lessons should I have?
A: This will depend on many things but there is no doubt that lessons from a trained and experienced instructor will allow you to progress quickly and without frustration. A great option is to join one of our one day stillwater trout fishing courses, this course covers a wide range of topics from casting, tackle selection and set up as well as fishing techniques and fishing on the lake. Alternatively you could have a series of hourly lessons. Three lessons should see you casting a good line and fishing confidently.
Q: I want to learn more than just casting – I need to know more about techniques and fly selection. Can you help?
A: We can arrange guided fishing at a variety of locations both in the UK and abroad. The best option would be contact tuition@sportfish.co.uk tel 0118 930 3860 and discuss your requirements.
Q: What should I bring with me to the lesson, course or hosted trip?
A: For hourly tuition we can supply any fishing tackle you may need but recommend you bring the tackle you intend to fish with. We can then help you decide if it suits you and the intended purpose. We are happy to loan tackle for our off site courses but please make the instructor aware of your requirements beforehand. Kit requirements for hosted trips will be identified well in advance.
You will also need suitable clothing for the day including waterproofs. Casting lessons at the Reading fly fishing school are generally on purpose built platforms so shoes are fine. Eye protection is mandatory for all tuition. Polaroid sunglasses are preferred for most fishing situations.
Q: I have never held a fly rod before - do I need to have some experience to get the best from a lesson?
A: No! We teach hundreds of complete novices each year and can take you through the basics in a series of simple easy stages. In some respects it will be a benefit to come with no preconceived ideas.
Q: I have been fishing for a while now and feel it is time master some new skills. Can you give me an idea of what you can teach me?
A: Simple overhead and roll casting are only the start and there are many advanced casts that will add greatly to your enjoyment. Single and double hauling with give both increased distance and greater line control. Spey casting with single and double handed rods will allow you to fish effectively where there is limited space behind for casting and greater scope for angle changes when river fishing. There are also many other specialist casts such as reach and curve casts which again are of particular benefit for river anglers plus much more. One of the great things about fly fishing is that there is always something new to learn,
Q: I have been invited to join a group on a river in Scotland next summer to fish for salmon and have never cast a double handed salmon rod before. What lessons should I book and is it correct you can only learn to speycast on running water?
A: Learning to speycast efficiently is very rewarding and well within the ability of most people – we offer a half day introductory lesson and hourly tuition. We do a large number of speycasting lessons at our casting school and we find that learning speycasting on stillwater is very effective. One huge advantage is the ease with which we can manipulate wind direction in relation to casting and left/right hand up preferences. Some of our customers have gone on to become both speycasting instructors themselves and expert salmon anglers.
Q: I have had a course of lessons in trout fishing and am now regularly catching fish and really enjoying my trips – what next?
A: Something you may like to consider is fly tying. This adds a whole new dimension to your fishing – catching fish on your own flies is really satisfying and allows you to experiment. Once you have the basic kit it is also a great cost cutter. We offer one day fly tying courses in the winter that will teach you to tie a range of patterns and more importantly master tying techniques for many types of fly.
Q: I would like to bring my nine year old grandchild for a casting lesson, are they too young?
A: This will depend on the individual although this is generally a good age to start. We have some shorter/lighter rods for youngsters to use. It would probably be best to share the lesson with your grandchild or alternatively combine the lesson with some fishing on the lake. A whole hour may be too much if it is purely casting instruction but would be fine combined with learning another aspect of fishing. We prefer that an adult remains with the child during the lesson.