By
Lynne Christen
Dropping a hook in the water and waiting for a fish to come along and take my bait is a little too passive for me. My attention wanders, especially when fish aren’t biting. On the other hand, I’ve always thought I would like fly-fishing. My first misconception: I thought fly-fishing was only for trout and salmon streams. So, I was pleased to discover that fly-casting actually works in fresh water streams, or at sea. More good news: I can learn how to fly-fish right here along the
Beaches of South Walton. Join me at a two-day course at
WaterColor Inn & Resort’s Orvis Fly Fishing School.
Instructors from Old Florida Outfitters and Shallow Water Expeditions, the only Orvis-endorsed outfitters in Northwest Florida, teach students the acclaimed Orvis method of fly-fishing from start to finish. Our first morning starts with a little classroom time, learning about the lines, rods and reels. We cover basic casting strokes, shooting line, false casting and roll casts and get some hands-on practice. By the end of the day, we are tying knots. I need some practice, but the four to one student to instructor ratio means I have plenty of help.
Day two begins with selecting flies and how to handle, photograph and release fish correctly. Then, it’s off to fly-fish for the afternoon and I’m hooked. The two-day school runs on select Saturdays/Sundays and Tuesdays/Wednesdays throughout 2010. Classes fill up fast. Check schedules and book in advance at
WaterColor Resort Fly Fishing School or call WaterColor Resort’s concierge at 850-534-5008.