Fly fishing for beginners

Fly fishing looks complicated from the outside: long rods, fine line and flies that weigh almost nothing. The good news is that the core skill, the cast, is a motion you can learn in an afternoon and refine for the rest of your life. Here's what I tell every new student.

Is fly fishing hard for beginners?

Fly fishing isn't hard, but it is different. In spinning or bait fishing, the weight of the lure carries the line. In fly fishing, the weight is in the line itself, so you cast the line and the fly comes along. Once that clicks, most students begin seeing improvement during their first lesson.

What makes it feel hard is teaching yourself. Without someone watching, it's easy to build habits like breaking the wrist or rushing the back cast, and those take longer to fix than to avoid.

What equipment do beginners need?

To start fishing you need a rod, a reel, a fly line matched to the rod, a tapered leader, tippet, a few flies, polarized sunglasses and a hat. You don't need any of it for a lesson: I provide all casting equipment at no charge.

• Rod. A 9-foot rod for a 5-weight line is the most common all-round choice for trout and a sensible first rod.
• Line. A weight-forward floating line that matches the rod's weight.
• Leader and tippet. A 9-foot tapered leader, and a spool of tippet to replace the end as it gets shorter.
• Flies. A small selection for the water you plan to fish. A local fly shop can tell you what's working.
• Eye protection. Polarized sunglasses and a brimmed hat. A fly moving at speed can hit you, especially while you're learning.
• Fishing license. Anyone 16 or older needs a California sport fishing license to fish. You don't need one for a casting lesson.

My advice is to take a lesson before you buy. You'll learn what feels right in your hand, and you won't pay for gear you don't need.

When you're ready, buy locally. My favorite shop is Lost Coast Outfitters in San Francisco, for its knowledgeable staff and personal service. I receive nothing for recommending it.

The basic cast, step by step

The basic overhead cast is a back cast and a forward cast, each ending in a firm stop, with a pause between them while the line straightens.

1. Grip the rod with your thumb on top of the cork, relaxed rather than tight.
2. Start with the rod tip low and the line straight in front of you. Any slack has to come out before the line can move.
3. Lift the rod smoothly, accelerate back, and stop crisply with the rod just past vertical.
4. Pause while the line unrolls behind you. The longer the line, the longer the pause.
5. Move the rod forward, accelerate to a firm stop at about eye level, and let the line unroll in front of you before you lower the rod.

The stop is where the energy goes into the line. Smooth acceleration followed by a crisp stop makes a tight loop, and tight loops travel further and cut through wind. The fly casting technique guide goes deeper.

How long does it take to learn?

It depends on your experience, your goals and how often you practice. Many students see noticeable improvement during their first lesson. Some need only an introduction and a clear practice plan, while others come back for advanced techniques, help preparing for a trip or help fixing established habits.

Practice little and often. Fifteen minutes on a lawn several times a week does more than one long session a month.

Where to practice in the Bay Area

Any open lawn works, with a short piece of bright yarn tied on in place of a fly. The Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club's casting pools in Golden Gate Park are open to the public and free to use, and the club runs free introductory clinics.

Lessons with me meet at Marlin Park in Foster City, seven days a week by appointment.