How hard is fly-casting?

You don’t need to be super fit or strong to cast a fly. You just need to learn and practice the techniques. That’s what our team at FSUSA will help you do.

Will you be ready to hook and land a trophy giant bull redfish after your class- not likely. Just like if you picked up a guitar and had a day of lessons- you’re not opening that night with Eric Clapton! But you will be ready to go out on the water and throw at some fish and with practice that redfish’s days may be numbered.

Fly fishing is a sport and a science. But it is most especially an artform. It is an opportunity to be focused and totally in the moment; maybe to imagine what will come next. As author Fennel Hudson writes “With a fly rod, anglers are not casting to a fish; rather to a circle of dreams: ripples that spread into every aspect of their lives.”

What do I need to bring?

If you have a rod you want to learn to use, you’re welcome to bring it. We recommend 7, 8 or 9 weight equipment, which are standard saltwater fly outfits, but it’s not required. All the necessary equipment will be provided. FSUSA always uses the latest and finest fly rods, reels, and lines for casting sessions. It might make sense to learn on our equipment where you can try different weights and see what works best for you before investing in your own equipment.

We recommend you bring a cell phone with video capabilities or an iPad if you have one. We’ll use them to record your casting sessions so you can easily take the videos home with you. If you don’t have the iPad or video options for your cell phone, we’ll use our equipment and share the files with you.

You should also bring clothes appropriate to the weather that you can move freely in as we practice outside rain or shine.

Is this clinic good for women and kids too?

Fishing appeals to everyone in the family and we welcome all anglers to attend the FSUSA clinics! We frequently have couples attend together. If you’d like to make it a family activity, we’re glad to assist. Note that this course is best suited for mature pre-teens and up who are accompanied by a parent.

Should I try to learn by booking a trip with a guide instead of taking the class?

You could try that, but it might be pretty frustrating. There are a lot of techniques to learn, and you can make giant strides by practicing on land first. Trying to learn this skill while standing on a rocking boat adds another level of difficulty. The goal is to relax, have fun and catch fish on a guided trip. So let FSUSA teach you the basics before that first trip.

Why book fishing with FSUSA guides instead of on our own?

If you book a trip through us, we’ll try (depending on their availability) to have your instructor for the class join your trip so you can work together for a day on land before going on the water.

Where should I stay?

Our first recommendation is where we hold the clinics, at the Rod and Reel Resort. It’s a property that caters to the entire family. Perched along the Chesapeake Bay, this scenic resort is a great destination for a weekend getaway. They have an indoor pool and offer spa services. They have two restaurants onsite. And they are a hot spot for slots and gaming. The closest other hotels are about 20 minutes away in Prince Frederick. You may also find an Air BNB or VRBO in Chesapeake Beach or the adjacent town, North Beach.

Schedule

8:00 – 8:15 a.m. Meet and Greet over Coffee.

8:15 – 8:45 a.m. Outline and Introduction of Progressive Method of Fly-Casting Instruction. (classroom)

8:45 – 10:00 a.m. Overview of fly lines, rods, and reels. (classroom)

10:00 – 11:15 a.m. Casting Mechanics: Pick Up, Straight Line, Laydown. Practice and Video Session. (outdoors, hands-on)

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. All About Saltwater Flies and Fly Tying. (classroom)

12:00 – 12:45 p.m. Lunch.

12:45 – 1:30 p.m. Knots and Leaders. (classroom)

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Effective Communication with your Fishing Guide, Hook Setting, Fighting Saltwater Fish. (classroom)

2:30 – 4:15 p.m. Breakout Rotations- Fly Tying (classroom), Knot Tying (classroom), 2nd Casting Mechanics (outdoors).

4:15 – 5:30 p.m. Review Casting Videos, Questions & Answers. (classroom)

5:30 p.m. Happy Hour.

Can I cancel?

Life happens. We get it. Our Cancellation Policy is as follows:

If you cancel 30 days or more prior to your class, we’ll refund your tuition, less $100 cancellation fee. The same cancellation applies to the guided fishing trips. If you cancel your guided fishing trip 30 days in advance, you’ll get a refund, less a $100 cancellation fee per trip booked.

If you cancel less than 30 days prior to your class, we will retain the entire amount. If you cancel less than 30 days prior to your fishing trip, the guide will retain the entire amount.

Fishing days will have a 100% refund in the event the guide cancels due to weather.

What is the cost?

$389 includes the classroom instruction, personally recorded outdoor fly-casting instruction sessions, lunch, and graduation happy hour.

If you’d like to add a fishing trip, on the Chesapeake Bay (approximately 5-6 hours).

$900 per boat, up to two anglers. Includes the USCG and MD DNR licensed guide, FSUSA instructor (limited number available), drinks, and snacks.

The bottom line is …If you want to learn to fly cast and fly fish or improve your casting and all-around fly-fishing knowledge, Plus learn some tips on catching and fighting larger fish. AND have a great time.