This past weekend I attended Mark Patton’s fly fishing school on the Illinois river. It was amazing. Mark and his crew made everything regarding fly fishing absolutely understandable and exciting. I had been fly fishing for a few years now, but was still blown away by all that I did not know prior to this class. We started the day with an early rise and shine of in class sessions. We covered fly gear, knot tying, working the water, and fly to leader ratios. I loved the science behind it all. I now can tie knots like a ninja.
After lunch we headed to the MarVal resort area and had a hands on casting session and then took our casting to the river. The instructors were great. I had some of the best casting instruction I have ever received and really feel like I can cast with finesse now. Casting truly decides if you will catch or not catch. Fish are skidish so if your cast doesn’t hit just right you have no chance at a strike. The weather was perfect sunny with a light breeze and I waded in for a little river action.
I can say with a the biggest grin of excitement Mark Patton’s fly fishing school in the best around.
Girl vs. Wild,
Jacquelyn Farris
February 11th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
“Ninja vs. Wild.” Has a ring to it.
February 11th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Yes, I am an outdoors ninja!!!
February 12th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Norman Maclean said in his novel, A River Runs Through It, “I am haunted by waters…”. This is rarely something felt by a blast and cast fisherman who isn’t happy unless flying across a lake at 70 mph or power casting to a shore line. Flyfishing is an anomally to those who have never tried it, a passion that grips the sole of those who have. The bond between you and your brown trout is yours and yours alone, forever locked in your mind and all the ribbing and snickering will never alter that image. Keep it up I enjoyed the piece, Outdoors Ninja!!!
PS…I like to fish from my bass boat eventhough I am years beyond tournament fishing, but when I really NEED to fish, I flyfish and if my stress and therefore sanity is nearing critical mass, I flyfish for trout………Bob
February 12th, 2008 at 11:57 am
A good post. I’ve never flyfished, though I have spent many hours, waders on, working trout streams all over the West. Finding those holes, reading the river, thinking about where the fish are and how will they see the lure…
Add to that is the noise of the river, and little else. Good for the soul.