Who Am I To Give Advice? ~ Sunday Tippets, Damsel Style

Is there really luck in fly fishing?  This is my take on the subject.  You might agree, disagree or think that it is a bunch of nonsense.  Whatever you think, here it goes...  On my journeys to the river lately, I am finding myself in situations of people asking me for advice.  I guess that you could say that I am giving "tippets" on other days of the week besides Sunday!  Now, who am I to give advice about the hatches, flies to use, the water temperature, the barometric pressure... etc.  I am no guide.  I am just the River Damsel.

Over the last four years or so, I have attended more classes than you can count fingers.  Or toes.  I'm sure that has added to whatever skills I have.  It's been a continuous learning adventure.  Then, the friends that I have fished with who have given me added bonus tips about this and that has been priceless.  But, now it surprises me when fly fishers stop me at the river and want to know what I'm doing different.  Am I in a lucky streak?    I most humbly say "no".   I used to think that it was all luck.  (Because of my catch rate)  Now, I can tell you that it is more than luck.  It's learning.

It's finding the place where the fish are feeding.   Finding the right place at the right time is not always an easy job.  

It's the mend.  Have I found that out this past year!   My friends have tried to help me learn to mend and to use it to catch fish.  The #1 way to catch a fish is a good drift.  Without it, you are working harder and longer.  I truly believe that.  And maybe for nothing.

It's fly selection.  Yes, there is a reason why we fly fishers look at the bushes, trees, and rocks while at the river or stream!  It's not just because we are snoopy and wonder what is out there.  We want that little bit of advantage in finding the food that the fish want to eat.  It's that simple.  Or is it?  Ha.

It's the cast.  Ok.  I am not one to brag about my casting abilities... I have none.  But, I do somehow get that fly where it needs to be, most of the time.  It might not be pretty.  Correction, no it isn't pretty.  Casting only helps you throw the line through the air.  But the fish don't live in the air.  They live in the water!   So, if you can get that fly in the right lane of fish traffic, you are doing well.  And all you need then, is the good drift.  Oh, and the right fly.  Ok...it might not be the "right" fly.  But, something close.  

So, when people stop me and want to ask a question... (like I often do to others), I am more than happy to share the little knowledge that I have acquired throughout my journey of fly fishing.  It seems funny to me that others think that I know what I am doing... haha.  But, when you have a fish in the net, you can't say that you don't know.  Right?  Because it isn't luck.  It's downright experience!  And perhaps a little bit of study, practice and patience... yes, that especially.  = )  Recently, I have had more fun observing others and seeing them catch a fish after I have given a bit of help.  Yes, fly fishing... whether it is a solo trip or a shared experience on the water with others, it is always different each time out.  

Sunday Tippet:  So, back to whether luck is involved in fly fishing.  There are many factors and yes, even a science to fly fishing.  I guess that is what makes us go back time after time to see if we can solve the equation.  It's not easy.  But, it is sure a heck of a lot of fun!  And if we can make that good presentation of a dead drift and show the fish who's boss by our fly drifting naturally... we are good as gold.  If the fly doesn't "drag" across the water, we have a pretty darn good chance of a fish making it to the net...

So, if you want to call it luck... go right ahead.  But, I don't believe it is a luck game.  Because if two fisherman have the same flies and different results... those previous factors that I have mentioned above, must have come into play.  I have been on that end of not being as productive as my neighbor on the water too.  That is why I am still practicing that mend!!!!  The journey continues...  And what fun it is.