The Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club is set to hold it’s third annual Fundamentals of Fly Fishing course, and many of those that have taken part in it in the past have been, well, hooked.
Case in point is Nanoose Bay’s Aimee Hersley who took the course with her younger brother Kevin the first year, and has since taken some of the club’s advanced courses.
“I love it,” she said, adding “it’s a nice excuse to get outside and go to the more remote spots to go fishing. It’s quite social as well …it’s just a real fun sport to do.”
Scheduled for Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre with classes starting at 2 and 4 p.m., the fundamentals of fly fishing course is intended for men and women, says MICFFC’s Bruce Morrison and is “designed for people who are interested in getting started fly fishing …the course is taught by a group of dedicated volunteers who devote a great deal of time to teaching,” he said, pointing to the likes of Ted and Devina Brookman who operate Teddy’s Tackle in Chemainus.
“They are members of the club and drive up to Qualicum for each session … they teach the fly tying and Teddy gives some of the talks.”
Accoring to Morrison, “participants learn about fly fishing equipment, how to care for the equipment, the foods fish feed upon, how to tie flies, how to tie the knots used by fly fishers, and how to cast a fly rod.”
Casters will learn the vertical overhead cast and the roll cast, “as well as how to false cast and shoot line.”
A five or six weight single handed fly rod is recommended for the course. Two handed rods are not used. Student fly rods should have a floating fly line with a leader. There are a limited number of loaner rods for those who do not own their own fly rods, which are given out on a first come, first serve basis. Applications should indicate if a loaner rod is needed.
Knot tying and fly tying take place inside the Civic Centre in the Booth room. Casting practice takes place on the lawn behind the building.
Class sizes are limited to 20 people, and are on a first come first serve basis.
Students need a membership in the castaways to get into the course — membership applications are available from the club website (www.midislandcastaways.com).
Those wishing to take the course should send their applications and fees to club secretary Ron Walker.
Those who are already members should register for the course with Walker. There is an additional charge of $20, which may be paid at the first class. This fee covers the cost of the course manual and refreshments.
For information on joining the Castaways contact Ron Walker by email at ronbc-5@hotmail.com.
For more information on the fly fishing course, contact Bruce at rbm123@shaw.ca , or call (250) 248-5914.
One of the lures of fly fishing Hersley says is that “there’s a constant learning curve that goes with it — you’re always learning something new, always polishing your skills.”
The fundamentals of fly fishing course she adds, “is a great introduction to the sport.”
“It gives you the skills to get out there and start fishing and then you can just go from there.”
