I have always loved fishing, but am not very good at sitting and waiting. In that regard I’ve tried carp fishing, and there’s no doubt that there’s a huge thrill in catching one of these fish, especially a large one, but I just don’t have the patience.

The majority of my fishing has been what I call “wander fishing”.

I have always enjoyed my “wander fishing”, not least because it keeps one on the move.

Then I discovered fly fishing for trout.

This was the one area I had never tried, being put off by assumptions of elitism and the general unknown of flies, fly lines etc.

Tip 1. Fly fishing is not complicated nor the preserve of the rich.

Don’t let these myths put you off as they did me. Unless you want to fish the best rivers the UK for example, has to offer, fly fishing is not elitist. You will meet people from all walks of life.

Tip 2. Don’t buy everything separately.

Most retailers and manufacturers will supply the basics of rod, reel and line as a complete package which can save quite a bit of money, and allow you to perhaps buy a slightly better set of equipment than if you bought everything individually.

Tip 3. Don’t just buy the cheapest you can find.

It is arguable that you are more dependant on your rod for fly fishing success than in any other type of fishing. A fly fishing combo gives you the chance to perhaps spend a little more than you might have for a superior set of tackle.

The rod is very important, as it is key to good casting, perhaps more so than in the other branches of fishing. Investigate this area thoroughly before committing yourself to a purchase.

Tip 4. Don’t complicate things!

After making your initial purpose of rod, reel and line, (and a few flies – a reasonable selection is often included), you will need a landing net, a priest, some mono filament and a pair of good quality nail clippers (for cutting lengths of mono filament). just about completes what you need.

Tip 5. Wear Appropriate Clothing

You don’t need to cover yourself with camouflage clothing (although it is quite useful), but a simple fly fishing vest is a worthwhile investment. They generally have sufficient pockets to carry all you need without a cumbersome bag. Polarised glasses are also a good idea, some form of eye protection is essential, and often insisted on by fishery managers.

Tip 6. Don’t Stay In One Place.

Given that fly fishing gives one the opportunity to fish without the burden of huge extra bags of “stuff”, it is easy to move around. Indeed, if you have fished a spot for 45 minutes or so with no result, by all means move to another spot. This not only increases your chances of catching a fish, but makes the whole experience more interesting.

Tip 9. Don’t worry if you find casting difficult.

Learning to cast is perhaps the most difficult thing to achieve in fly fishing. Most people naturally feel that the big fish lie as far as possible away from you, and that you therefore need a big cast, but this is not true. Over time, you will doubtless cast longer and longer distances, but some of the biggest fish lie where few people think to fish – right by the bank! Never ignore the margins!

Tip 8. Get some teaching!

This may be the most important thing you can do. So many people don’t understand the most effective way to cast a fly line. It is very easy, but technique is crucial, and lessons should be taken to enjoy your fly fishing from day 1.

If you buy decent kit, it will help you become a better fly fisher. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money if you investigate fly fishing combos. These provide the basic kit for a discounted price. Visit www.flyfishingcombosdeals.com.. Also published at 8 Tips For Fly Fishing Beginners.

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