1st Basic Fly Fishing Clinic @ NCWRC Pechmann Center 1-8-2011

January 8th, 2011 and here we are again at the NCWRC John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, located on the western edge of Fayetteville starting our 9th year of fly fishing clinics.


These clinics are open to the public for a nominal fee of $5. Registration is handled by Lake Rim Park (424-6134). We had a sold out crowd of 39 today. We aim for 35, but like the airlines, we overbook and even allow for standbys if we have sufficient rods and volunteer instructors.


Things start off with a welcome and outline of the planned events by Pechmann Center Director, Kris Smith



This is followed by a brief overview by two veteran volunteers, Al Kittredge and Jeanette Gallaher. Our intent is to perk their interest before they break out and rotate through a series of hands-on practical exercise stations.



The importance of basic knots and rod assembly is soon apparent to those not familiar with fly rods, fly reels, thick lines and the light leaders used in fly fishing.



Fly fishermen are known for having a pretty high code of ethics. They also understand the importance of a healthy habitat for the fish. One of our volunteer "experts" shares these views with the participants.



You shouldn't go fishing for trout in North Carolina before you consult the NCWRC Regulations Digest. Even then it can be confusing as to when you can fish, where your can fish, what you can fish with and whether or not you are allowed to keep your catch. We break it down into layman's language and provide scenarios with lots of "what if's" to give participants a clear understanding of these complex rules.



All this theory is not going to work if you can't cast a fly line with leader and fly attached at least 30 feet consistently without creating a big disturbance on the water. We start out with a talk and demonstration...........



....and progress to 20 minutes of hands-on casting with an assistant instructor at your side. By the time participants leave this station they are familiar with the basic overhand cast and the roll cast.



Afternoons are spent with our special staff of fishery examiners also known as rainbow, brown and brook trout who were imported from the mountains of North Carolina just for these annual fly fishing clinics. Our ponds are about one acre each and resemble a well groomed farm pond. The fish are there but unless there is some surface feeding going on you can not see them. This is not a "slam dunk, shooting fish in a barrel" scenario. You have to work for them.



The wind was blowing and the temperature was cool but everyone caught fish today. Some caught lots of them, including this very respectable brown trout.



This young fellow came with his dad and had a blast. It don't get much better that that!


And so ends our 1st Basic Fly Fishing Clinic for 2011. We have two more basic clinics scheduled for Jan 22nd and Feb 12th, an Advanced Clinic on Feb 26th, Boy Scouts on Mar 12th and Mar 26th and a Warm Water Clinic on Jun 11th. All dates are on a Saturday with a start time of 9:00am and end time of 3:30pm. Registration through Lake Rim Park (424-6134) began on December 1, 2009. The cost is $5. Pre-registration is required. The basic clinics fill very fast so pass this information along to all of your friends.

The NCWRC Pechmann Fishing Education Center also hosts Wounded Warriors, NC Handicapped Sportsmen and any military and their families on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1-5pm - (That's January 12th this month). We offer fly tying and basic fly fishing instruction. At least half of the afternoon will be spent fishing.

Thanks for the post Al. It was a good day even with the weather. the wind was definitely a challenge. The fish seemed to be co-operative, and I think everyone had a good time. It did get cold towards the end but a good day any way.