Fly-Fishing Education

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Fly-Fishing Education Programs

Fly fishing is hard. Casting is technical. Entomology is confusing. Reading water is a thousand-piece puzzle. Knots are a drag. Equipment is overwhelmingly expansive.

At Griff Marshall Outdoors we get all that. I was self-taught, stumbling blindly through the dark, utterly dumbfounded and flabbergasted for years. If I had a fiver for every time I put floatant on a nymph or split shot in front of a dry fly… well, I’d be retired! It took several patient, tolerant and knowledgeable people to cross my angler’s path for me to finally begin cracking codes, learning how fly rods work, grinding through the knot-tying maze, figuring out insects. And I’m still learning!

If you’re a complete beginner, a novice looking to hone your skills, an experienced angler who wants to cast farther and more accurately, or you want to learn about Euro Nymphing, I can help! With over forty years of experience, I’m well positioned to get you where you want to be as an angler.

In my life as a guide, teaching people particular, intricate techniques has been as rewarding as all the netted fish. Whether it’s a simple roll cast, a sophisticated dead drift mending strategy or teaching an experienced angler to double haul for casting distance, being on someone's shoulder when that lightbulb flashes on is the most fulfilling experience.

If your hang up is knot tying, I can help simplify and boil things down to where, while still a bummer, getting rigged up will no longer be such a deterrent. One thing I know for sure is that knot tying and re-rigging are the biggest blockage for the vast majority of aspiring anglers.

Two men are fishing in a river with a net.

Two men are fishing in a river with mountains in the background.

Two men are fishing in a river and one is standing on a rock

If figuring out what the fish are eating––and therefore what flies to use––is keeping you from getting on the water, I can teach you ways to narrow it down, giving you a better chance of fooling a fish. Sometimes we need to look under rocks. Sometimes we look for what is flying around and deduct what insects are most active. Sometimes the way a fish is taking flies tells us what the insects are doing. In any case, identifying a food source and then “matching the hatch” is most often the difference between catching fish and not.

And if you’re just getting started, I can point you in the right direction for your particular equipment needs. There are a plethora of options out there. Prices range from I can handle that to What the hell, that’s a lot of money! Don’t be fooled or intimidated. I’ve been around all the contemporary gear and will be honest in evaluating what will best suit your aspirations.

Griff Marshall Outddors offers one-time lessons or ongoing educational plans best suited to you becoming the angler you want to be. Pricing will vary based on how much time you wish to book. Please reach out to discuss the best program for you or your loved one!

Interested in learning how to fly-fish? Contact Us today about pricing!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes fly fishing challenging for beginners?

Fly fishing can be challenging due to its technical aspects, including casting techniques, understanding entomology, reading water conditions, tying knots, and navigating the wide range of equipment options.
How can Griff Marshall Outdoors help me improve my fly fishing skills?

With over forty years of experience, Griff Marshall offers personalized instruction for beginners, novices, and experienced anglers. He can help with casting techniques, fly selection, knot tying, reading water, and equipment choices.
I'm struggling with knot tying. Can you help simplify this process?

Yes, Griff recognizes that knot tying and re-rigging are major obstacles for many aspiring anglers. He can teach you simplified methods to make the process less daunting and more manageable.
How can I learn to choose the right flies for fishing?

Griff can teach you methods to narrow down fly selection by observing the environment, looking under rocks, identifying active insects, and reading fish behavior. He'll help you understand how to "match the hatch" effectively.

What types of casting techniques can I learn?

Griff offers instruction on various casting techniques, from basic methods like the roll cast to more advanced skills such as the double haul for increased casting distance.
Can you help me choose the right equipment as a beginner?

Absolutely. Griff has experience with a wide range of contemporary gear and can provide honest evaluations to help you select equipment that best suits your needs and budget.
What kinds of lessons or programs do you offer?

Griff Marshall Outdoors offers both one-time lessons and ongoing educational plans. The programs are tailored to individual needs, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced angler looking to refine specific skills.
How is pricing structured for your lessons?

Pricing varies based on the amount of time you wish to book. Griff encourages potential clients to reach out directly to discuss the best program and pricing options for their specific needs.