Welcome to Fly Fishing Skills Program
The FFI Fly Fishing Skills Program for beginners has 3 parts – Fly Fishing Fundamentals, Fly Casting Fundamentals, and Fly Tying Fundamentals. Each part is designed for the beginner to learn and develop the basic skills, building a foundation to progress to more advanced skills, techniques, and situations. The teaching techniques and situation are different for each one.
FFI has had organized casting and tying programs for many years. These have been improved and upgraded to be more effective for clubs and councils. Fly Casting Fundamentals is the Foundation and Bronze levels of the Fly Casting Skills Development program. Fundamental Flies for a Beginner Fly Tier is the base for developing fly tying skills.
Fly Fishing Fundamentals is a new FFI program. Over the years many clubs have taught basic fly fishing skills; rigging, knots, and some of the judgements made in the fishing process. Typically, what we as fly fishers have learned, we have gotten in bits and pieces. It was more “what to do” without the “why” and “how it works.” Fly Fishing Fundamentals is a comprehensive presentation in sessions of how the pieces fit together and how they work. It is designed to build a foundation for continued learning and experimenting. We must each learn what works for me.
Fly Fishing Fundamentals and Fly Casting Fundamentals work together for success on the water. Fly Tying is more independent as an option for those who want to tie their own flies.
The Fly Fishing Skills Program is designed for in-person instruction by clubs and councils. The instruction materials are designed to be self-explained with the instructor adding insight and experience. While it is desirable to have a certified instructor, any experienced fly fisher with reasonable presentation skills should be able to lead these courses. The instruction guides provide help in how to use the courses. Minimum technology support is assumed so that all clubs and councils can use them.
Fly Fishing Fundamentals
Review all the presentations from the start to the end.
Learn some fly fishing traditions that continue to impact the sport. Consider what kind of fishing you expect to do. Get some guidance on purchasing gear and accessories. Start with the basics; then add as needed.
There are many fly line and rigging options for specific situations. Start with a basic floating, weight forward line. Learn the basic rigging options and how to adjust them with minimum expense and items to carry. You don’t need specialized gear for every situation.
Learn the life-cycle and behavior of common water insects and the characteristics of flies we use to imitate them. We also imitate other foods and use some things that simply attract. Learn how to select the fly to use. It’s often the one in which you have the most confidence, which comes with experience!
Fish are concerned with food, rest, and protection. Learn to read the water conditions to know where the fish are likely to be and what determines their behavior.
Learn about presenting the fly, giving it action, setting the hook, and bringing the fish to the net. Know how to handle the fish for successful catch and release.
This is a wrap-up of other important issues. Preparing for your outing. Wading. Safety. Etiquette on and off the water. Working with a guide. Organizing and maintaining your gear.
Fly Casting Fundamentals
The Foundation and Bronze levels of the FFI Fly Casting Skills Development are the core of the Fly Casting Fundamentals program for those new to fly fishing. Further details are found in the Fly Fishing Skills Instruction Guide.
Fly Casting Skills Development Anglers Guide
Fly Tying Fundamentals
The Fundamental Flies for a Beginner Fly Tier manual, the basic FFI guide for new fly tiers, is the tying component of the FFI Fly Fishing Skills for those new to fly fishing. This is the entry to the FFI fly tying education program.
Fundamental Flies for a Beginner Fly Tier
Instruction Guides
Fly Fishing Skills Instruction Guide
The Guide provides guidance on the organization and use of the fishing, casting, and tying elements of the beginners program including instructor qualifications, facilities setup, presentation style, scheduling options, and potential partnerships.
FCSD Facilitators Guide
Fly Tying Instructor Resource Manual