Re: Good beginner spot in DC area?

[Bob Richey]

On Monday, June 2, 2014 10:31:12 AM UTC-4, Bob Richey wrote:

My wife wants to try fly fishing.  Can anyone suggest a good spot for a novice in the DC/MD/VA area where she can get some experience without getting too discouraged? 

Thanks in advance.

[Vic Velasco]

4 Mile Run always has willing panfish and largemouth bass.  You just need waders (or a good medical insurance plan - don't tell that part to your wife).  I'd park at the turnoff by the bus lot/wastewater treatment plant off of S Glebe, walk West towards the outfall and just climb in where the jump isn't too high.  Pumpkinseeds, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Carp, Goldfish and Channel Cats are the fish of the day - and this time of year, most people are out fishing the other areas so the pressure if way down on these fish.

Good Luck!!!

Vic

[Bob Richey]

Thanks, Vic!

On Monday, June 2, 2014 8:35:51 PM UTC-4, Vic Velasco wrote:

4 Mile Run always has willing panfish and largemouth bass.  You just need waders (or a good medical insurance plan - don't tell that part to your wife).  I'd park at the turnoff by the bus lot/wastewater treatment plant off of S Glebe, walk West towards the outfall and just climb in where the jump isn't too high.  Pumpkinseeds, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Carp, Goldfish and Channel Cats are the fish of the day - and this time of year, most people are out fishing the other areas so the pressure if way down on these fish.

Good Luck!!!

On Monday, June 2, 2014 10:31:40 AM UTC-4, Bob Richey wrote:

[Terry C]

Hi Bob,  one of the things you want to do for a beginner is to take as much of the frustration out of it as possible, ie. back casts into the trees, tangles, tying knots etc...   In my opinion I would rent a boat from Fletchers and row up to below the bridge and float back down, you can repeat a few times depending on how long you want to stay out.  Fish the VA. shore with some streamers or poppers for bass.  Catfish will also take a streamer.  No worries about back casts, you can have a cooler with food and drinks, and its a very pleasent way to fish.  You should plan on not fishing and work the boat and help her with tangles & knot tying.  If you don't catch any fish it is a very nice boat ride.  If you are going to do it this way go either early or later in the day. Avoid mid day sun if possible, or go on an overcast day.  Good luck. 

[Bob Richey]

Thanks everyone for your ideas.  We were able to get out of town and rent a cabin in Luray.  There's a little pond on the property stocked with bluegill and my wife caught her first fish on a fly and then about 9 more.

 

One thing I learned is that teaching your spouse to fly fish is about as stressful as teaching your spouse to drive a manual transmission. If I were to do it over again, I'd pay a professional to do both.

 

At the end of my day, my wife told me that now she wants to catch some big fish.  So we're already planning a trip back to fish the Shenandoah.

[Teresa Rodriguez]

Bob,

You may want to tell your wife to check out the Chesapeake Women Anglers group. They plan fishing trips in the area for women. It's a great group of women. www.chesapeakewomenaglers.org.

Teresa

[Bob Richey]

Thanks, Teresa.