Casting flies before...salmon?

So once we'd learned to tie flies, Sunday (and I use the term "learn" very loosely!) the next logical step in becoming a fly fisher is learning how to cast.

Learning about salmon

Like fly-tying, it can often be easier said than done.

Before we ventured out to the river in front of the Atlantic Salmon Museum , we took a tour of the museum.

If you're interested in salmon, fish or fishing in general, or just general conservation, it's definitely a "must-do" on your list.

It comes complete with dioramas, a hall of fame (including famous Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams - a long time regular and visiting angler in this area), video displays, 3D models, maps, a library collection devoted solely to fishing, and, of course, fish - including a life-sized replica of the largest Atlantic salmon ever caught: 72 lbs, 68-1/2 inches long. There is also an on-site aquarium.


It's a great place to get you excited about fly-fishing - even if you've never done it before.


Bev Gaston, a longtime guide on the Miramichi, was our group instructor. He kept things very simple and very positive. And lo and behold, it actually turned out to be a bit easier than tying flies. We all got the technique down pretty quickly  - at least, casting on dry land with no flies.

Bev Gaston shares some tips

But as our instructor explained, it becomes a lot different when you try it in a boat or even on land when you have to contend with a wind and the current of the river. We quickly discovered that when we tried casting into the river. And with a strong wind blowing.

Still, we were hopeful we might be able to actually do some real fishing. As to whether or not we'd actually catch anything... well, that remains to be seen.

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The ins and outs of salmon

In my next blog post, I'll be reporting on how we made out.

Now of course, I'm hoping that I won't end up flapping my arms about like a parrot in a huff when we head out in the boat (not a canoe, we can't paddle this trip because of the high river) to actually try some real fishing, on the Miramichi River.

Here's hoping I can reel something in... (besides an old boot, of course!)

Be sure to tune in next post, same bat-time, same bat-channel.