Fly Anglers come in all shapes and sizes. Some long Fly rodders are wealthy, poor, old, young, skilled or beginners. Most Fly Anglers are happy and celebrate the wonderful art of fly fishing. 

The Fly Anglers that taught me the art were the most Fly. Sharing, teaching, and mentoring were better than catching a fish themselves. These veteran anglers were already fly fishing when fly fishing wasn’t cool. It wasn’t until A River Runs Through it” that Fly Fishing became cool and popular. 

Fly Fishing is Fly for many reasons.

Fly Fishing changes people.

There is a lot of gear and accessories. 

You always need something new.

Fly Tying and rod building extend the sport throughout the year.

Most Fly Guys are the best, most respectful, and generous anglers on the water.

You can Fly Fish for almost everything that swims.

Fly fishing can be done wading, from a boat, in the surf, in salt, brackish, and fresh water. 

Fly Casting is beautiful. 

You will never master the sport. 

Fly fishing only and Catch and Release areas offer more places to fish. 

You can fly fish with basic tackle or the most expensive. Making your own tackle is special. 

Fly Fishermen are easy to shop for. They always need something. 

Fly Fishing tames the stress and beast inside us.

Fly fishing is not the only way to fish.

Everyone wants to be ‘FLY”

Some Fly Guys aren’t so Fly. These few unhappy anglers ruin it for others. Judgy and often jealous purists can be set in their ways. Their ideas and feelings are the only correct ones, in their minds. Catch and Release is a Commandment not an option. If there is any other angler in eyesight, it’s too crowded. Rarely do they share, teach, or help others learn the sport. Dry Fly fishing is the only way to trout fish. Nymphs and streamers and bobbers are cheating. To them, it is about catching as many fish as they can and dying with their gear, and knowledge. 

We have all met “Not So Fly Guys”. These Sad and mouthy” Not So Fly Guys” have failed to master the art of fly fishing. To upgrade themselves, they downgrade others. Selfishness, greed, and being rude is how they roll. They missed the boat when it came to being a real Fly Guy! Being nasty and judgy doesn’t help them become better anglers, or more “Fly”.

I use the term “GUYS” because rarely have I met a “Not So Fly Woman Fly Angler. Ladies find it more natural to be Fly. They find joy in nature more easily. The fish are beautiful, but the day is not lost if it is spent in a beautiful place. They may not always be the best anglers, but they often have the best time. 

 Fly Fishing is so many things. Understanding entomology, Biology, hydraulics, ecology, and so much more makes Fly Guys Renaissance Anglers. These master Fly Guys look forward to something new, something they do not know, and someone to mentor and share this wonderful sport with. That’s the way this wonderful sport began. Anyone can do it, anywhere. 

Fly Fishing began as a lonely sport. Few anglers could give up their worms for a lure made from hair, fur, and feathers. What they did not know was that a skilled fly guy could catch more fish, more ethically than any other fishing style. Since there were few Fly Guys, our Brotherhood was more welcoming and friendly. 

When we fish, our minds relax. Worries are gone, our senses turn on, and we find joy in everything. The smells, sounds, sights, and feel of the water and nature are the best therapy an angler can get. We never fish enough and can’t wait to fish more. 

Fish are just an excuse to fish. Our favorite fish are what we are fishing for now. Fly fishing for Bluegills in a farm pond is as much fun as fly casting for Big Browns on the Madison River in Montana. Using a fly rod is the most beautiful way to catch happiness. 

When a River Ran Through it, a Fly was cast over it!

Montana Grant