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Saluda River Chapter of Trout Unlimited
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New to fly fishing, a "newbie" discovers the thrill....
FLY FISHING IS A SPORT FOR EVERYONE,
NOT JUST THE MEN!
story by Diane Gunter
David Sarratt helps Diane Gunter unhook her first trout.
Photo taken on the Chattooga on an earlier TU outing.
My husband, Greg, and I are recent members of Saluda River Trout Unlimited (TU). We are also avid bass fishermen.
While visiting the Sportsman’s Classic in 2007, we visited the TU booth and picked up information on trout fishing. We
saw this as another great opportunity to be outdoors and share the experience together. Little did we know that the fly fishing "bug"
would soon bite us and we'd be travelling to North Carolina streams to fish with the Columbia chapter of TU.
We
joined TU in August, attended the monthly meetings and did practice casting in the yard. I attended a clinic offered by
Dermon Sox which helped greatly with my casting and with my understanding of the mechanics of casting. There is a big
difference in the mechanics of bass fishing versus fly fishing for trout. In bass fishing, the tackle is different and you cast a
heavy lure, with trout fishing you are using a delicate rod and casting the line along with a very tiny lure.
At the meetings
we discovered the fly fishing trips to the mountains of North Carolina and the Upstate. They would talk about their scheduled trips
and provide sign- up sheets. I (mistakenly) thought I had to perfect my casting before even considering committing to
go on a trip. With my husband’s encouragement and some of the members, Greg and I signed up for a couple of trips. Each
of the trips have been extremely rewarding in and of themselves. Putting ourselves in the actual environment and in the
streams helped hone our casting and fishing skills.
The latest trip we went on was to the Nantahala River
in Bryson City, North Carolina. Temperature-wise, I don’t know what the numbers were but we did see a thin layer of snow as
we got closer to Bryson City. We were able to experience The Outpost Outfitters (outside of Bryson City) to take care of our
fishing license needs, then on to the cabins. When we arrived at our cabin, Greg and I were taken aback. First of
all it was on Deep Creek, so every day we had a beautiful view after a wonderful day of fishing. As we went into the cabin
we were in awe. I have attached copies of pictures we took for you to make your own decision.
We arrived in
Bryson City early enough to get in some fishing. After getting settled in we got suited up to wet some flies. It is about
a 20 to 25 minute trip to the Nantahala River. Even with no leaves on the trees, the scenery was absolutely beautiful.
The majestic mountains with their tall trees, accompanied by the tranquil rivers and waterfalls, were a prescription for relaxation.
Don’t get me wrong, there was a healthy dose of cool air but you have to have something to keep you grounded.
The area we fished was a “catch and release” river. That first day a few of us caught fish, but everyone in TU shared
their knowledge because they want everyone to have a great experience. We all experienced the sprinkle of rain that turned to
a slush that occasionally gave way to some snow. We all ate dinner that night at a quaint Italian restaurant in Bryson City
and had super fellowship which carried back to our cabins. Then we prepared for fishing on Saturday.
On Saturday
Greg and I had the opportunity to learn some techniques from a couple of great guides, Bill Clary and Gordon Vanderpool.
Bill took me to his "office" (a special spot on the Nantahala) and gave me some great instruction which helped tremendously with my
casting. He even taught me a couple of strategies I wasn’t familiar with. Bill advised me to investigate fishing places
for what is going on above the water and by what is flying around as well as below the surface by flipping over a rock or two and
examining what bugs turn up. He also enlightened me on likely places where fish tend to be and their instincts. This day
I came close to catching a fish while Gordon’s advice helped Greg to land eleven fish.
In fly fishing, numbers
aren’t what drives you. Instead, it's the thrill of figuring out what attracts the trout, the almost imperceptive pull on your line,
playing the fish, and netting the catch. Then holding the trout and admiring their beauty just really humbles you.
You regain your composure and prepare for the next experience. At the end of the day, the numbers were a reward.
If no fish were caught or only a few, there was a reward in the knowledge you gained.
We finished Saturday in a
similar manner with a nice meal at another Bryson City restaurant. The next day some headed home and some chose to visit their own
special “fishing holes” on the way home. Greg and I went with Keith (Cloud) and Fred (Johnson) to the North
Mills. I didn’t get any fish to bite but I was able to practice some of what Bill had taught me the day before. Greg and I have
had some super experiences during our trips with the TU group and have acquired a wealth of knowledge. I think we are
both becoming addicted to this sport and we are already anticipating the next outing. To the ladies, I say that you are missing a
wonderful experience and it's my hope that more women take up the sport and join their husbands on the stream.
Accommodations on most TU trips are excellent as this view from the porch of the well-appointed Bryson Patch Cabins shows. However;
in some cases, they can be more spartan and TU does take this into account when we have lady fisherpersons, so ladies, don't let that
hold you back from enjoying the great outdoors.
Photo by Diane Gunter.