Fly Fishing Isn't JUST For Trout | Getting Started In Fly Fishing - Episode 12

Fly fishing goes far beyond trout, and in this episode, Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters and the Midwest Fly Fishing Schools aim's to break down that age old misconception, that fly fishing is merely for trout. This simply isn't true.
If it swims, it can be caught on a fly rod.
Thanks for watching!
~
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Welcome to Mad River Outfitters, hosted by professional fly fishing guide, Brian Flechsig and his team of fly fishing guides at Mad River Outfitters. On this channel you will find honest fly fishing education, fly fishing tutorials and product reviews. We're passionate about fly fishing and that's what we hope to share here. More information about who we are can be found on our website (www.madriverou...) and also on our Instagram (@madriveroutfitters).

[@donovanprindle5804]

I just wanna say that this is one of the best tutorials I have come across for fly fishing and that I really appreciate what he has done here.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@donovanprindle5804]

@@Madriveroutfitters Absolutely!

[@deantreloar]

I'm in New Orleans and just bought my first Orvis outfit. I'd love to shake your hand next time you're down, you've been a huge encouragement. Fly fishing is growing in popularity here but it still hasn't taken on enough for help to be readily available.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please look us up when we are there. Dates are on our website.

[@maccrigdon4048]

I was given a fly rod back in 2000 as a gift from my dad because I wanted to learn how to do it. I promised him that I would practice and learn and use it (apparently an expensive rod for a 14/15 year old kid) well I got frustrated with it and was never able to catch anything. fast forward to 2018 on the opposite side of the country, I tried the fly rod again for bass with a frog no success. about 3 days ago I picked it up again and it had a fly on it. dont know where it came from but I took it to a pond and wore out the blue gill. I honestly can't remember having as much fun fishing since I was like 10. recommending the bluegill is an excellent idea and has given me the confidence to try fishing some other fish, and possibly back to trout. in the last 3 or 4 days I was able to land countless bluegill and even a 2.5# large mouth!! WOW! how much fun is that!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Glad to hear! Let us know how we can help moving forward. www.madriveroutfitters.com Thanks

[@GatorFlash1]

I live in Delaware which only has stocked trout so I hit the local ponds for bass and brim, taking a kid with me. They have a ball. A foam floating bug with a bit of hotdog or a Power Bait crappie nibble on the hook just can't be beat. Even the bass get into the action if you are using poppers. Our pond has turtles and I have to be careful not to hook one of them as they are very attracted to the fly.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

GatorFlash1 Nothing better, especially for kids. Thanks for watching.

[@jamescooper2618]

I once came upon a young boy with a fly rod at a "farm pond" at a public park. Beat up old fly rod and who knows how old line. Little black wet fly tied on with a piece of mono. He couldn't really cast, just sort of slapped the line onto the water, but every cast, he pulled out a fish. Most of these were bluegill and "punkinseeds"...bigger than your hand! I mean nice, fat fish. He must have had the barb flattened 'cause he would pop out the hook and toss em back in. I stood and watched him having fun for a while. When he turned to look at me. I just smiled and said "Nice job!" I hope he is still flyfishing today

[@michaeldriggers7681]

I live in Wyoming, trout heaven, and I do a good bit of crappie fishing on fly rod.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Exactly! Thanks for watching, Michael.

[@ThyCorylus]

One of the best beginner series for fly fishing newbs. Awesome, down to earth delivery. Thanks

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for the support!

[@TheSM4ster]

I went Fly fishing for the first time last weekend. We we're at Cascapedia in Eastern Quebec caught my first Salmon on my 10th cast! I was hooked, found your channel afterwards!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and congrats!

[@TheSM4ster]

@@Madriveroutfitters My wife is from Columbus, Ohio so I will definitely pass by the store eventually. And possibly go fly fishing with one of your guides!

[@chrisoakleyfx]

Cannot thank you enough for these videos! I'm just getting into fly fishing, have zero fishing experience of any sort and this series has completely demystified the entire thing. Ready to buy my first rod and get out there, so thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Chris Oakley Glad to help. We’d love to help with that 1st rod as well. www.madriveroutfitters.com or 614-451-0363.

[@chrisoakleyfx]

@@Madriveroutfitters unfortunately I am in the UK! I will continue to watch your videos though :)

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Chris Oakley Chris, we ship daily to the UK! Big part of our business ya’ll are.

[@chrisoakleyfx]

@@Madriveroutfitters I'll be sure to take a look then!

[@chrisoakleyfx]

@@Madriveroutfitters the import tax/duty, plus shipping may make it rather expensive is all I worry about!

[@wernergrundlingh3591]

All the way from South Africa really love your video's so educational and easy to remember and understand.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Werner Grundlingh Thanks a ton for being here and please stay tuned!

[@joshgc5159]

Even me, I’m from South Africa. Still looking for a shop like this one though

[@KarenSwett]

I'm new to this and live on Long Island and would love to learn more about salt water fly fishing.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Karen Swett Let us know how we can help. The guys and gals at the shop are always available to consult.

[@fhpd350]

I just ordered my very first flyrod, a complete outfit. I've been a freshwater fisherman here in Texas all my life and love, love the gulf. When I told a few buddies I bought a flyrod they were quick to say 'Where are you goung to catch Trout around here?' Made me laugh. I can't wait to get into this area of fishing that I am researching as I am impatiently waiting for my rod!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

It's amazing. So many still think that fly fishing is trout fishing. So much more to "fly life". Thanks for watching.

[@42088cowboy]

Kicking it up in Oklahoma fly fishing. Lot of the top three you mentioned in this video. I really like to fly fish but I am new to it. Most of my buying is done online because there is not a lot of stores that offer fly fishing gear. I live in south central Oklahoma so most fisherman are not fly fishing. I think that is why I am so intrigued by it and why I am trying to prefect it. Thanks for making videos you do a really good job.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks!!! Hope you'll think of Mad River Outfitters for your fly fishing needs. We have a pretty good/great online store.

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

I’m going to be after carp perch and pike too so I’ll be looking to see what you have video wise for these species, really soaking your vids up guys! Keep em comin! 👌👍

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks and please stay tuned.

[@ukr4ever]

Awesome channel and professional advises. Really gland found your channel, feel sad that I am unable to shop at your store, as I live in Canada.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We ship to Canada every day. We do a TON of business there. You CAN shop with us......www.madriveroutfitters.com.

[@danishmalik5642]

I am from Kashmir , it is like Switzerland . Thanks to Allah I belong from a nobal family and because of which I was able to spend money on anything I want so I started in fishing like that my father , my father taught me fishing since I was 13 and now I am 16 and I am still learning new things and I thank you for that much knowledge 😊. 👍

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@aquariumcockpit9949]

"1x Leader and a bluegill popper" what size hook would that be? I would think 1x would be to big. I use 1x leaders for my Bass top waters.. I am still new to fly-fishing and constantly second guessing and probably overthinking everything. This channel has helped tremendously getting started. Thank you.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Please send your questions over to the shop directly via phone or email and they will be happy to help.

[@Valscorn01]

Also in the midwest!! Although we have hatchery trout where i am (MO), How does one catch a catfish on a fly rod??? Would you need sinking line and weighted streamers? Love your guys channel!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

That's certainly one way although the sinking line is not always necessary. Send this question over to the shop e-mail for the Q & A series and they should answer it on video. Thanks

[@spartanstudios5020]

Here in Manitoba Canada there is a group who fly fish in the red river for bullhead and sometimes they catch 40”+ channel cats

[@Elmatt13]

Brian & company, this has been a great series for beginners like myself. I'm in California so I'm on the website now to help support Mad River Outfitters. I am taking my first guided fly fishing trip on Labor Day weekend in the Eastern Sierras. This series was a great prep for me and I look forward to learning more from Mad River Outfitters in the future!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much for watching and for the support. Helps so that we can continue to make these videos! Stay tuned.

[@lilliandaggett6258]

@@Madriveroutfitters j

[@mikemason4792]

I wish I could come to your shop but I live in east Texas. What wt. Rod do I use for bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass? I can only buy on rod right now.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Mike Mason You can still easily shop with us! Give a call to the shop at 614-451-0363 and they’ll help you out.

[@ashleyayuso9710]

I'm glad to hear you mention Belize in this episode. I'm considering saltwater fly fishing, there are abundant bonefish, permit and tarpon here, among others.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. We have been guiding and outfitting Belize for many years.

[@frasurechannel2653]

I'm about 4 years late to this video, but ironically I live in Montana, under snow capped mountains, and am getting back into fly fishing for everything except trout!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Much more to life than trout!

[@jeramyh9344]

Ok, can I get some more Sun fish suggestion? Any other setups besides 1x and a popper? I can count all the fish I have caught on a fly rod without taking off my socks. I think maybe going after Blue Gill would help me get some practice in.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Feel free to contact the folks at the shop for suggestions. They are always happy to help.

[@rickhambric9737]

As someone who lives in South Georgia, a 6,8,9,12 wt will service every fish that swims from tarpon in the summer, blackfin tunas in the winter, redfish, speckled trout, flounder, triple tail, snook, black drum, sheep’s, and jacks, then as you move inland we have stripers, hybrids, largemouths, red eye, altamaha bass, Suwannee bass, bartram bass,shoal bass (my freshwater addiction), spotted bass, Chattahoochee bass, tallapoosa bass, smallmouth (way up north ga) white bass, carpe, and then the rainbows/browns/Brookies in the north ga mountains. I’m yet to go chasing trout in creeks, been too busy chasing bass and my first love tarpon.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here!

[@MundusTransit]

i live under snow capped mountains but still appreciate this great information. thanks

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@stevewilliamson9995]

Used to visit grandparents in KS every summer. Grandpa would always take a day to carp fish with us. We used crushed wet Wheaties formed on the hook. He called them dough balls. Fun times.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Fishing provides us great memories. Past and future. Thanks for watching.

[@jpwerd]

I dabbled in fly fishing about 10 years ago with my dad. was brief just before he passed. watching these videos this week got my interest piqued again. i purchased a new rod and reel and a few accessories and plan on fishing on the fly exclusively this spring and summer. im located in western ohio along the Mad River ! going to be a total novice at this. if you guys have any local spots you know of to help out a newbie to land some fish, let me know ! Thanks again and ill have to stop on out to the shop sometime this spring.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. Always best to contact the shop directly for some advice like that. They are always happy to help.

[@jpwerd]

@@Madriveroutfitters ill stop in :)

[@AcornFox]

i cant wait to start. in pittsburgh and know near nothing about fishing but im so pumped.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and let us know how we can help!

[@bitmenhalf]

i would have to agree with you on carp being one of the best fighting fish. I have only caught one but it was the best fish i have ever had the chance of reeling in.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

They are also one of the smartest! Thanks for watching.

[@johnmaggiorino4493]

Caught carp in South Africa,Great fun on dries ,yes ....sight fishing like you say👍

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. We LOVE carp fishing!

[@robertlanglois3704]

So I have a TFO 9’ 5wt rod. Did you say I should use a 1x leader to catch pan fish? Would that work on my rod? Thanks

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Send that question right over to the shop and they will get right back to you with a proper answer. [e-mail]. Thanks.

[@jaeeun11]

What kind of WF-F line do I need for salmon and trout. Thank you

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Have a look at the SA Anadro lines. They are specifically designed for steelhead and salmon. Please e-mail the shop directly if any further questions.

[@jmdragon63]

i wish to start fly fishing around south Texas we has sea trout and reds what do recommend for a good fly to use and how to set up the leader

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Please contact the guys and gals at the shop directly and they will be happy to help.

[@randomdoodles]

I occasionally fish for mackerel on the fly of a local peer in Fife. Great fun. Carp are insane on a fly

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Mackerel are great on a fly!

[@RCB080]

Can you suggest a couple of the better blue gill fishing spots here locally?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Ralph, Please contact the shop directly at 614-451-0363 or [e-mail] and they can help you there. We are just KZbin posers, not the real fishing folks. Thanks

[@JEMHull-gf9el]

Now I want to fly fish for halibut 400 feet deep

[@Madriveroutfitters]

LockTest Hey.....let’s video it!!!!

[@jamescooper2618]

Gonna need an extra long line!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

James Cooper and then some!

[@JEMHull-gf9el]

Do you guys sell heavy lead core line ? we may need a few spools. lol

[@jtswonderland3931]

Me too how much would 6 spools of scientific anglers sinking line

[@gerdscheurig729]

Hi Brian, on line from Vancouver Island , Canada, are you able to catch Salmon on a fly Rod, and what size Rod would you recommend, Thanks a bunch from north of the 49th

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. Please send your questions over to the shop and Brian should see there.

[@adriannasanchez468]

I'm very very excited to try fly fishing now.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Adrianna sanchez Excellent news!! Let us know how we can help further.

[@michelletrissel_nickboynton]

I am having so much trouble trying to catch a fish on my fly rod and I am fishing small fly’s wolebugers. Minnow paturns insect patterns and I am still not catching fish I am 9 years old and I just started fly fishing 4 months ago mad river outfitters can you help me please

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Give a call or an email to the shop with any questions. They can help. Thanks.

[@rylanclark8221]

You comparing carp to bonefish reminded me of a video where some guys were chasing sucker on flats in I believe Northern Minnesota, I'd imagine they're similar

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@redbustourguide]

Im confused if I add split shot to a nymph won't that mess with the weight of the fly the weight I used to come up with what tippet size to use? Thanks

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Send those questions over to the shop at [e-mail] and they will be happy to help. Thanks.

[@derekrush3116]

Whitefish is one of my favorites on a fly rod!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Tons of fun!

[@Jpb6583]

Largemouth in my backyard pond on my 3wt has always been more fulfilling than any trip out west to the Green or Wind rivers.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for sharing. To each his own. 'Merica!

[@FFHavoK]

Looking at giving fly fishing a try near the Gulf in West Central Florida. I'm a sponsored salt water fisherman but I've never used a fly rod. Would love to get some advice for snook, Redfish, and other inshore species down here. Need to grab gear and some flies.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Give a call to the shop and they will be happy to help!

[@FFHavoK]

@@Madriveroutfitters thanks! I'll give them a call tomorrow

[@Madriveroutfitters]

@@FFHavoK try Tuesday as they are closed on Mondays. Thanks.

[@pr0faker]

Carp on the fly is one of the best ways to fish in my opinion, yes trout is fun as well, salmon is also very exiting and can be very hard at times. But carp you can only catch when you know which fish to target and be able to present the fly correctly. That makes it all the more rewarding if you see it eat the fly and then explode the water ripping line and sometimes backing off your reel. I would say its easily the strongest fish on that freshwater list, easily easily beating all the predators.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

pr0faker Watch this series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/omaah5tqaMR_ia8

[@roberthollingsworth1675]

Brian, Can we Fly fish for Walleye? Swing flies like we would for steel head? Wooly Buggers maybe? What do you think? I love your videos!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Yes, you can fish for Walleye. Best to check with the shop on specifics as far as flies or techniques. Call them or e-mail them and they'll be happy to help. Thanks.

[@TheSchyguy]

Out here in Denton TX I fly fish for bass and sunfish! Lots of fun!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Schyler Brown Agreed! Thanks for being here.

[@mikemason4792]

What wt. rod for largemouth, crappie and bluegill? A 5 or 6 and use a different leader? I've had one casting class, haven't bought a fly rod yet.

[@jeremypayn5173]

@madriveroutfitters These are an amazing series, Just tried on a Taneycomo charter, and wanted to jump all in. One question - How the hell do you un-coil a damn leader without birds nesting? I keep needing to have the wife help@!@! Thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3mme5-ofs6prMUsi=S9UxkVHVHMJV6Q9u

[@stephenburdess2914]

Love the shirt!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@grahambutcher2791]

Unfortunately no pan fish, Bass, or carp in Gunnison, CO just gold metal trout water

[@Madriveroutfitters]

That's a shame. Is gold a metal?

[@michaelharris1455]

I've fished for kokanie(?) on Blue Mesa, nice place. Kinda surprised there aren't bass or bluegill there.

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Cheers!

[@jimmyhinAK]

Appreciate the video i live in Alaska it would be interesting to see someone whip out a fly rod on a halibut charter!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching but not sure that will happen.

[@josephwhitmore7637]

Hi my is joe and i am new to fly fishing i just got a fly rod bit 8" 5/6 wt fly rod and it is a martin

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@tobyjamison6801]

He finally mentioned catfish!! There's hope!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

He always mentions catfish. How could you not?

[@tobyjamison6801]

Maybe I missed it somehow. I've been looking for info on if you can catfish with a fly rod. So far I haven't really found anything. So I'm guessing it would be like a bass setup but with bigger streamers.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

@Toby Jamison please send questions over to the shop and they will be happy to help. Thanks.

[@tobyjamison6801]

@@Madriveroutfitters thanks. Already did. All set now. Or at least a basic idea.

[@davidkrumme1302]

fly rod is never the best way to catch a fish but its the funnest

[@Madriveroutfitters]

David Krumme Thanks but an arguable comment at best.

[@tylerpearce2891]

Love the montana comment I live in bozeman Montana

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Cool. Thanks for being here.

[@tonypower9315]

Still here

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@johndavid4831]

Pan fish bit made me laugh...seems like all I ever catch is pan fish. That said, if I were to buy a flyrod I would probably never lay eyes on one again.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Nothing wrong with panfish. They are a blast on a fly rod.

[@colinmiller7546]

Honey I’m headed to the Bahamas to fish, I’ll be home later tonight.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@rakyatbiasa702]

we fly fish sailfish in Rompin Malaysia

[@Madriveroutfitters]

As you should! Thanks for sharing.

[@raymondthompson2908]

Fly fishing muddy seawater UK. Free cap? R.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@keneasley33]

Can you fly fish for gar?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Absolutely.