Wanting to learn and improve.

When making the decision on the kayak that I wanted to purchase last year, stability and the ability to stand comfortably became important to me, as I have been wanting to fly fish. I had always enjoyed fishing from bass boats and crafts with higher platforms, and being able to stand is a great option.

Growing up, for most of my life in Indiana and the central U.S., catfish, pan fish, and bass fishing has been about all I've ever known. Fly fishing was always a sport that I wanted to know more about and have greater experience doing.

Over the years I have collected a few fly poles, mainly 5 and 6 weight, I played with tying flys, and practiced casting a good bit in the yard. I only had the opportunity to try fly fishing with areas clear enough of trees to have room to cast, and got to play with some small pan fish.

Fly fishing is something that I do really want to learn more about and to improve in. Although originally from southern California, I have spent most of my life in Indiana. My wife and I relocated to Sacramento in late 2013. Fishing is completely different in this area, and really offers many more opportunities for new experiences and new fish species to catch. Currently, I haven't practiced casting in a few years, but have kept my gear and tying supplies in great condition.

I'm not looking to step in on anyone's special spots or tricks, but would be extremely appreciative of any information that anyone would be willing to pass along to a fellow angler looking to learn. And if anyone wouldn't mind the company on the water at some point, send an invite my way. I'll promise to not look like a complete noob out there.

All the experience that I have so far has been with 5/6 weight forward floating lines. Usually using a popper or other small floating flys. Usually targeting bass, pan fish, or a target sitting in the yard.

I do enjoy tying my own flys, and any suggestions of basic types and patterns and colors, I would be grateful for also.

5 and 6 wt rods are suited for trout/panfish and smallmouth bass. so that being said you should start your flyfishing targeting those species . I would start in shallow waters less than say 15'-20' max to make things easy for you ( a new flyfisherman) . slow moving river is the best place to learn a floating line IMO. than move on to an intermedate line( slow sinking). I often have my best flyfishing on sinking types of line. But best to learn casting on floating. learn about streamer fishing and nymphing. you will catch larger fish and you will have fun doing it!!! good luck and tight lines

American river ponds have tons of small pan fish and a few bass depending in which one you at. Not sure how they would bite with this could water though