First Time Out - Lake Chabot

My son, Omar, and I took a free fly fishing intro class at Bass Pro on Wednesday.  The instructor, Luke Sing, was great.  In all there were about 10 of us for the class, including 5 young kids. 

With the full class, he was only able to talk about the basics of casting but I got enough out of it to build up some confidence that I wasn't going to immediately lose an eye.

Thanks to Nate/Spinal Tap who offered to long-term loan me a Rod and Reel.  It came in handy for the class.

After the class I bought a second Orvis Clearwater setup, now we each have one...and it seems to be the newb rod of choice so we have that going for us.


Last night Omar suggested we go out to the lake and try to catch a fish or two.  Like most teen agers he loves his sleep so I was surprised he wanted to be up and out by 6 AM.  My confidence level that he'd actually wake up on time was low...but he surprised me.   

So by 6 AM we were on our way to Lake Chabot.  No kayaks, we decided this would be a shore adventure.  I've never been to the lake but we after walking the west side of the lake for a while we decided on a spot.  A few minutes later Omar landed his first fish on a fly rod, a tiny blue gill.   A few minutes after that he landed a second one, this one just a bit bigger.  Not keepers but he was able to quickly get rid of the skunk.   

I on the other hand didn't catch anything but I got a lot of practice casting in some moderate wind.

Omar whipped quite a few fly's off during his casts.  He needs to work on being a little more gentle.  I whipped a couple off myself. 

Overall not a highly productive fishing day but it was good to spend the day on the water with Omar.   Next time we'll take the Kayaks.


Some questions:
1) I noticed knots in my leader.  Is that normal or am I doing something wrong in my casting?
2) For still water (lakes), what flies do you typically use?   I lost most of my supply today so I need to restock.
3) Where do you buy your flies?

Usually knots in your leader is from not allowing the fly line and leader to go all the way forward or back during your cast.  You are bringing it forwards before it is fully laid out in the air.  Need to let the line go further back or forward during your cast.

For stillwater, my go to fly is a Wiggle Tail in size 8 all black.  It may be small, but I have caught a 30" catfish on it and a 20"+ bass on it.  I tie my own flies, I make them incredibly simple anyone could tie them.  I've attached a PDF made by my buddy.  This fly is my go to and anyone that fishes with me knows I use it most of the time.

And for stillwater, I highly recommend an intermediate and type 3 or 4 fly line.  I use an intermediate line 75% of the time and the type 4 the rest of the time.  The only time I sue a floating line is for top water. 

Great info ScottV, I appreciate it.

Let's get a trip planned for pyramid this winter. Great place to ladder fly fish or off the kayaks. I'll take the boat and enjoy hot tea on the water!

Damn!  Blue Jeans!  It's been a minute.

I'm a fair weather fisherman now...if it's too cold I won't be there.     We should set up a trip though.  Maybe we'll even convince Art to stop bothering the bass for a weekend.


Also...hot tea?  Did you turn into an English Grandmother while I was gone?

Maybe we'll even convince Art to stop bothering the bass for a weekend.

As attractive as the red hot bluegill bite at lake chabot sounds…..:it’s gonna take something a bit more to drag me away from the pursuit of  swamp donkeys.

Sweet report Angel!  Glad your boy got a few fish on that fly first time out!  Now ya gotta catch up to him! 

Thanks Al.  Like you, it's been a few years since I've been able to get out...for very similar reasons, but now it's time to get out.

Omar cut the tip of his thumb off and was bandaged.  I think his tactic was a combo of whipping off the flies so there weren't any for me and keeping me busy tying them back on for him.

  Hah, well lets get out there sometime and I'll toss a fly with you bud