Helen Loc: Originally from Ohio, on Lake Erie. Now Fl i

It seems to me, but there are certain Basics across all types of fishing. These may be where your problems lie. For instance, reading the water, understanding fish Behavior, knowing where they hide and when and where they eat. These cross all types of fishing including fly fishing.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Oh boy, a ton of very good advice for sure, dbattit. I can't remember seeing your name before, so, welcome to the Forum. FLORI_DUH always gives good advice as he did this time. Rusty and Fly4 had very good suggestions. The only thing that I would add and I think this could very well be, is your presentation needs work. One poor cast and you are going to scare every trout in the hole. If your line is slapping on the water, the trout are gone. Make sure the fly is the first thing that hits the water. More research, you tube it, do it right. A guide could help you with your presentation too. Tight Lines! Thanks for all of the help guys!

Jeremy Loc: America

Guide seems like good way to figure them out where your at.... but a fishing club may cost the same for the year that the guide does for one day. Then you would have unlimited number of guides for the whole year.

Happy Rooster Loc: Alabama

I'm gonna go against the grain here. The main point of fishing should be enjoyment. If you have spent 4 years joylessly spending time on the water than maybe fishing isn't the hobby for you.
All I'm trying to say is do what makes you happy...I bet the 1 trout was really something though!

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

I agree with Helen. Learning to read the water is paramount. If you don't know where the fish are most likely to be, you can fish all day for 4 YEARS and not catch any, or only 1, fish. All the rest of the advice is also helpful stuff too.

Ivey Loc: South Central Tennessee, Tim's Ford Lake

Fishing isn't always about catching, I mean it's a big plus catching a ton of fish but you can get a lot out of wadding down a creek just taking in the nature. Enjoy what you are doing and try not to concentrate so much on what's not happening. Keep casting and learning you'll get there .

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

Just like in real estate, location...location. If the numbers of fish are extremely low the possibility will very slim. Maybe you need to fish different locations that have a good reputation of having many fish. This will increase your odds of success. Good luck in your pursuit...

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Hoss, I am not a fly fisherman, and at 85 doubt that I will take it up. I've always heard the saying, "When you've caught all the fish you ever want to catch, then you take up fly fishing!" You are entering into the "ZEN" type of fishing where style and form are considered by many to be more important than catching.

Like so many others have already posted, Get a guide and pay attention! It is the most inexpensive way to learn over the long run. Either that or switch over to spinning Dont give up! Maybe change the angle of attack! Good Luck!!! RJS

kvothe Loc: West Deptford new jersey, but the salt calls

Hire a guide

ver Loc: La Grange, California

Sir...I do not mean to be rude. just need a clarification of what U R saying in your last PARAGRAPH?...did what?

snowolf80

Keep at it, remember, winners never quit and quitters never win......

JeffT

It is my personal opinion that fly fishing is the most complicated, technical, and scientific way to catch fish. The learning curve is huge. Get some help and the sooner the better. It took me 3 years and $ 3k / spending 10 days with a guide to effectively learn how to troll for salmon and brook trout in Maine. I no longer need a guide and most days I will catch fish. Happy New Year and good luck!

Stevearino Loc: SE Pennsylvania

I experienced that same situation. I began to talk to outfitters in my area to find out why. First I was told that Fly fishing is a total experience; not just the fish but "Where you are". I then spent time and some money to find an outfitter I could confide in to learn more. Fly fishing is more an art, requiring more time to master techniques. Best of luck my new friend.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Buddy: If you get the chance and really want to fish, move! Get away from those small creeks and streams which mostly are inhabited with small species. Move to the Gulf Coast and get acquainted with big water and big fish. Even big rivers are an improvement in that there are more species and more challenges!

I was in my late 20's when my job took me close to the Gulf Coast of Texas. I quickly adapted to salt water and from then on seldom fished in fresh water lakes. Most of the fish you will find in those creeks and small streams would only be considered "bait" for the bait fishermen in salt water.

If resettlement is out of the question, then save up and plan expeditions with some other adventurous buddies to exotic fishing locations. I like to catch big fish that jump! So Tarpon, Peacock Bass, Sails, and Marlin have been the object of my expeditions. Take lots of pictures, or videos of your trip, and it will allow you to relive your trips. The trophies that I've caught are still alive and well if they haven't been eaten by larger predators! Give it a shot! Your guides will do everything possible to make you succeed and want to come back again and again! RJS

Jeremy Loc: America

RJS. I agree 100% about targeting large fish. I relocate to the Pacific North West in 1993 and never looked back. I target smaller fish here and there just for something to do but I definitely targeted the larger stuff here for years... decades now.. Came to realization the other day I get to retire in this decade.