SUNDERLAND, VT — The Orvis Company has announced the spring/summer 2011 line up of Fly Fishing 101 and Fly Fishing 201 classes available locally. Learning to fly fish provides families and friends with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, relax and learn a challenging and fun new sports skill.
Each class is complimentary to the public. Perfect for the beginner, Fly Fishing 101 teaches the basics of fly fishing – from casting to outfitting. Fly Fishing 201 takes participants out to the water to put their new skills to the test. The two classes meet at the local Orvis retail store and are approximately three hours in length. Reservations are required for attendance and there is a fifteen student maximum per class.
There is an Orvis store at 432 Boston Post Road in Darien.
“In 2010, we successfully launched our inaugural Fly Fishing 101 program with over 5,000 students attending a class at an Orvis retail store or authorized dealer. Never before has there been such an organized effort at so many locations across the U.S. to bring new entrants to the sport of fly fishing,” said Tom Rosenbauer, Marketing Director of The Orvis Company. “Based on the success of last year’s program, we’re expanding our efforts to be able to bring 10,000 students through the classes, helping to introduce the joys of the outdoors and the serenity and challenge of fly fishing to new enthusiasts. Fly Fishing 101 and 201 are unique opportunities for families to come and enjoy a sport together. It’s also an opportunity for those who love nature to learn more about a truly rewarding sport.”
The Orvis Company and Trout Unlimited have again joined forces in 2011 for the Fly Fishing 101 and 201 class series. Additionally, the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) has announced coming on board as partner to offer additional instructor volunteers for this year’s exciting and informational events.
Event Dates (exact times determined by store):
Fly Fishing 101
Saturday, May 21
Sunday, May 22
Saturday May 28
Sunday, May 29
Saturday, June 11
Sunday, June 12
Saturday, June 18
Sunday, June 19
Saturday, July 2
Sunday, July 3
Saturday, July 9
Sunday, July 10
Fly Fishing 201
Saturday, June 4
Sunday, June 5
Saturday, June 25
Sunday, June 26
Saturday, July 16
Sunday July 17
Lesson Itinerary — Fly Fishing 101
The Fly Fishing 101 class consists of two parts:
Learn casting basics – during this part of the class, students learn how to properly hold a fly rod, use a fly reel and learn the proper mechanics of a fly cast. By the end of this segment, students will be making their first fly casts. All ages and skill levels are welcome. (As Orvis is encouraging family participation, ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.)
Learn how to build a rod outfit and tie basic knots: the first part of the class consists of learning how to assemble a rod outfit needed for casting. Students will learn how to choose a rod size, how the reel corresponds with the rod size and what line to use for different fishing situations. Time permitting, students will also learn basic knots for attaching leader to line and fly to leader.
Each Fly Fishing 101 group attendee will receive a certificate for a free Trout Unlimited membership and a free membership in the Federation of Fly Fishing – a $70 value! Additionally, each group attendee will receive a $25 coupon off any purchase of $50 or more good toward Orvis gear.
Fly Fishing 201
Fly Fishing 201 builds on the knowledge students have learned in Fly Fishing 101. This class entails a short outing on local water for students to try their hand at catching (and releasing) their first fish. Participants should contact the store for more information on the outing at their location. (A nominal fee may apply.)
About The Orvis Company
Founded in 1856, Orvis pioneered the mail order industry in the United States, operates more than 80 retail stores in the U.S. and the U.K. including its Flagship store in Manchester, VT; and maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide. Orvis donates five percent of pre-tax profits each year to protecting nature. You can read more about Orvis on their website at
www.orvis.com.