Fly Casting Clinics and Classes 
Clinics -- After each first Wednesday of the month Club Meeting, weather permitting, there is a fly casting clinic offered by various members of the club.  The clinic covers everything from beginning fly casting to ironing out fly casting problems to playing around with new equipment.

Classes -- Ed Rapisardi is offering one-on-one fly casting classes at any time or place convenient by appointment.  Instruction ranges from beginning fly casting to advanced fresh and salt water casting techniques.  Call Ed at (352) 787-6791.

Fly Fishing In Florida
The sheer number of places to fish in fresh water in this area is mind boggling. Lakes abound, rivers are either crystal clear spring fed or dark and mysterious-and all feature abundant wildlife and great beauty. Largemouth bass, crappies ("specks"), and a variety of pan fish (collectively known as "bream") are the dominant species and all will take a fly. Virtually all fresh water fishing is done from a boat, as shorelines are often jungle-like and are the haunt of alligators and snakes. The Tri-County area contains many lakes and rivers accessible to the public for fishing.

Fishing in salt water takes place on the "flats" of the Gulf of Mexico , or world-famous estuaries such as Mosquito Lagoon or the Indian River Lagoon systems. Redfish and spotted sea trout are the most commonly caught species, but tarpon, crevelle jacks, ladyfish, flounder and more are also available. Saltwater fish move around with the tides and weather, and can be caught by wading, or by fishing from boats or kayaks. Salt water fishing generally involves about a two hour drive from the Tri-County area to reach fishable waters.

Saltwater --Boats and wading

Fish Species -- sea trout, redfish, black drum, pompano, jack crevalle,
snook, tarpon, ladyfish, mackerel, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, grouper, sail catfish and shark.

Note: Most saltwater fish have sharp teeth: do not attempt to lip them. Use a net, Boca grip or hand under the fish's belly. Also be careful as some species have sharp gill covers and gill rakers.

Fly Rod
• 9' 7-8wt is a standard rod for most of the smaller saltwater species.
• 9' 9wt. is an excellent choice also, though a little more tiring to throw.
• 10wt. and up when sight fishing for larger redfish, tarpon and bonefish.

Fly Lines – The type of line depends on the depth of water fished and the type of flies used.
• Intermediate sink
• Sink tip
• Weight forward floating
• Stripping baskets

Leaders
Depending on wind conditions, tides and location we use tapered leaders(build our own)-
6 - 10'
Basic saltwater leader:
5ft. 40lb.- 1ft. 30lb.-1ft. 20lb.-1ft. 12lb.-18 - 24in.-tippet
Knots are critical in maintaining the integrity of leader. Shock tippets might also be required.

Flies -- Match the bait fish. Clouser Minnow, Crab patterns, Surf Candy, Lefty's Deceiver, Bend Back, Seaducer and Popping bugs just to name a few.

Clothing/attire
• Long sleeve shirts, hats with wide brims(black underside) that cover the neck area
• Polarized sun glasses
• Wading pants.
• Flats boots or old tennis shoes
• Sun gloves
• Sun Block and Insect Control

Inexpensive Digital Camera -- To record your catch. Store in a plastic zip-lock type bag to keep dry.

Sun Block & Insect Control
During the summer months the sun in Florida is very intense. Put on plenty of SPF 30 or above sun block. Mosquitoes can also be intense, especially at pre-dawn when winds are minimal. Always carry insect spray in your bag.

Note: After fishing in saltwater, it is critical that all equipment is washed and dried before being put away.

Fresh Water -- Boats only. No wading because of the ever-present alligators.

Fish Species -- largemouth bass, crappie ("specks"), bream (includes, redbelly, copperheads and bluegill sun fish), shell crackers, warmouth and mud fish.

Fly Rods
• 4-5-6wt. for bream and bass
• Up to 9wt. when fishing in heavy vegetation

Fly Line – The type of line depends on the depth of water fished and the type of flies used.
• Weight forward floating
• Sink tip
• Intermediate sink

Leaders -- Store-bought or hand-tied tapered leaders

Flies -- Poppers, Muddlers, Wooly Buggers, Foam Flies, Streamers, Scud on a dropper

Clothing/attire
Same as saltwater requirements above.

Inexpensive Digital Camera -- To record your catch. Store in a plastic zip-lock type bag to keep dry.

Sun Block & Insect Control
Same as saltwater requirements above.

When fishing from a boat it is common to carry two rods (or, at least, two spools). One with a floating line and the other with some sort of sinking line.