Post by JoeOverlock on Dec 22, 2005 18:50:24 GMT -5
The Republican
Fly fishing's meant to be fun
Thursday, December 22, 2005
By GEORGE LENKER
glenker@repub.com
Fly fishing expert Marla Blair never thought of herself as a writer, but when she sat down to pen her recently published book, she employed a technique used by many veteran scribes at the start of a project.
She procrastinated.
But with a deadline looming, Blair managed to reel herself in and finish the project in six weeks. The result is an engaging and upbeat book that provides an A-to-Z guide to fly fishing.
Titled "Positive Fly Fishing," the tome lives up to its name. The South Hadley-based angling expert wastes no time in claiming that negative thinking can ruin an otherwise pleasant fishing trip.
To Blair, the word "can't" will sink a new angler faster than water in their waders. Although she calls fly fishing "the ultimate thinking man's sport" - an odd phrase, considering Blair is a woman - the author also notes that fish aren't that smart and that anyone can learn to do it. The key, she said, is believing one can succeed and not putting unnecessary roadblocks in one's way.
"Not just in fly fishing, but in life in general, people are their own worst enemies," she said in a recent telephone interview. "The way to define success at something is by the attitude you bring to it, even if you only learn one thing or do one thing right."
Blair's book is filled with positive thinking and humor, such as the story of one fishing partner who learned the cold truth of the need to wear other clothing underneath his waders. But the book is largely instructional, taking both rookie and veteran anglers through the finer points of fly fishing.
Starting with equipment, Blair offers tips on choosing the right rod and reel combination and also on making sure the correct line weight is chosen. She stresses the need for balance between the rod and line, even though she acknowledged there can be variations to suit particular needs.
"In general it's best to keep it
simple," she said. "If you aren't sure what to do, get help. People who overload the reel with a heavy line either aren't asking questions or aren't asking the right questions."
As far as using flies or tying flies oneself, Blair also takes an upbeat approach.
"The best thing you can do is just relax and have fun with the flies," she said. "You have to realize that the fish don't care what is presented to them, as long as it's presented right. There are lots of different formulas for catching fish and they all can work. You just have to do what's best for you."
The book also provides advice on "reading" the water to locate the optimum amount of fish, as well as learning to make casting effortless and productive. Blair also supplies numerous tips on reeling in a catch once a strike is made on a line. Although her style is light-hearted, Blair is still serious about the sport.
"The key is to always be thinking about what your next move is," she said. "It's like chess in the water."
The book ends as it begins, with two chapters stressing the stress-free environment fishing should provide. To this end, Blair ( a fishing guide herself) urges anglers to seek professional (fishing) help and tips on how to approach getting a good coach.
She closes the book with a chapter titled "This is Fly Fishing, Not Brain Surgery" which advises not taking the sport - or yourself - too seriously.
©2005 The Republican
© 2005 MassLive.com All Rights Reserved.
Fly fishing's meant to be fun
Thursday, December 22, 2005
By GEORGE LENKER
glenker@repub.com
Fly fishing expert Marla Blair never thought of herself as a writer, but when she sat down to pen her recently published book, she employed a technique used by many veteran scribes at the start of a project.
She procrastinated.
But with a deadline looming, Blair managed to reel herself in and finish the project in six weeks. The result is an engaging and upbeat book that provides an A-to-Z guide to fly fishing.
Titled "Positive Fly Fishing," the tome lives up to its name. The South Hadley-based angling expert wastes no time in claiming that negative thinking can ruin an otherwise pleasant fishing trip.
To Blair, the word "can't" will sink a new angler faster than water in their waders. Although she calls fly fishing "the ultimate thinking man's sport" - an odd phrase, considering Blair is a woman - the author also notes that fish aren't that smart and that anyone can learn to do it. The key, she said, is believing one can succeed and not putting unnecessary roadblocks in one's way.
"Not just in fly fishing, but in life in general, people are their own worst enemies," she said in a recent telephone interview. "The way to define success at something is by the attitude you bring to it, even if you only learn one thing or do one thing right."
Blair's book is filled with positive thinking and humor, such as the story of one fishing partner who learned the cold truth of the need to wear other clothing underneath his waders. But the book is largely instructional, taking both rookie and veteran anglers through the finer points of fly fishing.
Starting with equipment, Blair offers tips on choosing the right rod and reel combination and also on making sure the correct line weight is chosen. She stresses the need for balance between the rod and line, even though she acknowledged there can be variations to suit particular needs.
"In general it's best to keep it
simple," she said. "If you aren't sure what to do, get help. People who overload the reel with a heavy line either aren't asking questions or aren't asking the right questions."
As far as using flies or tying flies oneself, Blair also takes an upbeat approach.
"The best thing you can do is just relax and have fun with the flies," she said. "You have to realize that the fish don't care what is presented to them, as long as it's presented right. There are lots of different formulas for catching fish and they all can work. You just have to do what's best for you."
The book also provides advice on "reading" the water to locate the optimum amount of fish, as well as learning to make casting effortless and productive. Blair also supplies numerous tips on reeling in a catch once a strike is made on a line. Although her style is light-hearted, Blair is still serious about the sport.
"The key is to always be thinking about what your next move is," she said. "It's like chess in the water."
The book ends as it begins, with two chapters stressing the stress-free environment fishing should provide. To this end, Blair ( a fishing guide herself) urges anglers to seek professional (fishing) help and tips on how to approach getting a good coach.
She closes the book with a chapter titled "This is Fly Fishing, Not Brain Surgery" which advises not taking the sport - or yourself - too seriously.
©2005 The Republican
© 2005 MassLive.com All Rights Reserved.