by WanderingBlues » November 3rd, 2011, 5:27 pm
Welcome to Fly Fishing Addicts! On this site, you'll find some of the finest folks in the fly fishing community. They represent a full range of experience, interests, and geographic locations. Most are friendly, a few are cantankerous, but all passionate enough to call themselves Addicts.
A few pointers to get you off on the right foot.....
There's a section in the General Fly Fishing forum to introduce yourself. Take a moment to say hello and let us know where you are from. I can promise you you'll get some responses and you might find a new fishing buddy in the process.
Don't make your first post a request for information on "Such and Such" Creek. Even if it's a well known water, most of our members have taken the time to find good pools, runs, or locations. Respect the fact that they put in the work and diligence and are wisely careful not to post up that info on open forums. If they do respond, it will most likely be in the form of a PM so internet trolls can't take advantage of the collective knowledge.
Don't hot-spot locations! Let me repeat... Don't hot-spot! It's okay to to mention waters that are on the well beaten path. For instance, no one will grief you if you post about an epic day on Lake Crowley. It's a heavily stocked 'put and take' fishery. However, if you are on on a smaller water that has self-sustaining wild trout, make sure not to use the actual name of the water, directions, or photo's that feature identifiable landscapes. This is particularly true of any SoCal waters. With 20 million folks in the area, a fantastic fishery can be reduced to barren waters within a season. Use creative names for the water, or don't use names at all. Vagueness equals continued good fly fishing!
Fish handling is everything! If you need to get that great picture, make sure you handle the fish with concern for it's release. Don't lay the fish on gravel, leaves, etc, or hold it by the gills. I can only tell you that you will hear from other members if you do, and it won't be pretty! Make sure your hands are wet prior to handling the fish, particularly with trout. They need that protective slime intact.
Do take the chance to fish with other members! The only way to really know someone is to spend some time sharing a piece of water. That's where this site shines! It's members get together more than any site I've been on. There's nothing better than getting to meet someone you've known through their postings, and to share our common bond of fly fishing.
And finally, remember we all bring something to the table. It's okay to disagree and argue. Just keep it respectable and away from personal attack or insult. With over 1000 active members, not all will get along and that's fine. But don't drag personal animosities into the open forums. There's other sites for that.
If there are other tips the membership wants to offer, please feel free to jump in.
Thanks, and Welcome Aboard!
"We're a cross between our parents and hippies in a tent...."
180 Degrees South