June 17, 2006

Can't stand to put a worm on a hook?  We've got good news!  Get set for a crash course in one of the most interesting methods for catching fish – flyfishing!  Don't worry if you don't have your own gear, we'll have everything you need.

Kenton County Parks & Recreation will partner with the Northern Kentucky Fly Fishers in presenting a one-day class in Basic Flyfishing on Saturday, June 17 beginning at 9:00 am and ending at 4:00 pm.  The class will be held inside at the Kenton County Public Works Administration building at 420 Independence Station Rd., in Banklick Woods Park.

The morning portion of class will include an explanation of equipment and terminology and teach basic fly-casting and flyfishing techniques, discuss the ethics and conservation aspects of the sport, explain fly-casting versus spin-casting or bait-casting, and a "show-and-tell" of basic flyfishing gear – rods, reels, lines, leaders, wading gear and flies, stream etiquette, catch and release…whew!  And that's just in the morning!

A break for lunch will include fishin' stories and talk of where to fish locally, and how to find the bugs (that tied flies replicate) that inhabit the waters you are fishing.

After lunch, NKFF will begin what they call "Putting it all together" and distribute a handout of knots and how to tie them.  Then, it's an initial casting demonstration of casting techniques and lessons, using the Clock Method of back-casting and fore-casting.  A recap of the basics of flyfishing, demonstrations of other casting techniques (including side-arm casting, roll casts, and special casts), hooking, playing and landing fish (the fun part!), fly selection for each current situation, and netting, beaching, or lip-landing the fish will complete the day's activities, and you will be well on your way to learning the basics of flyfishing.

The Basic Flyfishing Class fee is just $10 and includes lunch.  Enrollment must be limited to the first 15 paid participants.  Please make checks payable to KCP&R and mail to 3902 Richardson Road, Independence, KY 41051.  We will call to acknowledge receipt of your check so be sure to include your telephone number.

For more about the Northern Kentucky Fly Fishers Club, visit their website at http://www.nkyflyfishers.org

Call Kenton County Recreation at (859) 525-PLAY (7529) to ask how you can help – we are always in need of volunteers and funding sponsors for our programs!  Remember, for news of upcoming programs, activities, and events to be held in Kenton County's parks, call the Parks & Recreation office at (859) 525-PLAY (7529) or visit our web site at www.kentoncounty.org