It’s easy for us to say that the Beginners Saltwater Weekend was a huge success, but we believe it’s best heard directly from our attendees. We spoke with Henry Davies-Ball about his experience. Here, he shares his thoughts…
The Orvis Beginners Saltwater Weekend was an absolute blast. It excelled in every area beyond what I had imagined as a beginner. So I have the honour of being able to write you a brief piece about how it went for me.
If you are into fly fishing on rivers or still waters and want the next big challenge, this is the place to start. Even the complete beginner to the sport can attend and come away with a huge surge of confidence. You don't just focus on fishing for saltwater species like Bass or Mullet. Although, I have to say, this is the bit we anglers are secretly itching to do.
You learn either how to cast or how to improve your cast, depending on your level, right from the outset. This is a very thorough few hours at a large open space with a maximum 1:5 ratio with a top level instructor. This was a huge boost in my confidence, having never fished alongside others up until now. It means we all start fishing with the reassuring feeling that you can handle the rod and line you are using out there with everyone else.
This was followed by a wonderful presentation on species, locations, tides, searching for fish, effects from weather and time of day, as well as many dos and don’ts. So you essentially bypass all the confusion and dive straight into the facts.
Once this amazing talk ends, you get time to buy top branded merchandise, clothing, flies, leader, tippet and everything in between at great prices to all attendees. Plus some socialising with fellow fly fishers on their SWFF journey.
At last, after what feels like 5 minutes (time flies when you are having fun), you are at a mark in the sea, casting your flies out in the perfect conditions for the species you are targeting. Many of the guys, including myself, caught their first fish, cutting the ribbon on the new adventures ahead.
The day ends with a really nice social - a few hours with drinks being on the house and some swapping of tales and cracking jokes with new potential friends for life.
After a sleepless night being over excited, you are at it again, feeling like I slept for 10 hours with the energy I had for day 2. This was straight off to the coastline to fish for the day. A new mark and new possibility of more catches on every cast. If you struggle, help is nearby at all times. But you really feel like you have it in the bag by then. You just feel like you belong with the people around you and the journey has begun.
After a lovely gathering for a few awards to the standout members of the weekend, it is time for a sad goodbye to one another, as well as the beautiful views around. Then the long drive home for me made worse by the fact that I was sure I still had one last cast I didn't make, which of course would have certainly been the one that caught my trophy sized bass.
But not for long. The main Saltwater Festival is next. I am confident, kitted up and ready. I cannot wait.
Thanks to all of you at Orvis, plus guests and professionals.
Let the adventures begin.
If you'd like to join Henry and a host of other anglers at this year's Orvis Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival, book your ticket today!
