The magic of fly fishing

As published in the (Kerrville TX) Community Journal, Oct 22, 2008 - Phil Houseal

For Mike Andrews, the difference between fishing and fly fishing is like the difference between checkers and chess.

"Checkers is a fine game," Andrews explained. "It is enjoyable and challenges the mind. But chess offers a whole new dimension. You can spend a lifetime learning the game, and you never master it. There is always something new to learn."

Andrews helps others learn those new things while teaching Fly Fishing On The Guadalupe for Club Ed. He is a Certified Instructor for the Federation of Fly Fishers, but he did not pick up a fly rod until about three years before he retired. Andrews was watching those Saturday morning outdoor shows when he began his fascination with the sport

"It did not look like a very efficient way to fish, but there was something magical about it," he said. "There was something about that cast that just mesmerized me."

So he bought a cheap rod and reel. Not having access to a Club Ed class, Andrews pretty much taught himself, watching TV, reading books, and asking advice of all his fly fishing buddies. He figures he spent a year out in his yard "making bad casts."

Then he retired and moved to Kerrville, where the bounty of great fishing water beckoned. He became a charter member of the Hill Country Fly Fishers and refined his technique, eventually earning certification as an instructor and guide.

Andrews led many clients up the hill country's rivers and streams, and over the years he noticed the effect fly fishing could have on people.

"It is a form of recreation that relieves some of the stress we have," he said. He attributes this in part to just being in nature. "During fly fishing, you are IN the water, not standing on the bank. There is a closeness to nature when you are in the water with the fish. And you have a chance to see places off the beaten trail. You see more of the outdoors in a natural state than you do in other types of sports."

Now the teacher, Andrews feels great rewards introducing others to the intricacies of this watery chess game.

"I sense most of them feel like they've been introduced to a sport and know enough basics they can go fly fish on own. There is a genuine enthusiasm."

It is the same enthusiasm Andrews first experienced 20 years ago. He doesn't watch the fishing shows much anymore. But the perfect cast still holds that magical feel for him.

"I like to watch my own cast go out," he admitted. "It is like how a pitcher feels when he is pitching. When he wants to throw a curve ball, and throws a good one, that is the feeling I get."

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Mike Andrews will teach Fly Fishing for Club Ed in the spring session. To learn more about this and hundreds of other lifelong learning classes, call 830-895-4386, or visit www.clubed.net.

Club Ed is the Community Education program of the Kerrville Independent School District. Comment online at clubedcomments.blogspot.com.