Program for Beginners 2010
A success in Germany for the last 4 years - The Beginners' Program at the EWF
|
Famous fly fisherman and author Hans Eiber will offer, on both days, introductions to fly fishing for visitors (beginners) who do not yet fly fish, but are interested in the sport. |
 |
|
|
You can find Hans Eiber at his booth “Beginner’s Program” located in the foyer of the exhibition barn. |
 |
Independent and free advice: For both days of the EWF, simply ask Hans Eiber at his booth before you purchase equipment and accessories! |
About Hans Eiber
|
I began fishing at the age of 12 and fly fishing about 10 years later. I had no idea at the time that this type of fishing would, in the coming years, greatly influence my life. A trip through Ireland in 1978 probably gave the definitive push. I was impressed how many of the locals were fly fishers and how natural it was for them to fish from a boat on large and small lakes, tempting the beautiful golden-yellow, red-spotted trout to the surface with long rods and traditional wet fly patterns. I have remained faithful for more than 30 years to the immense Lough Mask in the western part of the Island. And that has been true despite needing two additional visits before I could fool a wild brown trout there with a fly. |
|
In my beginning years at home in Germany, I had no ready access to good trout waters. But I managed, since a stream full of chub ("aitel" here in Bavaria) was close by. These fish gave me the opportunity to fly fish and slowly, but steadily, to improve and learn. How exciting it was when one of the "hard heads" let the fly dance on his nose, like a sea lion with a ball at the circus -- often only to leave the fly with a scornful slap of the tail. Aitel are ideal for all beginning fly fishers because the small ones take a fly in an almost suicidal manner. Whoever manages to hook one of the older, larger aitel is well-prepared to fool a suspicious brown trout. Despite such great opportunities, many think of fly fishing as being only for trout. I often hear, "I would sure like to try fly fishing, but there are no trout waters near us." Sometimes I think that may only be an excuse. Those with true interest should not let themselves be discouraged. Important for fly fishing is not the type of fish, but the method which can be applied for many types of waters. The last two decades have seen development of great interest in fly fishing for dace, whiting, carp, pike, wall-eyed pike, and bass as well as the great variety of saltwater fish along the seacoast.
When fishing, nothing is more satisfying to me than fooling a finned friend with a fly, regardless of what species is involved. Despite that, believe me, you will have opportunities to fish good trout waters. If you develop enough interest, it will bring you eventually to waters that you might never dream of today.
I am always pleased when I meet people, with an honest interest in fly fishing, to whom I can pass on a small part of my enthusiasm. Very important for me is the large number of most interesting people I have met since becoming so involved with fly fishing.
As a result, when the EWF organizing team asked me if I would help with the beginners at the 2009 EWF, I immediately accepted. Many beginners have the impression that using a fly rod is very difficult. That is not the case, but, just as with a tennis racket or golf club, practice helps the technique. I would very much like to help you begin on 17 and 18 April at the 2010 EWF. If you wish to continue, you might consider, in the coming season, taking a professionally taught casting course for two or three days in order to gain a good foundation with a good instructor. At the EWF, you will have opportunity, without obligation, to establish contact with some of the best fly-fishing schools.
It would be my great pleasure to meet you on 17 and 18 April at the beginners' stand where we can talk about your wishes, discuss the proper equipment for a beginner, and try your first casts outside on the field.
There is an old saying, "Every trip begins with a first step." That is also true of fly fishing.
I would very much like to see you at the 2010 EWF if the opportunity arises.
Your Hans Eiber