March 26, 2012
By Florida Sportsman Newswire
From May through July, Orvis will offer free fly fishing lessons nationwide through Orvis retail stores and participating dealers (www.orvis.com/ff101 ). This season Orvis hopes to introduce even more outdoor lovers to the sport with Fly Fishing 101 and 201 beginning in May 2012. Classes are complimentary to the public and a great way for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors together.
“The past two years' success of Fly Fishing 101 is truly amazing and encouraging,” explains Tom Rosenbauer, Marketing Director of The Orvis Company. “Based on the success of the program, we've been delighted to welcome many thousands of novice and advancing students to the joys of fly fishing through Fly Fishing 101 and 201. Our goal is to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to come learn more about the fascination of fly fishing. The classes are unique opportunities to enjoy a new sport and the success of the program speaks volumes to what folks are seeking in terms of healthy outdoor recreational activities for themselves and their families.”
Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) will be lending their support again this year with volunteers at the event and free memberships to their organization for attendees of the class.
Fly Fishing 101/201 Highlights -- The 101 course will consist of two parts—one hour of casting instruction and one hour of rigging. Most participants are true beginners so keeping the focus on learning these basic skills is the best place to start. FF201 classes are conducted on the water, with a lower instructor/student ratio. The main thrust of the 201 course is getting those interested in taking the next step in fly fishing on the water at a local location where they have a great chance at catching their first fish. Private water, local bass/bluegill ponds, or a recently stocked river or creek are typical class sites.
Once instruction is completed, each group attendee will receive a $25 coupon off any purchase of $50 or more and other coupons good toward Orvis gear. Additionally, each group attendee will receive a certificate for a FREE Trout Unlimited membership and a FREE membership to the Federation of Fly Fishers—a $70 value. The total free package value including the instruction is valued at over $150.
To get started in fly fishing and to make it more accessible to start in the sport, participants will also receive discounted offers on a fishing lanyard with tools and a beginner's rod outfit—all the basics needed to hit the water after the class.
Event Dates (exact times determined by store):
Fly Fishing 101
May 5
May 6
May 12
May 13
May 26
May 27
June 2
June 3
June 16
June 17
June 23
June 24
Fly Fishing 201
May 19
May 20
June 9
June 10
June 30
July 1
Saltwater Angler
243 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-296-0700
Flint Creek Outfitters
4414 SW College Road #910
Ocala,FL 34474
Phone 352-237-5325
Orvis Company Store, Sandestin
624 Grand Boulevard, Ste. #101
Grand Boulevard
Sandestin, FL US, 32550
Phone: 850-650-2174
Flint Creek Outfitters
13425 Fishhawk Blvd.
Riverview, FL 33569
Phone: 813-681-1888
Andy Thornal Company
336 Magnolia Avenue, SW
Winter Haven,FL 33880
Phone 863-299-9999