Introduction to Fishing — Develop basic skills needed to catch fish: casting, tying knots, identifying fish and choosing equipment. Practice new skills in Lay Lake. Requirements: hat, glasses or sunglasses, and fishing license (unless an Alabama resident 65 or older). Reading glasses may come in handy. Must also have the ability to walk up and down a moderate grade slope.
Woolly Buggers and Friends (Beginning Fly Tying) — Learn how to tie your own flies including woolly buggers and other favorite fish foods. Becoming familiar with these hand-tied flies that imitate fish foods plays a key role in having a successful fly fishing trip. You may want to take ABCs of Fly Fishing in conjunction with this course. Requirements: bring reading glasses, if needed.
ABCs of Fly Fishing—Catch 'em on a fly! Learn basic fly casting techniques and learn about lines, leaders, knots and fly selection. Requirements: glasses or sunglasses and a hat required. Hiking will be involved; wear appropriate shoes. Reading glasses may come in handy. (We plan to fish a private pond which does not require an Alabama fishing license.)
Bowfishing - Learn the basics of bowfishing; what equipment is used, how to shoot and retrieve arrows, how refraction and water clarity can be an obstacle in bowfishing, and more. Then use what you have learned in class with actual bowfishing practice on the lake.