Fly Fishing Classes

Class Name: Casting a Fly with a 2 Handed Rod (Spey Casting)

Description: Learn (or improve) casting a fly with a 2 handed rod. Spey Casting is a technique that enables the angler to present large flies with heavy sink tips in close quarters. It’s a fun and efficient way to fly fish. This technique was initially used in Scotland for Atlantic Salmon using very long and heavy rods. It is now a very popular method used to fish for Steelhead. It can also be used for trout, shad and stripers. The casting techniques can also be used with single hand rods. The class will be taught on the grass and on the water.

In addition to learning the casting skills, we will be discussing the equipment needed, including the rods, reels, specialized lines and flies.

The class will be offered through the Capitola Recreation Center, starting Saturday August 31, from 1-3pm, for 3 consecutive Saturdays. Individual lessons can also be arranged thru the instructor. 

Class Name: Tactical (advanced) Dry Fly Fishing

Description: Learn or improve your ability to make successful surface presentations (Dry Fly) to rising fish on Spring Creeks. The true art of fly fishing.

This class will focus on loop control, drag free drifts with long leaders using small dry flies. This 5 day class will include 3 days of lawn instruction, culminating in 2 guided day workshops on Hat Creek and Fall River; two iconic Spring Creeks in Northern California, where accurate, well presented flies are a must.

Minimal skills: Ability to consistently overhead/false cast to a minimum of 45 feet

Age Range: 14 yrs old ( under 18 accompanied by adult) thru 100

Minimum of 2 students. Maximum of 6.

Schedule: TBD Spring 2025

We look forward to this next class next spring!

Class Name: Discover Fly Fishing

Description: Have you ever wanted to fly fish but didn’t know where to start? This class will be an introduction to the wonderful art of fly fishing. The class will cover basic fly casting skills along with the equipment one would need to get started. In class we will go over how to “rig a rod,” discuss fly fishing tactics, appropriate fly selection, and a variety of places one might go fly fishing. No prior fly fishing experience is required. The class will be geared to both the novice and to those that have dabbled in fly fishing in the past and want to improve their skills. The instructor will provide fly rods for practice but students are welcome to bring their own rod fishing line. I have been fly fishing for over 25 years and I am a licensed fishing guide in California. I want to share my passion for fly fishing and nature. In this class I look forward to sharing this amazing world with others. NOTE: There is an additional $10 materials fee paid directly to the instructor. 

Date: March 1, 8, 15 , 22, 29 of 2025

Time: All Saturday mornings from 9am – 12pm

Location: Jade Street Park Field or Community Center Room A

Skill Level: Beginner

Cost: Contact the Capitola Recreation Center for fee

This class is hosted by City of Capitola Recreation.

Class Name: Intermediate Fly Fishing Casting

Description: Do you want to improve casting a fly rod? This class is for those that have some casting experience. If you want to improve your ability to be more accurate and improve your distance, this class is for you. We will focus on improving loop control. We will be working on learning single and double hauling techniques, with a goal of improving your loop formation ,increasing your distance and accuracy, and your ability to cast in windy conditions. We will discuss skills to enable you to be more precise when presenting your flies. We will also learn some specialty casts, such as Reach Cast, Curve Casting, S cast, and other aerial mends that will improve your ability to catch fish. We will have “fishing scenarios” to mimic fishing situations. This class will help you become a more successful angler.

NOTE:  Contact the Capitola Recreation Center for fee

Location: Jade St Soccer Field.

Dates/Times: April 19, 26, May 3 of 2025. Saturdays through the Capitola Recreation Center from 9am – 12pm.

Location: Jade Street Park Soccer Field

Skill Level: Intermediate

This class is hosted by City of Capitola Recreation. Registration for this class is now open via the City of Capitola recreation. Click the link below to register. You will be taken to the City of Capitola Recreation website registration. Search for the Intermediate Fly Fishing Class and follow the directions to register.

Class Name: Surf Fishing with a Rod in Monterey Bay

Date: TBD

Time: TBD

Location: TBD

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cost: Resident $169; Non-resident $184

Yes, with a Fly rod! This class will introduce the angler to the challenge of casting a fly rod in the surf. We will be targeting Surf Perch and Stripers. The first class will be on the lawn, devoted to the casting and mechanics needed to be safe and successful. The remainder of the class will be held on our local beaches. This class is not for the Novice angler. One should be able double haul and carry at least 30-40 feet of line, and feel comfortable wading in the surf. We will be using sink tips on 7-8 wt rods. Rods, reels and stripping baskets will be provided as needed. Waders and surf booties are recommended. It’s one of the few places to Fly Fish in our community. For any questions contact the instructor for further information.

This class is hosted by City of Capitola Recreation. Call instructor for class information.

Class Name: Beginning Casting

Description: Learn to cast a fly rod.

Dates/Times: Upon request – contact Instructor

Location: Jade Street Park Field

Skill Level: Beginner – no experience necessary

Cost: $40 per hour