Get Started in Fly Fishing

Ready to Start Your Fly Fishing Adventure?

Chesapeake Women Anglers is comprised of members at all experience levels and with expertise in all forms of fly fishing. So if you are a brand new angler who wants to try out the sport, are making the transition from more traditional forms of fishing, or want to pick up a new skill — we are here for you!

  • Fly fishing is a traditional form of angling that involves using a special rod and fishing line to cast small “flies.” The flies on the end of the line are designed to imitate the bugs and aquatic life that fish feed on.

    Fly fishing differs from spin fishing in that the fly is very light, so the fly line has weight associated with it to help propel the fly to the target during a cast.

  • Yes! We help host several introductory fly fishing events throughout the year, including women-specific events. Check out the events calendar for the next dates.

    Although we are primarily involved in the women-specific events, many local fly shops have fly fishing demo / beginner days open to anyone that are free or low cost.

  • We have a list of some of our local shops that you can look at to find a fly fishing shop near you. For the best knowledge and experience, we recommend that you visit a shop that specalizes in fly fishing rather and avoid those big box stores.

    We have a great relationship with the local shops, so let them know we sent you!

  • It depends! We have some fly rods and reels that we can loan out for certain events, but we do not have loaner waders or gear bags.

    Using one of our loaner rods is a great way to figure out what you might want in a fly rod before investing, so reach out to see what is available.

    Some local fly shops offer rental services for waders and boots.

  • Once you become a member of the club, we will invite you to our private GroupMe page where you can chat with other members. This is a great way to find someone in your area and connect for a day of practice fishing at a nearby stream or pond. Our members love helping new anglers get on the water!

    Want to practice casting? If you have your own rod, tie a piece of yarn to the end of your setup (to imitate the weight of a fly) and go to a local field and practice aiming for a target.

  • Maybe! Some of our trips are suitable for total beginners, but you will want to coordinate with the trip lead in advance to make sure they know your experience level. In some cases you might be best hiring a private guide as part of a group trip so that you can get 1-on-1 instruction from a professional while still getting to participate in the trip.

    Some of our day trips are also beginner friendly.

    If there is a trip that is not suitable for a new fly angler, we will mention it in the trip description.

  • Yes! The Virginia, Maryland, and greater Washington, DC region offers lots of different fly fishing opportunities, including great trout waters, warm water bass fishing, and saltwater angling offshore.

    Our members often share fishing spots and resources via the GroupMe application - our private, members-only chat.

  • We get it! This is a male-dominated sport and it can feel overwhelming to see so many social media posts of giant fish being caught and wonder if you are up to the challenge.

    Everyone starts as a beginner. Everyone.

    There are really fantastic resources for women anglers, and a group of women who support each other in the sport.

  • We are a diverse group of women (and men!). Our members are young professionals, old retirees, and everything in between. We’re proud to have active members of every ethnicity and sexual orientation.

    The only demographic not represented by our membership at this time is extraterrestrial, but we’re always happy to expand our membership!

    Seriously, you are never too old, young, black, hispanic, gay, straight, etc. to start fly fishing. The fish do not care, and neither do we.

  • We cannot wait to hear from you and offer more personalized answers to your questions. Drop us a note in the form below and we will get back to you in a jiffy.

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