Decided to revive this thread versus starting a completely new one to cover this topic/update. Did not get started into fly fishing the way I was wanting to. Fall soccer for the kids started, then hunting season and holidays, etc. Typical excuses we use to always put something on the back burner, well no longer.
A few weeks ago I met some guys at the local aquarium fly tying at a table, guess the aquarium was doing a fishing day thing, I just happened to be there that day with the kids just because. They where with Project Healing Waters and told me about their group, locations they meet and the days. Well for the next few weeks I did not get a chance to go and finally this past Monday I got a notice from their FB group saying meeting at 1800 that night local VFW. Told the wife as it was already 1645 and I was about to start making tacos for dinner so she said just order a pizza for them and go. I been talking about it for a while and she gave me the nudge to drop what I was doing to finally go.
So went to the meeting, and I must say, not sure if any of those guys are members on here or not but thank you for that first day. One member immediately approached me, introduced himself and we chatted for a bit, getting any last minute questions I had about their group and fly fishing out of the way. Without missing an opportunity or giving me an option (he is a retired Gunny so it's instinctive for them) he told me lets go out back and cast. He gave me the low down, simple demonstration, kept it simple and got me casting a fly. Well cloth tipped line but he showed me the fundamentals and worked with me for the next 45 minutes or so, working my kinks out and we chatted the whole time going over fly subject and our pasts etc. Once we got to that point he said we are good for now and lets not overdue it for the day. Sat around for a little while longer meeting a few other members and chatted and again, not missing an opportunity, he said "Now lets go tie a fly".
I was a little uncertain at this point but he got me seated at a station, pulled me up a little kit, explained the gear and then instructed me through tying my first Wooly Bugger.
I will not lie, it was a blast and I am looking forward to the next meeting, looking to learn alot more. I just wanted to update my current status of entry into fly fishing and express my gratitude to Project Healing Waters for who they are and what they have done for me and others. Not sure if there are other members here or groups like them around my area but just also felt they deserved a little shout out if it may help anyone else in the area or other areas who has a group around.
