Orvis teaching fly fishing basics to meet growing trend

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By Mark Ambrogi

Orvis wants to introduce the Carmel area to the joys of fly fishing.

Jason Sandlewick, fishing manager of Carmel Orvis store, runs the fly fishing classes.

The three levels of classes are 101, 201 and 301. The 101 classes start with a 9 a.m. session on March 21 at the Clay Terrace store, 14250 Clay Terrace Boulevard.

“They are basic introductory courses to let people experience the world of fly fishing without going through a huge expense on the front side,” Sandlewick said. “Over the last six or seven years fly fishing has become bigger and bigger. People are realizing that fly fishing is really for anything that swims.”

Sandlewick said the popularity is especially growing for women and children.

The class will be two to two-and-a-half hours long. Courses will run most weekends through the summer until the first week in September. The courses are free.

“The 101 and 201 classes we provide all of the gear and equipment,” Sandlewick said. “The 301 which is on the water instruction so you have to have your equipment for that.”

Sandlewick said the instructors don’t use any technical language or jargon in the classes.

“We boil it down to basic terms that are easy to understand,” Sandlewick said. “The only thing is people come with a willingness to learn and the ability to have fun. We take care of everything else.”

For the 201 class the participants go to Carmel pond where the participants learn how to catch and reasonably release the fish. Typically the class goes to the Monon Community Center, West Park or Coxhall Gardens ponds.

“They are easily accessible and everyone can walk up to them,” Sandlewick said. “There are not a lot of weeds or trees.”

Sandlewick, who lives in Fishers, said there are many good places to fly fish in Hamilton County, including neighborhood ponds and office parks.

“All of the office parks ponds are stocked, as long as it’s not posted no trespassing, they’re accessible,” Sandlewick said. “The problem we have in Central Indiana is there is too much water, it’s difficult to choose.”

Other area places to fly fish include White River, Geist Reservoir, Sugar Creek, Tippecanoe River and Flat Rock River.

“People are realizing fly fishing isn’t just in Western waters and fishing for trout,” Sandlewick said. “It’s bluegill, it’s bass, it’s carp and striped bass. We have a group of people that are going after muskie and Northern pike, all of those are accessible here in Central Indiana.”

Sandlewick said an introductory fly rod costs $159 with the next step up in equipment around $300.

This is the fourth year Orvis has held the fly fishing classes. Sandlewick said there are usually 200 to 250 students go through the program each year.

The class numbers usually range from six to 15 students. Registration is available by calling the store at 249-6000, filling out forms at the store or visiting the website (orvis.com/carmel).


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