MKFS: Basic Fly Fishing Schools

The Basic Fly Fishing School is designed to help beginners get off to a good start and aid intermediates in polishing their skills. Trout classes are held in Spring and take place near Thurmont, Maryland, along Big Hunting Creek in the Catoctin Mountains. Smallmouth bass classes are held in the summer and fall and meet in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia along the Potomac River.

All facets of fly fishing are covered in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Group size is small so that instruction can be tailored to meet each student’s personal needs as well as provide plenty of one-on-one contact and critique. Whenever classes are larger than 4 people, Mark has an associate instructor work with him.

The class includes:

A full day of instruction and fishing. Starting time is 8:30 a.m. We usually finish around nightfall.
Discussion of rods, reels, fly lines, leaders, and knot tying.
Information on aquatic insects, baitfish and other stream and land dwellers that make up a fish’s diet.
A review of dry flies, nymphs, terrestrials and streamer patterns commonly used to imitate natural life forms.
Indoor demonstrations with a yarn rod of the basic casting stroke, loop shape and line control as well as the many casts used to achieve the longest possible drag-free float.
Casting on an open field while learning a series of exercises and casts to improve line control and presentation.
Streamside talks on reading water, sampling insect life and selecting the best imitations.
Two to four hours of stream fishing under skilled guidance.
The use of a rigged rod and reel along with an outfitted fishing vest.
A morning coffee service and buffet lunch.

The fee for a Basic Fly Fishing School is $175 per person. There is a maximum of 10 students per class.

What the Professionals Say

"Mark, an old student of mine, has organized a class along the lines of my system of fishing. He does an excellent job of transferring the classroom experience to the casting field and onto the stream. I’m sure many anglers would benefit from his instruction."

- Doug Swisher, fly fishing author, instructor, guide and product developer, Darby, Montana & Naples, Florida

"Mark has put together in a one day session one of the most complete introductions to the sport of fly fishing that I know. The learning environment he creates makes you feel as though a close friend is sharing his treasured knowledge and skills with you. And the underlying organization and professionalism is hard to beat."

- Ben Schley, Potomac River Flyrodder for over 65 years. Retired Assistant to Director of U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service

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