Why People Love Fly Fishing: Exploring the Excitement & Passion Behind the Sport

Junior angler Dan was introduced to fishing by his dad, David. Visit his YouTube channel - Fly Fishing Dan.

1. I love casting a fly when the cast goes well 
2. I can spend time with my dad I enjoy being on the river and what
3. I see in the countryside

Check out @fly_fishing_dan on Instagram

Emily Graham is a professional photographer and Farlows content creator.

1. The beautiful destinations you get to visit and experience
2. Learning all about the different species you can catch around the world
3. Getting the opportunity to take a step back from life and time out from social media, TV, internet etc. and just appreciate where you are

Check out @emily_graham_media on Instagram

Colton Kelly is a Farlows content creator and Welsh fly fishing guide with a passion for sea trout on the River Towy.

1. Whatever you currently have on your mind that day, as soon as you step into your waders, tie on your chosen fly and begin to fish, everything else feels so much less important and you slip away into a mental state of solitude with one motive, to fish as competently as you can to achieve that goal, whether it’s a PB brown trout or to land a triple figure tarpon, it’s the same principle.
2. Fly fishing takes you places few people go. We often venture into the unknown to fish a location hopefully no other angler has been, untouched. I've fished in various countries all over the world but there is a lifetime worth of trips still ahead, no shortage of destinations…it’s the truest way of connecting with the wild.
3. When you finally suss out the perfect conditions and methods that suit the pool you have spent years working out, from water temperature to moonlight in the relevant month of season and it all comes together, you feel like you've accomplished so much and the final reward couldn't feel any better.

Check out @coltonbrettkellyflyfishing on Instagram

Paul Proctor is an AAPGAI Master Fly Caster, wild trout enthusiast, writer and traveller.

1. A lot of my fishing joy comes from the sense of escape from everyday life. Fly fishing not only takes us to wild, breathtaking places literally, but mentally as well. I find a huge sense of freedom in it. I believe I speak for us all when I say, “being able to stride out across the fields towards water is both the most exciting and indescribable of adventures.”
2. The sheer solitude and challenge of fly fishing is really what makes my heart sing. Nothing beats being alone in a remote, untamed place and pitting your wits against wild creatures. Connecting with nature in all its forms while doing it, is the proverbial icing on the cake. We all harbour fond memories of close-up wildlife encounters with likes of red deer, ospreys and obviously kingfishers.
3. Most importantly, every day on the river is a ‘school day’. Every time I venture out there is something new to learn, and often old lessons to either reaffirm or possibly debunk. Fly fishing is a never-ending journey where we can all enjoy this wonderful sport at our own pace regardless of your experience. It grows within us, and we grow through it.

Check out @paulprocterflyfish on Instagram

Lucinda Ewin is an AAPGAI Professional Casting Instructor and Farlows content creator.

1. It gets me outdoors amongst nature and in beautiful surroundings. It gives that bit of ‘you time’ which is so important.
2. I love the challenges it brings. You’re always learning and there is so much variation in it, from which method to choosing which fly for the weather and conditions in which you're fishing.
3. I love the different fish you can catch on a fly - you’re not stuck to one species!

Check out @lucinda_ewin_fishing on Instagram

Junior angler Lewis Porter loves to fly fish and tie flies.

1. The thrill of the take – there’s nothing better and more exhilarating than a fish taking your fly. 
2. The unknown. The fact that you don’t know if the next fish you’re going to catch will be the fish of a lifetime or just a regular-sized fish. 
3. It always gives me something to look forward to on weekends or holidays! Fly fishing is a great thing to do, I would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t tried it.

Professional England rugby player Adam Radwan can often be found on the water.

1. I love how challenging it can be - it’s not always easy but it’s so rewarding when you have to work out what the fish want and eventually catch one!
2. I find fishing very relaxing but at the same time also very exciting.
3. I love the outdoors, and it takes you to some amazing places.

Check out @adamraderz on Instagram

Jo Stephenson is a Level 2 Angling Coach, avid fly tyer and Farlows content creator.

1. Fly tying - I love tying flies and fly fishing makes me a better tier for sure!
2. Getting time outside for headspace and to reset. It calms my soul and mind and makes me a better me!
3. For the wonderful wildlife encounters I've had over the years that I wouldn't have witnessed if I wasn't out fishing.

Check out @jo_stephenson on Instagram

Howard Croston is a double World Fly Fishing Champion and the Global Product Manager for Hardy and Greys.

1. The sheer variety of challenges and experiences that fishing provides. From the differing venues, target species, techniques and even types of equipment used to tinkering with your own fly patterns and constantly trying to create ‘the perfect mouse trap.’ It’s truly a never-ending journey, irrespective if you view it as a sport, hobby or occasional pastime.
2. The connection to beautiful and often remote places that can come with fly fishing. Few sports can offer the opportunity for relaxation and clarity of thought in natural surroundings but with the added excitement and adrenalin that comes from fooling a wary target before releasing it unharmed.
3. The friends I have made around the world through fly fishing. I’ve met so many good and likeminded people in the most unexpected places.

Check out @howard_croston_fly_fisher_ on Instagram

Lucy Bowden is a Level 2 Angling Coach and passionate about getting more ladies into fishing. She founded the Fishing For Everyone Ladies Fishing Club in 2009 and is Marketing Executive for Farlows.

1. Fishing brings people together. Many people I've met through fishing I'd never have met if I didn't participate in the sport. From the friends I've made on the water, through to the charity work I've done and to meeting my husband!
2. I think the relaxation fishing gives you is hugely undervalued - every angler will tell you that a day on the water is one of the best stress-relievers there is out there!
3. I get to spend time with my dad. We're super close and I treasure the days we spend on the water together.

Check out @lucybowdenfishing on Instagram

Jesse Gale is a passionate junior angler who was introduced to fishing by his parents.

1. Before I started fishing, I had no idea what was happening underneath the surface. I love that now when I approach a reservoir or river, I’m looking at it with completely different eyes. Questions in my head are buzzing - what’s emerging? How’s the weather? What patterns am I going to try? I can piece it all together and come up with a plan. 
2. In the beginning my Mum would take me to different fisheries and sign me up for taster days and it was at one of these taster days that I caught the bug. So that I could spend more time fishing, I quickly convinced my dad to have a go - fast forward 18 months and he’s nicking my flies! I love that I taught my dad to fly fish, you’d probably expect it to be the other way around! Sharing my love of fly fishing with someone else is the best feeling, not to forget the rivalry and laughs we have. Days out together, standing on the bank with my biggest fan are just the best. 
3. During my 14 years of learning 10 of them have been in a classroom, always following a set plan, a plan that I’ve often struggled with due to my dyslexia. Being able to learn while watching, listening, repeating, correcting and challenging my decisions has meant I’ve been able to retain lots of useful information. There is no pressure, no tests to complete. I can make my own choices, learn from mistakes and celebrate the good days. I love that I’m constantly learning and it’s never going to stop.

Check out @jesse__gale on Instagram

Amy Hulme is a fly fishing guide and manages a beat on the River Tweed.

1. Fish seem to live in the most beautiful places in the world, and my fishing rod is the best passport I could possibly have! My fly fishing adventures have taken me to some of the most wonderful places in the country that many others do not get to, and I have met so many experienced and helpful anglers from all walks of life.
2. Fly fishing is the best source of relaxation - it allows me to leave the stresses of modern-day life behind, it makes me feel at one with nature. With our lives filled with more and more digital usage, this time away from devices is absolutely essential for body and mind.
3. Over the years, my growing interest in field sports has led to me to pursue a career in something that I am passionate about. I am on the river most days during the season with my springer spaniel, Knud and with our guests. It’s wonderful that now, I can offer them hints and tips and it’s a wonderful experience landing a fish with them. The number of lady anglers that join us are pleased to see a fellow woman fishing with them and find it refreshing in what has been historically a male dominated sport.

Check out @amyehulme on Instagram

James is Junior Team England Youth Fly Fishing Captain.

1. It's technically challenging! Whilst I also fish other disciplines, fly fishing presents a challenge and it's these technical challenges that I enjoy.
2. It's a multispecies discipline - you can catch any species on the fly! I have a bucket list and the extra challenge for me will be adding to this and visiting new places in the future.
3. The learning cycle - trying out new flies, catching, tying new flies, sharing knowledge with others to constantly help me improve and have more success. It's taught me to escape reality, to unwind, destress and focus on the here and now - such a great feeling!

Check out @james_the_fisherman_uk on Instagram

Finally, if you’re still reading and interested, here are mine! Simon Tilbury is Group Head of Marketing at Farlows and a passionate wild trout angler.

1. It provides a lifelong challenge of learning and improvement.
2. The anticipation and excitement when using all your skills to outwit a fish and the magical moment when it all comes together.
3. The positive well-being benefits it brings (these are twofold: being out in nature and the zen-like state when fishing that means nothing else matters at that moment).