This afternoon, I took my Redington Crosswater and collection of a dozen flies down to Jamaica Pond for my first go at fly casting. It was freezing (literally) and windy, but at least the sun was out. I strung up the rod with a #16 Parachute Adams thinking it would help me see the fly as I took my first step into fly fishing. Instead, I failed miserably as the wind prevented me from making any forward movement with the line....

I took the Commuter Train up to West Concord this morning to check out the fly shop, Concord Outfitters. They have stellar reviews online, filled with praise for the helpful staff, so I had high expectations. I’ve actually been up to this area before to fish in the local Assabet and Sudbury Rivers and miscellaneous streams in the fall of last year. I had brought up my bike on the train and spent the day cycling along the trails and paths, throwing small Panther Martins where I could find enough water to make an attempt....

This is just a quick documentation of the day I got my first fly fishing rod. It’s nothing special, just a Redington Crosswater rod and reel from Amazon for $97.74, but I am so excited. It’s still very much the middle of winter here in Boston with short, cold days, but I am looking forward to getting out in the spring to start my new hobby.