Module 7

Fly fishing fundamentals

Fly fishing isn’t just another way to catch fish — it’s an immersive experience that connects you to the water, the fish, and the environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned angler looking to expand your skills, this module breaks down the fundamentals, from choosing the right gear to selecting and presenting the perfect fly. You’ll gain a clear understanding of why fly fishing is so effective on its day and develop the confidence to apply these skills on the water.

By the end of this module, you’ll have an understanding of how to make a cast, and even have a crack at tying your own flies.

Overview

This module isn’t about waving a fly rod around hoping for the best. It’s about developing an understanding of the different physics and mechanics in fly casting — essentially, what it takes to get your fly in front of a fish in a way that makes them believe it’s real, without looking like you’re battling an invisible dragon. You’ll even get a start on your fly tying journey!

Duration

15 hours 00 minutes

Testing

  • Video uploads
  • Assessment by randomised quiz
  • Reflective worksheet upload.
  • Short online survey

Resources

You will need a fresh printout of your Reflective Worksheet. If you have not kept a copy on your computer, you can download a new one here.

Download Your resources now

You will need:

  • your device
  • video recorder (if your phone does not have camera)

  • Fly rod (5–7 weight is a good all-rounder)

  • Fly reel, matched to your rod weight

  • Fly line (matched to rod weight, floating line recommended for beginners)

  • Tapered leader

  • Access to a fly tying vice

  • Bobbin and thread (black or olive 6/0 thread is a great start)

  • Small scissors

  • Dubbing materials (rabbit, synthetic dubbing, or similar)

  • Hooks in various sizes (#10–#16 for trout flies, larger for saltwater)

  • Access to grass lawn or open space (a park works great)

  • A piece of bright coloured wool 

  • headphones
    (if preferred)
  • access to a printer
  • a pen, pencil, or texta

MODULE CONTRIBUTORS

Jo Starling

FOUNDER, Women’s Recreational Fishing League

TBA

Fly fisher

welcome to module 7

Introduction

units of study

Here’s what you will learn

Why fly?

How fly fishing works, why it’s effective across different species and environments, and when it’s actually the most appropriate delivery method.

Which fly?

How to choose the right fly by understanding prey, seasons, conditions, and fish behaviour.

Demystifying fly fishing tackle

How to build your fly fishing setup from arbor to fly — rods, reels, lines, and leaders explained.

Physics of fly casting

The mechanics of fly casting is very different to conventional tackle. This unit breaks it down so you can practice effectively delivering your casts.

Fly tying basics

How to tie your own flies, with a focus on the fundamentals needed to get you started.

Design a fly

A creative unit that sees you design your own fly, creating something uniquely yours to test on the water.

BEGIN

resources

Self-Reflection Worksheet

Download Worksheet
Additional Research Material

Links

For the best experience with this course, we recommend using the Google Chrome browser. Click here to download.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & GRATITUDE

This course is supported by funding from the FRDC (Project ID 2022/033) on behalf of the Australian Government.

For more information on the full team behind this project, please click here.

The Women’s Recreational Fishing League acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live, work and fish on across Australia.
We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.