Hello, I am Don Anderson.

Guide and author Don Anderson

Welcome to the Flytex Angling blog installment number one. This blog is where I will talk about strategy, technique, and gear, and I might get on my soapbox occasionally.

In keeping with the theme of “firsts” today, we’ll talk about making the first shot count. Just as I plan to make the first shot count here on my blog post, we should all try to make our first shot count when approaching a new bend in the river, pool, or any piece of water.

The first rifle my father ever bought me was a single-shot Bolt action .22, He told me it would teach me to make the first shot count, and he was right. I’ve taken this advice into the fishing world, and it pays off almost every trip.

The first cast into a pool, the first drift by a rock, the first swing across the current, the fish have no reason to believe anyone is around and will eat without hesitation. I like to stay as hidden as possible when approaching a piece of water or fish I can see and remain concealed when presenting the fly if possible.

I want to run through a short visualization of my perfect cast, drift/retrieve, and hook-set if there are obstacles in the water(sticks, rocks, etc.) I’ll visualize how I’d ideally like to play the fish I’m about to hook because I’ve done my preparation, and I’m ready to make the first shot count.

When guiding for carp, I tell my clients to pretend they have that single shot in their hands because nine times out of ten, one shot per fish is all you’ll get at carp. Bass, trout, and even big panfish might not “spook” out of the area when you approach, but if those fish know you’re there, it makes your goal of catching those fish infinitely harder.

So next time you’re out stalking game fish, get a little sneaky and deliberate. About that initial fly presentation, do it right, and it’ll pay you back consistently.