River Excitement Specializes in Safe and Comfortable Guided Scenic & Fishing Float Trips for Smallmouth Bass on the Beautiful Connecticut River Between New Hampshire and Vermont. Pond Fishing is also available in a Breathtaking Setting for Huge Rainbow and Brook Trout.
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Giving Back to the Community

I appreciate all the clients and friends who support me in providing guiding services, and I believe in Community Svc.. You can be sure that when you go fishing with me you are helping sustain the Connecticut River area. Some of my public service activities:
  • I am a Trout Unlimited member and past director. I have represented T.U. at a Conflict Resolution Workshop regarding water drawing issues.
  • Demonstrating fly tying at local schools
  • Donating time to stocking salmon smolt, stream improvement projects, T.U meetings and banquets, and Forestry Service
  • Donating to schools, the Outdoor Women Program, and private clubs
  • Donating fishing trips for hospital auctions
  • Practicing catch and release fishing
Happy fisherwoman holding caught bass on a float trip donated to the Mount Ascutney Hospital
On a float trip donated to the Mount Ascutney Hospital
O.W. "Chick" Miller Memorial Golf Tournament auction



Breaking Through - Improving Your Fly Fishing Skills

Many folks have difficulty getting started in fly fishing. Acquiring equipment, learning the basics and still being headed in the right direction can be quite challenging, however it seems to be an even greater feat to improve fly fishing and fly casting skills beyond a certain point. Most of us reach a level or plateau quickly, usually the first season or two then bottom out. It is difficult to improve our expertise in fly fishing beyond an existing, invisible barrier. This will be the focus of my following suggestions.

Luck can be defined as when preparation & opportunity come together. Let's Get Started.

1st Suggestion - Spend Time With Experienced Fishermen: Joining a fishing club or organization can help to accomplish this. Showing respect while also demonstrating the highest values will often help to convince these folks to share valuable knowledge and experience with you. Become involved while also giving some of your time and energy. You may just gain ten years of experience in two.

2nd Suggestion - Learn to Read a Stream:
Learn about the dead drift & cross stream swing concept. Focus this dead drift and cross stream swing through good fish holding structure.


When executing the swing give it time to complete itself. Many folks will pick up when the swing is in its finest position for soliciting a strike. Also occasionally manipulate you line or rod with slight twitches or pulls during or at the end of the swing, to help bring an extra strike or two during the course of a days fishing. Use rod & line manipulations to achieve a drag free or natural Drift. Be in control of and in touch with your offering at all times.




3rd Suggestion - Try Methods Other Than Dry:
For years I convinced myself to just fish dry. I told myself that I was a dry fly man. What I was really telling myself was that I didn't want to take the time or apply the effort to learn how to fish nymphs or streamers. Since doing so I can honestly say that I have caught and enabled others to catch hundreds of beautiful trout on methods other than dry. Now, please do not misunderstand me. I still have a dry fly preference however if the fish are not willing on top I will use other methods while remaining constantly alert & perceptive for surface opportunities.

4th Suggestion - Become A Better Caster:
Start out by limiting your practice sessions to no more than 1/2 hour at a time 3 to 5 days per week. I feel that any practice casting session over 1/2 hour does more harm than good. I usually start practicing my fly casting about 5 or 6 weeks before my guiding season.


Once guiding starts there is no need for me to practice.

Go to a park or open lawn area where there is no chance of striking anyone with your fly line. Use the "Control System." This is accomplished by placing the fly line through one or two fingers of your rod hand. Retrieve line with your freehand by pulling it over the small finger of the hand holding the fly rod. Cast 20 to 30 feet of fly line in front of you and allow it to lay on the lawn. Now use the Control System to retrieve slack line while pointing your rod tip towards the fly line, creating a straight line, no slack connection. Now you are ready to begin. Release the control system and start your back cast. You will notice that immediately the fly line will respond because of the straight, no slack connection. The problem causing alternative is to bring your rod back to the 11 or 12 o'clock position before having even the slightest influence on the fly line.

(This Control System method is used for almost all fly casting. In actual fishing conditions, upon completing each cast you again resume the control system, retrieving line while setting up for your next cast. When striking or playing a fish the simple to execute Control System also enables you to maintain controlled tension. This is done by quickly stripping in line with your free hand if a fish rushes you or creates slack in any way. You can also allow them to take line under the same controlled tension, if they choose to make a run, slowly wearing them down with each run. A larger fish should be played from the reel if possible, with the drag adjusted well below the breaking strength of your present tippet. However, you do not want the drag set too loosely or it may be difficult to revive your prize, nor do you want to set it too tightly for fear of the line breaking or the fly pulling free.)

Start by casting just the line you can handle well with good tight loops. Lengthen until you begin to lose form and control - then shorten up - regain form and maintain - lengthen again slowly until control and form is lost - repeat over and over. Remember you are not going to the races or trying to impress anyone. Take your time and try to develop good control with nice tight loops. It is very important to finish each session casting with good form , even if you are not casting a long line. Do not be concerned if you are not casting a lot of line at this time. That will come. In about two to three weeks you will start to notice that you are able to hold and control more line in the air. The key is to try and maintain form. Once this is achieved you can start adding length to your cast.

Remember to cast to approximately the 11 o'clock and then the one o'clock position, with an abrupt stop at each.

It may help to visualize during the power snap portion of the cast that you are: 1. throwing an Apple from a stick for distance. 2. Snapping a Towel in a gym locker room. 3. A Karate Chop. An abrupt speed up and stop should occur in the approx 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock position.

I will make my back cast on a forty five degree angle to my right side and then make the forward cast 90 degrees over my right shoulder. The benefits of this technique and casting style is it helps to develop a better casting rhythm and there is less chance of your line running into itself because it is traveling in two separate planes. This is a style which is also much more forgiving of slight casting errors, which occur on occasion for all of us.
The shorter & quicker the snap (Speed up and stop) motion before finalizing your forward or back cast the tighter & more efficient the loop if occurring in the 11 or 1 area. This means you will be able to cast further with less effort. I am not referring to the snapping noise when I say snap motion.. This will mean that you are not waiting long enough between the forward or back cast, whichever the case may be. I am referring to the short snap or speed up & stop which should take place in the approx 1 and 11 Position.


Think of driving on the highway at 65 miles an hour with groceries in the back seat. All of a sudden someone drives their car in front of you. When you hit the brakes what will happen to the groceries in the back seat. Chances are they will propel forward onto the front seat or window. This is because the energy which was created had an outlet to release. That is what you are trying to do with your fly casting with a speed up (sharp snapping motion similar to a karate chop or throwing an apple off a stick for distance or the snapping of a towel) and stop at approx 1 and 11 o'clock. The difference is, this is done under total control, or should be for optimum results.

When casting split shot or heavier weighted flies you will need to open your loops by casting in the 10 to 2 position or even the 9 to 3 position with less of an explosive snap. It's a smooth motion without the snap. You cannot reasonably cast with shot and still maintain tight loops.




The areas many Fly Casters need to make adjustments are:
  1. Pushing with power between 1 and eleven
    a. Creates tailing loops & inefficiency

  2. Not making an abrupt stop at 11 and 1

  3. Snapping noise - Usually means you are not waiting long enough between casts. Try waiting another half second before starting your back or forward cast, whichever the case may be.

  4. Bringing your rod too far back or too far forward towards the 9 or 3 position. Specialized situations will require you to drift back to the 9 or 3 position especially when casting with split shot or heavy weighted flies. For most casting, use the 11 and 1 as a guideline.

  5. Finishing your forward cast in the 7 to 9 direction.
    a. Generated line speed heads in a downward direction
    b. Try to finish with your snap headed at 11 o'clock or the horizon.

  6. Executing your forward power snap higher than your rear back cast will create tailing loops

  7. Not lowering your rod - taking up all slack before beginning.
    a. This will allow you to maintain control and have a direct influence over your fly line from the moment you begin the back - cast. For best results, you need a straight line connection and slight tension before beginning your back - cast

  8. Breaking your wrist - Your wrist should be an extension of the forearm. They should become one. It may help to place the reel seat in your sleeve to help develop the feel. Also consider the purchase of a wrist-lock at your local fly shop. It is important to try and minimize the breaking of the wrist as much as possible and to have the wrist and forearm working together as one during your casting stroke.

  9. Not slightly lowering the rod tip after your finishing power snap.
    a. You do not need an exaggerated motion. What is needed is a slight lowering of the rod after your final power snap which enables the cast fly line to not be influenced by the rod tip.

  10. Compensating with poor casting by over powering the cast. It's technique and timing, not strength. The harder you try to cast with poor casting form and a great deal of force the least distance the line will travel. It's very frustrating.

  11. Working more line than you can properly control. There
    are two areas of concern.
    a. Instead of sloppy casting I suggest to work out enough line to load the rod and generate good line speed while maintaining tight loops and control. Shoot the difference from the extra line you have already removed from the reel and lying at your feet.
    b. Be in control of the line you are able to cast.

  12. Estimate the amount of line you will need for your cast and try to have most of it already stripped from the reel and ready to go. This is a pet peeve of many guides. Quite often we will be faced with a situation where a trout has just shown itself by feeding on an insect on or near the surface. Usually the cast needs to be made quickly to achieve the best results. (An acceptance by the fish) When a guest makes a short strip and a false cast and then another and then another and then another and another and another when there is a trout out there begging for the fly a guide will usually just shake his head. Then he or she will show the guest how to correctly prepare for the next feeding trout. The benefits of having the line you perceive necessary to accomplish the cast already off the reel is you can make a false cast or two to load the rod and then shoot everything on one cast. This method is much quicker in reaching a feeding fish and there is also less chance of spooking him with all that false casting.




5th Suggestion - Learn to Identify Rise Forms:
They will usually offer clues to what the trout are feeding on and what stage of development. The better insect identification books have good information which can be of help. If anyone is interested please contact me and I will send them a handout describing rise forms and what stage of what insect is probably making that particular rise and what to use as an offering.
Also, learn at least a little about entomology. This will help you to identify rise forms. It will also help you to make and understand decisions regarding your offering, be it subsurface or surface. On the Fishing Trips section of this web page I give a brief description of an insects emergence and how a trout relates to it.

6th Suggestion - The Predator Prey Concept:
Make it work for you not against.

When thinking of the predator prey concept, I do not think of a new fishing reel or rod or line. I think of the way a predator relates to its prey. A predator respects its prey and so should you. Think of a barn cat and a mouse or a lion stalking an antelope. They do not just rush their meal because in most cases it would escape. First they observe, then they formulate a plan. Next, they stalk while maintaining a low silhouette. All during this time their concentration is at its peak while they slowly and quietly stalk as close as possible. This to me is the predator prey concept. We do not have to go through such extremes but be aware of trying not to make the fish aware of your presence. Do not just rush in and start fishing. Take a little time to analyze the situation and develop a plan. If things are not going your way when casting to a fish, step back, review and make the necessary adjustments.

7th Suggestion - High Tech Videos:
These offer what I call the most information bang for the buck. They cover all aspects of all fishing. I suggest to watch the ones which interest you 2 or 3 times each. Take notes and use them as a point of reference. Review each preseason.

8th Suggestion - Read Books & Magazines
Use them as future reference points. Many magazines contain excerpts from informative books. Some of the better ones are: American Angler, Fly Fisherman, Fly Fishing, Fly Rod & Reel and Trout. Also, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, among others as well as many local publications. There is a vast amount of fishing information also available on the internet.

9th Suggestion - Tie Good Knots:
I have been fly fishing for 30 years and in that amount of time I have lost quite a few nice fish because of a poor knot. The experience which always comes to mind happened a few years ago in upstate New York while fishing the Salmon River for Steelhead. It was the middle of November. The fishing was slow because of the cold front which seemed to shut things down. After two days I didn't get a bite. One hour before it was time to leave I finally received a wicked hit. The steelhead made a short run and leaped from the water. It was a monster, at least 15 pounds. A beautiful male steelhead with crimson cheeks and an iridescent stripe running down its side. The fish seemed to hold in mid air and time seemed to stand still. The next run, then leap was more of the same. My reel screamed. Then the third run and leap. All of a sudden contact was lost. I quickly stripped in line as fast as possible, hoping that this beautiful trophy had rushed me and created slack. That was not the case. When the end of my leader was inspected, there for the world to see was a curly cue where a size 10 green butt skunk should be. My thoughts drifted to a few moments before - in a hurry to tie the last knot. It was not cinched down properly. Good enough I thought. This fish would have been so satisfying. I hung in there during tough conditions, did everything right, everything possible, - but it wasn't meant to be. The reason it was not meant to be was I had a momentary lapse in concentration and didn't tie a good knot.

When should you tie a good knot? Every single knot tied should be a Good Knot. You never know when the fish of the day, the fish of the season or the fish of a lifetime is going to strike.

10th Suggestion - Hook Sets & Playing a Fish:
There are many variables which depend on the conditions, equipment used and species being pursued. You will need a different hook set and equipment for a bass in heavy cover compared to a trout feeding on midges on a quiet flat. Usually the corrections needed will be for too hard a hook set or none at all, or too fast or too slow. Most times a gentle lifting of the rod will do the job for trout on or near the surface. Sometimes a quicker lifting of the rod or a quick wrist movement is necessary, especially when fishing nymphs for trout. A heftier hook set may be initiated when fishing streamers because you will be using a heavier tippet and usually the trout you will interest tend to be a little larger.
Experience and good concentration will enable you to develop your perception for setting the hook. In the meantime try not to yank the fish behind you into the trees.

11th Suggestion - Playing a Fish:
There are many variables depending on conditions, equipment used and the species being pursued. I like to use the pumping technique. Basically, when the fish wants to run you let him go. When they are through its your turn. Keep your rod up or to the side and line taunt and without slack.. Only reel as the rod is tilted downward while slightly pumping up without reeling. Bow to the fish if they jump. Don't try to land them too quickly but don't overplay them either. Give them side to side pressure during the fight, especially when you get them a little closer. This will help confuse and tire the fish quickly. Pressure them down & dirty if headed towards an obstruction. Do the same if you fish gets into the current. A fish will double or triple their size depending on the velocity of the current. Be patient, and try to do everything right and be in control of your composure. I would much rather lose a fish because it just came unbuttoned, rather than lose one because of a mistake. Whatever you do, don't take 4 or 5 stabs with your net on a green fish. Wait until they are done and then do the deed.
Use the Control System to strip in or let out line with a hooked fish until you have them under control. Then if it is a good fish get them on the reel, if possible, but only after they are under control. I see more good fish lost because of this, trying to get them on the reel too quickly. This is another way you can lose that trophy. Literally shaking it off the hook while trying to get them on the reel.. Please do not reach up with your mouth and try to take up slack line caused by a hot charging fish. Usually the fish will get off and you will probably be a frustrated fisherman with a mouth full of fly line.

Quickly use that control system when necessary, while trying to keep the line taunt at all times.

If catch & release is your game wet your hands if you have to touch the fish. Limit the handling and release as soon as possible, when revived.

12th and Final Suggestion - Observation & Concentration:
I feel all information & skills learned will be of little value without good observation & concentration. They are the final barrier which will help bridge the gap in order to become a good fly fisherman. Good observation & concentration will enable you to best utilize all my previous suggestions. Good observation & concentration will enable you to execute when, where and how on a split seconds notice. They help to develop good hand & eye coordination. They will help you detect and adapt to subtle messages and perceptions. Last but not least they help you to do all the little things consistently correct during the course of an outing.
A good fish seems to always strike at an inopportune Time. I do not know why this is but you can be out fishing for 8 hours and have great concentration for 7 hours and 59 minutes and 30 seconds. Take a few seconds to daydream and that is when you will get a good hit. I do not know why this happens but it does, and often enough for me to be concerned about it. So when your offering is in the water pay attention.

By now many of you folks may feel there is just too much information to learn for this fly fishing to be fun. Remember that fly fishing is a relative sport. You can purchase inexpensive equipment and a few flies and go out and have a great time. You can make fly fishing you life long passion, spend thousands of dollars and have a wonderful time. Or you could enjoy the sport any place in between. Please allow me to share a story which will put this all into perspective.

A long time ago there was a king who wanted to possess the entire fly fishing knowledge in the world. He called his wise men before him, told them of his wishes and sent them to the four corners of the earth to gather this information. One year later they returned with enough books to fill a library. The king was pleased for a short time. He then called his wise men before him and explained that he couldn't use this library. He wanted all the information condensed into one book. Something he could use. The wise men went to work and similar to a miracle they had completed the task in 6 months. The king was presented with the 40 pound book, which was a condensed version of the entire fly fishing knowledge in the world. He was pleased, but only for a short time. His wise men were again summoned. The King told them that he had run out of patience. How could this 40 pound book be put to any practical use. He needed something he could use. He was the king. He wanted the entire fly fishing information in the world and wanted it on one piece of paper. If it was not produced they would all be executed. However as a fair & just king, they would have 30 days. On the 29th day the wisest of the wise men wrote down a 9 word phrase on the scroll. He assured the others that the king being fair, just, and wise would accept this. The others thought this old man had lost his mind, for what had been asked was impossible. The king was so passionate about fly fishing that they would all surely be executed.

The day of the event was finally upon us. The executioners were sharpening their axes when the king called the leader of the wise men before him. He asked if they had available what had been requested. The head wise man gave the king the beautiful scroll containing the 9 word phrase. The king read the words and thought for a moment. He then told all present that there would not be an execution. Everything had been made clear to him by his greatest treasure, the wise men. Instead of a very large funeral there was a huge celebration. All the wise men lived long and happy lives and everyone prospered. The entire kingdom lived their lives by the words on the scroll. The 9 words were: There Is No Such Thing AS a Free Lunch.

I promise that there will be no regrets of the time invested learning about fly fishing. You will be paid back many times over with personal satisfaction. Fly fishing is so multi faceted that it's even fun when you aren't actually fishing.

There's fly tying, fly casting, riggings, techniques, entomology, biology, habitat, habitat enhancement and protection, water quality testing, enhancement and protection, Photography, etc. There's planning that long thought about trip or thinking of that special place that has given you so much past enjoyment

Fly fishing usually occurs in beautiful places so there are artists who share by painting, writers who share their experiences, poets who share their insights, fishing guides who share their ability and knowledge for catching fish, along with good fishermen who share what they know so others may enjoy the outdoors in the same manner as they.

To me the definition of fly fishing is:

The adjusted blending of "many" learned skills and pieces of information to meet ever changing brook, stream, river, pond, lake or salt challenges by making "calculated" presentations and or manipulations with an offering in a way which it will be accepted as food or activate a reflex response. It can be a thinking persons saving, a garage mechanics passion, a working girls recreation or a ballerinas delight. Fly fishing can be enjoyed by everyone to the level they wish to invest. Combined timing, technique and knowledge along with observation & concentration is needed for good fly fishing & fly casting skills, not strength.

River Excitement
P.O. Box 65 * Hartland Four Corners, VT 05049
802-457-4021 * JMarshall@RiverExcitement.com
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