Events

EVENTS: Fly Casting Lessons and Local Craft Beers

Anglers in the Lowcountry have long known the waters along Kiawah River’s 20 miles of pristine shoreline as legendary protected fisheries. As fall temperatures cool the coastal waters surrounding the sea islands, species like redfish and speckled sea trout can be seen gathering in the shallow waters, creating the perfect opportunity to spot a glimmering redfish tail on the spartina grass flats.

Osprey Fly Charters guide Jake Ellington joined us to share his passion and knowledge of fly fishing with friends at Kiawah River’s Farmhouse lawn near the river’s edge. With local craft beers on hand from Edmund’s Oast, Jake demonstrated fly-casting basics and imparted his wisdom for sight fishing along the shore. Anglers of all experience levels practiced their techniques with rods and accessories and provided by Hardy Fishing.

While casting is an essential part of the fly-fishing experience, construction of the fly itself is accompanied by its own history and methodology. Kiawah River guests received hand-made flies from Lowcountry Fly Shop, which was on site teaching young anglers how to make their own.

The camaraderie and craft beer were complemented with delicious bites served from Coastal Crust’s mobile eatery, a beautifully restored ‘50s-era classic truck with a wood-fired pizza oven – all enjoyed under the majestic canopy of Kiawah River’s live oak trees.

If you couldn’t make it to Kiawah River’s inaugural Cast and Craft event, get a head start on our next gathering by practicing the fly-casting tips below, as found in the Field Guide to Kiawah River and the Charleston Sea Islands.

How to Fly Cast

Step 1: Hold rod like a handshake (not too tight)
Step 2: Thumb on top
Step 3: Release several yards of line
Step 4: Lift, begin rod motion of 2:00 (back) to 10:00 (forward)
Step 5: Go back and forth several times while holding line
Step 6: Point rod top toward target; release