Albany, Georgia, hooks the trophy when it comes to fly-fishing in South Georgia. Located about an hour off I-10 and only 30 minutes from I-75, an ideal resting place or stopping point when en route to/from Savannah and Charleston or even Florida, Albany’s Flint RiverQuarium offers options for all-day fly fishing classes and workshop led by Orvis-endorsed guide and fly fishing instructor Todd Rogers. Beginning at the Flint RiverQuarium and moving out onto the river or perhaps to a nearby plantation later in the day, Rogers will cover the basics of fly fishing. Students will learn about equipment needed, basic casting, knot tying, tying a leader and rigging a rod through demonstrations and hands-on teaching. Participants will be able to fly fish at the end of the class.
While many think of fishing for trout in a mountain stream when they think of fly fishing, the Flint River is a big draw for many fly fishermen because it is one of only three rivers in the country where they can fish for shoal bass. The shoals of the Flint River, which flows undammed for more than 200 miles, shelter the shoal bass and draw anglers eager for a unique type of fly fishing. Getting started in fly fishing does not need to be complicated or expensive, according to Rogers. “It can be very simple with just you, a line and a fly.” Of course, he admits that it can also become much more involved. “There are always new gadgets to try, but you can get started with very minimal equipment.”
Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Cost is $125 per person with lunch and all equipment provided. Participants should bring sun protection as the majority of time will be spent outside. For more information, or to register, please contact Melissa Martin, Flint RiverQuarium Education Manager, at 229-639-2650 or mmartin@flintriverquarium.com.
The Flint RiverQuarium is southwest Georgia’s premier aquarium, featuring more than 1,000 animals that call the Flint River watershed home. The Flint RiverQuarium is located at 101 Pine Avenue in downtown Albany, Georgia. Regular operating hours are Tuesday- Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.