I recorded a podcast on FAQ trying to answer a lot of the questions I hear every day: Fly Fishing Consultant Podcast S01E28 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I schedule a guided trip or casting lesson?
A: Fill out the Sign Up Form.

Q: Can I buy flies from you? How much do they cost? What flies do you sell?
A: Please view my custom flies page.

Q: When are you free?
A: View my calendar

Q: Can I smoke?
A: Yes. Be sure to pack out any butts.

Q: What about cigars?
A: Absolutely. By the way, I like maduro wraps. Padrons, Romeo y Julieta, and Cohibas.

Q: What are your rates?
A: $40 per person per hour. I offer 2 hour, 4 hour, and 8 hour trips. You can add an additional hour.

Q: Do you give discounts?
A: For groups of 5 or more individuals.

Q: Can I use multiple Groupons?
A: You can use more than one Groupon at a time and I encourage you to have your friends and family purchase one to join you.

Q: Do you provide gear? Rods, reels, lines, flies, etc?
A: Yes, I provide all the gear unless you have your own.

Q: I want to get a starter fly rod. What should I get?
A: Use Orvis for to help determine your rod. I would suggest a nine foot five weight rod (9' 5wt) with floating, weight forward line.

Q: Where will we fish?
A: I will choose a location that is close to both of us. It may depend on season, time of day, tides, and water levels. Please refer to my maps page for a list of locations. We do not fish in Maryland or West Virginia (i.e., Harpers Ferry).

Q: Do I need a license?
A: Yes, a valid freshwater fishing license is required. Either Virginia or D.C. Get your D.C. license at Frager's or online here

Q: Can I use my Virginia license in Maryland?
A: Please refer to the reciprocity guidelines

Q: Can we keep the fish?
A: You can keep snakeheads. For all other species, we practice catch and release. All non-snakehead fish are thrown back.

Q: Do I have to wear a life jacket when on the drift boat?
A: Yes. I will provide life jackets (s,m,l,xl). These are an easy way to prevent loss of life. There are multiple deaths in the Potomac every year and each could be prevented with life jacket.

Q: Do I need waders?
A: Most likely no. I will find a location where waders will not be required. I have 2 spare waders and will bring them if necessary. We will wet-wade from May-September. See below for what to bring/wear.

Q: What do I need to bring with me?
A: Shade providing hat, polarized sunglasses, rain gear, your own life jacket or flotation device if you have one (if we are going out on the boat). Bathing suit if wet wading. Closed toe shoes.

Q: I am restricted to a wheelchair, can I still fish?
A: Yes, there are several wheelchair accessible locations. I would suggest the Tidal Basin at the FDR Memorial.

Q: What is the youngest age you will take out?
A: Ten years old is about the youngest I will take out. If your child won't get bored and can pick up the casting fairly easily than it should work.

Q: I want to fish Burke Lake with you. Do I have to pay to enter the park?
A: There is no entrance fee for Fairfax County residents. The charge for non-county residents on weekends and holidays only (no charge on weekdays), April through late October is as follows: