The Blog
My First Time Casting a Line with Berkshire Rivers Fly Fishing
Berkshire Rivers Fly Fishing hosted Alex and I for a day of fishing, but all opinions are my own. For more information on sponsored posts (and how I only recommend what I truly love), visit my Work with Me page.
The last time I went fishing, my pole was Tweety-Bird themed and I was seven. So a partnership between myself and Berkshire Rivers Fly Fishing probably seems like the strangest combination you could possibly concoct. A travel writer with no prior fishing experience (except that one time) and a company that specializes in fishing (and other river-specific outdoor experiences). However, instead of imagining myself as the least qualified person to write about fly fishing, I prefer to consider myself the most qualified. I have no background experience, no relevant skills, and, if I’m being honest, no true penchant for this sort of outdoor activity. So when I talk about how much fun I had, you can feel confident that if I had fun with these guys – anyone can.
Why BRFF
I have always said that travel should be a reason to try new things and stick your toe outside your comfort zone. And I believe that to be true whether you are traveling to a new city, a new state, or a new country. It could even be true if, like me, you’re traveling back to a familiar place. I was born and raised in Berkshire County, Massachusetts and it is a place that will always be close to my heart. The mountains always feel like they are there to welcome me home. Berkshire County also has a wide range of activities available – everything from culture to history to more outdoorsy ventures. I’d always stuck to the more cultural or historical sites, so I knew it was time to walk the walk – or, in this case, fish the fish. (Not sure that made sense, but you know what I mean…)
Partnering specifically with Berkshire Rivers Fly Fishing was an easy decision simply based on their history as a local company and the amount of rave reviews that they have on every platform I could find. Supporting small businesses that put their customers first is always my goal, and they were the perfect match on both fronts.
A Day with BRFF
Besides a fishing license (which was easy to get online) and wearing the proper clothing, all Alex and I had to do was show up – Berkshire Rivers Fly Fishing supplied everything else. Our guide Jason came prepared with waders, equipment, and a loose itinerary in his head of the best fishing spots around. My biggest fear before heading out that day was that I would look stupid. (I know, I know – what a boring fear. But it’s true.)
Besides years of Boy Scout experience, Alex had also fished before, so his was more a refresher course, while I needed a lesson from scratch. As we got suited up, Jason reiterated that the whole goal of our time together was to have fun, and, lucky for me, he actually meant it. With endless patience and obvious knowledge, Jason answered my questions, tweaked my technique, and, never lost his patience, even when I got the line tangled.
One thing I wasn’t expecting is that we moved locations a few times throughout the day. We got to fish both a wider river setting and a smaller brook setting, along with different depths and current levels. I can’t say that I am now am expert at the nuanced differences of fishing techniques between these settings, but the change of scenery offered a nice change of pace, and a little bit of a break for when I just couldn’t seem to cast my line correctly. The change of scenery also reminded me that, even as a Berkshire County local, there are still beautiful spots that I haven’t seen before.
Although I was tired from spending half of a day out on the water, I would absolutely recommend fly fishing lessons to any of my readers who are heading to The Berkshires. I would especially recommend them to visitors who want to try something new or may be intimidated by fly-fishing specifically. As a total newbie, I could not have had a more positive experience and left feeling both encouraged and empowered (even though I didn’t catch a thing all day). Who knows, maybe I’ll even go fly fishing again this season!
