Jen Ripple

The twin cities of Bristol, Tenn., and Bristol, Va., stand as unique and charming sisters quietly nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. These fraternal twins, which grew-up together until the state line was established, owe their existence as much to the railroad, coal and timber industries as they do to a man named Joseph R. Anderson, who saw the value in creating a town where two railroads met.

You’ve bought the standard 5-weight fly rod and matching fly reel, have a box full of flies from the local shop that you’re not sure what to do with and have been practice casting a fly in your front yard for the past month. It’s time to get your fly fishing gear together and head to the water to try your hand at catching your first fish fly fishing. After all, the reason we do this is to catch fish, and the only way to get proficient at fishing with a fly rod is to practice with the fish.

Maybe you were gifted a fly rod for a special occasion, maybe you found one in your grandpa’s garage, or maybe you’re just thinking about giving fly a go and haven’t yet purchased a setup. Whatever the situation, there are a few things that you should know before going down the black hole of fly fishing. Walking into a fly shop for the first time can be a bit daunting. It’s like getting off the plane in a foreign land where you don’t speak the language.