Accreditation:

If you’ve ever had a hip replacement (and who among us hasn’t), you might be familiar with Warsaw, Indiana. Warsaw is the center of the orthopedic device industry and, coincidentally, my birthplace. I grew up in Indiana and eventually attended Purdue University, where I majored in Industrial Engineering. After graduating, I moved to the Bay Area to work at Hewlett-Packard. Shortly thereafter, I met my future husband, Dave - an avid fly fisherman. You can learn more about Dave and the beautiful bamboo rods he designs here. Dave, inexplicably, waited ten years before taking me out on a river and introducing me to fly-fishing. The first time I brought a fish to the net and carefully released it into the river, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to learning everything about this amazing sport.

My recommended equipment:

• Winston Fly Rods • Echo Fly Rods • Echo Micro Practice Rod
•   Bauer Reels • Scientific Angler Fly Lines • North Forty • Patagonia Waders • Korker Boots • Any Wading Staff, once you’re age 50

So, learn I did. Over the next few years, I spent a lot of time volunteering with Casting for Recovery. This wonderful organization hosts fly-fishing retreats for women in treatment or recovery from breast cancer. Through CFR, I met numerous women anglers who inspired and motivated me to elevate my fly-fishing knowledge and skills. Thanks to some great instructors and very patient mentors, I eventually got proficient enough to become a fly-fishing guide in Idaho. As a guide, you see anglers of all abilities. Many of the folks I guided had never even held a fly rod before stepping into my boat. I learned how to teach novices a rudimentary fly cast in very short order. I also discovered that I really enjoyed teaching and that I’m pretty good at it. 

 There are many components to fly-fishing. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that the fly cast is the single thing most central to one’s relative success as a fly angler.  What drew me to Industrial Engineering is its emphasis on process. What exactly is process? In engineering, a process is a structured sequence of tasks, operations, or physical changes that transform inputs - raw materials, energy, data - into desired, high-quality outputs. I have a very deliberate, process-focused approach to just about everything I undertake in life, including fly casting. With a good attitude and the right process, I believe anyone - and I mean anyone - can become a great fly caster.

 I’ve spent over a decade developing my own unique process for teaching fly casting to students of all abilities (side note: I’m so into this process thing, I earned a second degree in Strategic Planning and Change from Pepperdine University). My approach to teaching fly casting is built on the belief that if you can grasp the why, that will help you get to the how. An understanding of the technical elements of the fly cast - the dynamics of the relationship between fly caster, fly rod, and fly line - will inform how you adjust your casting motion to deliver an optimal cast.

 Optimal does not mean perfect because no one’s perfect; everyone learns at their own pace and in their own way. When I teach and coach, I analyze and diagnose the particular way that you cast a fly rod. I design practice drills tailored to your individual fly-casting style. I emphasize positive feedback and encouragement because that’s how I like to learn, and I think most people prefer this, too. If you’re looking for a drill sergeant, maybe join the army. If you want to take your fly casting from good to great, take my workshop!

 I believe we’re put here on earth to share our natural gifts and passions with others. I am a natural teacher, and my passion is fly fishing. My name is Mary Ann, and it is so very nice to meet you.