Interview of Simon Stäblein by Anni Yli-Lonttinen
After breaking up with my girlfriend, I went fly fishing for almost 6 months. It saved my life and showed me that every coin has 2 sides.
For me fly fishing is a way to get out from all the bullshit that troubles us in everyday life. If you don’t focus 100% on fishing you will perform badly. And in this era of smart phones, I think that is just great. Fly fishing means freedom, adventure and a close connection to nature.
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Meet the Fly Fishing Idols
– stories and lessons from the yesterday’s beginners
How did you learn fly fishing?
Maybe I was a smelly boy or particularly ugly becuase I had to learned fly fishing the hard way, primarily on my own. I did get little help here and there. I was raised in an area where lots of people practiced fly fishing, so I got in touch with it rather early.
When I was a little more skilled I started to crib from other fly fishermen and I started to chat a lot with the other anglers I met. That helped the learning process.
The first actual fishing memory I have regarding fly fishing is standing at one of the most renown fly fishing rivers in Slovenia (the Sava Bohinjika) and having no idea how to catch that monstrous fish swimming below me.
Was there anything especially difficult about learning to fly fish?
Casting was a rather difficult thing for me in the beginning.
But I was damn stubborn and spent a lot of time trying. And I have been always open to learn new techniques until today.
What’s your favorite place for fishing?
Puhh, only one?
That is probably a lowland river close to Berlin, Germany. A genuine river with real character, not easy to fish but every fish is extremely rewarding.
What’s your favorite fly?
Elk hair caddis
What is your top fly fishing memory?
After getting dumped by my girlfriend I went fly fishing for almost 6 months …it saved my life and showed me that every coin has 2 sides.
Do you have a fly fishing related dream or goal?
My goal is to be one of the first people who catch a salmon in Germany on a fly.
However, when I am fishing, I always try to imagine that my next cast will provide me some real big fish …this way I manage to keep up my attention and The first actual fishing memory I have regarding fly fishing is standing at one of the most renown fly fishing rivers in Slovenia (the Sava Bohinjika) and having no idea how to catch that monstrous fish swimming below me.as high as possible – and I have a good imagination!
What makes fly fishing so special?
Everyone needs a way to get out of all the bullshit that troubles us in the everyday life! That is fly fishing for me.
If you do not focus 100% on fishing you will perform badly. And in the era of smart phones, I think that is just great! No distractions allowed.
For me fly fishing means freedom, adventure and a close connection to nature.
In terms of hobbies fly fishing is like a disease. It first affected all my other hobbies until it was the only one left. It’s absorbing.
Simon’s TOP 5 TIPS for Learning fly fishing:
- Try to find a local fly fishing school and get a decent beginners course – this sets you ahead for years!
- Choose your vacation destinations always from a fly fishing perspective
- Be self-critical
- Be stubborn
- But try to stay as laid back as possible at the same time
WHO
Simon Stäblein
Flyfishing guide from Germany
Master of fishery science
Professional fly fishing guide
Website: www.flyfishing-berlin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FLYRUS-Fliegenfischen-wwwflyfishing-berlincom-183375408504645/
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Anni is outdoor & fly fishing vlogger and journalist from Finland.
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