George Daniel and Joe Humphreys are two renowned figures in the world of fly fishing, with a mentor-protégé relationship that spans decades. Joe Humphreys, a legendary fly fisherman and instructor, took George Daniel under his wing when Daniel was just 14 years old. Humphreys, who taught at Penn State's fly fishing program for 19 years, passed on his extensive knowledge to Daniel, who has since become a two-time U.S. Fly Fishing Champion and the current director of the Joe Humphreys Fly Fishing Program at Penn State. Both men have authored multiple books on fly fishing and are highly respected in the fly fishing community for their expertise and contributions to the sport.
I've read their books and have seen numerous speaking engagements from both anglers. Additionally, I have fished with quite a few anglers that have received tutelage from George and they speak of all the details he covers in a short session. I've also had many conversations and discussions but unfortunately haven't had a chance to make it out on the water with him yet.
Because these two have so much knowledge to share I scoured the web, and friends for 10 pieces for you.
10 tips, tricks, or pieces of advice from George Daniel and Joe Humphreys about fly fishing:
1. Focus on presentation: A well-presented "okay" fly often yields better results than a poorly presented perfect fly.
2. Break down larger rivers into smaller sections: Treat big rivers as a collection of smaller streams to make them less intimidating.
3. Pay attention to current seams: These areas where fast and slow water meet are prime feeding zones for trout in larger rivers.
4. Practice reading water: Spend time observing the river before fishing to identify promising spots and fish activity.
5. Don't overcomplicate fly selection: Start with patterns that have worked well on smaller streams, then adjust based on local conditions.
6. When teaching children, remain patient with tangles: Humphreys advises that tangles are part of fishing, and it's important to teach problem-solving without getting irritable.
7. Fish close to far: Start by fishing the water closest to you and gradually work your way outward to cover water systematically.
8. Adapt your gear for bigger rivers: Use longer leaders, more weight, and potentially larger flies to accommodate deeper, faster water.
9. Be selective about clients when guiding: Daniel emphasizes the importance of fishing with people you enjoy being around for a positive experience.
10. Continuously learn and improve: Both Humphreys and Daniel stress the importance of ongoing education in fly fishing, whether through competitions, mentorship, or practical experience.
The relationship between Humphreys and Daniel underscores the importance of tutelage in fly fishing. This mentorship has been crucial in passing down knowledge and skills from one generation to the next. Both continue to this day with their passion for teaching others and if you haven't looked them up already, please do. You can thank me for it later. Having been a Pennsylvania boy, I was fortunate to hear their names around campfires and at deer camp so it was easy for me to understand how great they are.
In today's digital age, tools like the FlyFishFinder™ app offer a modern approach to this tradition of knowledge-sharing. The app provides a platform for anglers to connect, share insights, and learn from each other, much like the mentorship between Humphreys and Daniel. By joining such a community, anglers can access local knowledge, plan trips more effectively, and improve their skills through shared experiences, bridging the gap between traditional mentorship and modern technology in the world of fly fishing. With my role in FlyFishFinder™ I constantly look at it as my minor way of contributing back to the community as I learned from them. Give it a look and don't hesitate to provide feedback!
Want to learn all about the FlyFishFinder™ App and how it came about? Check out this article.
By Christian Bacasa
Host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast
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