I just posted this in the Fins n' Feathers forum but thought I should post it here as well.

I finally got out fly fishing for the first time. I don't have any big catches to report, so if that's what you're looking for, stop now.

I've been wanting to try fly fishing for some time, but finally moved back to my hometown, where my family is located still. I went out with my brother a couple weeks ago. We had no luck the first time--I chalked it up to learning how to cast, that sort of thing. We have since gone to some SW Washington fly-only waters 4 times. I have caught many little guys, but twice had decent sized trout on and once saw what I think was a steelhead jump. We were WAY out in the sticks, but it was a BIG fish and very colorful.

Anyway, I have to say I can't imagine going back to a spinning or baitcasting rod. My future trout fishing will be by fly rod.

I will still go after those steelhead on spinning rod. At least until I figure out how to stalk them on the fly...

Yeah, there's something about catching 6 to 20" trout on bait and/or hardware that just doesn't seem right. Like when you constantly are catching 20+ inch cutts and are pissed because these "crap fish" are not steelhead.

I don't do it often, but when I do, I too would rather huck some flies for trouties.

Now, mention steelhead and/or salmon, and I'll take my good ol' Bait Chuckin' Harvest sticks any day of the week over a silly bug rod, thank you.

I once too shared your sentiment, but your time will come

Glad your hooked. I wouldnt fish trout in streams any other way than fly fish. A 3 weight fly rod with a 16-17" rainbow/cutt is a blast and will string you as good as any steelhead. Makes me sick to see bait chuckers on good trout streams, rippen the guts outa the poor bast***'s. Washington needs more good "quality" trout waters.

If your not into numbers and stacking fish in the freezer then pursue steelhead with the Fly stick, its tougher to reach alot of fish but the challenge is great.
I gear fish 90% of the time, but that % will decrease as the years go by

awesome! wait until you land your first searun cutt....then silver....then steelie....then steelie on a dry fly....the addiction will deepen....Just wait and see how many bug rods you own in ten years dude

Parker keeps a bug rod on his office wall, beckoning to him...calling him with it's siren song....."Parker! Come take me down and play with me Parker! We can have beers after you cast a royal wulff with me Parker"......

but what the hell, in the winter when my shoulder starts to burn, I'll toss the flyrod aside, grab a float rod and keep fishing until dark.....glad you have the itch man.