Saltwater Fly Fishing School
December 13 & 14, 2025
Port Fourchon, LA
hosted by Down The Bayou Charter / Colorado Cajun Fishing
featuring Jeff Ferguson, Casting Director for FFI Gulf Coast Council
& Capt. Owen Belknap
Price includes:
2 nights lodging and meals at Down the Bayou Charters lodge
Day 1, class room and lawn casting instructions
Day 2, guided day in Flats boat
Double Occupancy (2 anglers per boat)
$1250.00 per angler
Single Occupancy ( 1 angler per boat)
$1650.00
This syllabus outlines a comprehensive curriculum for a saltwater fly fishing school, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful and ethical angling in marine environments.
Course objectives. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Understand the unique characteristics of saltwater environments and their
impact on fly fishing.
• Select appropriate tackle, including rods, reels, lines, leaders, and flies, for
various saltwater species and conditions.
• Classroom work on the essential saltwater fly casting techniques, such as the
double haul, to achieve distance and accuracy, even in windy conditions.
• Tie common and effective knots for saltwater leaders and flies.
• Identify popular saltwater target species and select appropriate flies and
techniques for each.
• Practice responsible angling ethics and conservation principles to protect
marine resources and ecosystems.
• Demonstrate safe boating practices and handling of fishing equipment.
• Plan and execute a successful saltwater fly fishing trip.
Course modules
Module 1: Introduction to saltwater fly fishing
• Overview of saltwater fly fishing: history, equipment, and appeal.
• Fly Tying demonstration
• Understanding saltwater environments: tides, currents, and habitats.
• Selecting appropriate tackle: rods, reels, lines, leaders, and tippets.
• Essential saltwater fly patterns: crabs, shrimp, baitfish, etc.
Module 2: Knots and leader construction
• Essential saltwater knots: nail knot, blood knot, surgeon’s knot, perfection loop.
• Building tapered leaders for different species and conditions.
• Selecting tippet material and testing knot strength.
Module 3: Target species and techniques
• Identifying popular saltwater species: bonefish, permit, tarpon, redfish, snook, and more.
• Understanding fish behavior and feeding habits.
• Reading the water and locating fish in various habitats (flats, mangroves, beaches).
• Effective fly presentation and retrieve techniques.
Module 4: Responsible angling and conservation
• Catch and release best practices: minimizing handling, proper revival, and ethical release.
• Understanding and complying with fishing regulations and size limits.
• Protecting marine habitats and preventing the spread of invasive species.
• Safety in saltwater environments: boating, wading, and weather considerations.
Module 5: Casting techniques
• Review of basic fly casting fundamentals.
• Mastering the double haul: theory and practice.
• Casting in windy conditions: adjusting stance and angles.
• Accurate presentations and turning over the leader.
• Advanced casting techniques: roll casts, quick casts, and more.
Module 6: On-the-water experience (Practical sessions)
• Guided fishing trips with experienced instructors.
• Applying casting and presentation techniques in real-world scenarios.
• Identifying and targeting fish in various saltwater habitats.
• Practicing knot tying and leader adjustments on the water.
• Experiencing the thrill of hooking, fighting, and landing saltwater game fish.
For more info, contact Ivan at ivanperrin@gmail.com .
