OUTCATCH – Our future would be brighter if a 401(k) had stock, bond or fund options as sound as the annual Beginners Fly Fishing School presented by the Spokane Fly Fishers.

There is perhaps no surer investment in meeting lifelong needs for happiness and recreational security than getting a good foundation in the art of presenting flies to fish.

The 34th annual school begins Feb. 18 with seven Thursday evening classroom sessions through March at the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council building, 6116 N. Market. 

Three separate casting clinics are scheduled including an on-the-water session.

Topics covered in the classroom sessions include equipment, knot ting, entomology, water safety, fishing moving water, fishing still water, identifying fish and fly fishing history. 

“Most of the local interest has been in fly fishing for trout, “ said Gale Allen, the school director. “However, as interest has grown in fly fishing for bass, the club has added a section looking specifically at bass for the fly fisher.”

Instructors have years of experience fishing local waters and beyond.

The local eight-week school is a bargain at $125 for non-member adults and $60 for students age 12-17. 

The price includes the huge bonus of a 16-month club membership. Members enjoy options to join club-led outings and events that acquaint anglers with area streams and lakes and various fishing techniques along with club camaraderie. 

About 20 club outings a year are scheduled from March through October. The club has about 225 memberships, more than half of which are families.

“In last 10 years alone, the club has graduated more than 400 students,” Allen said.

Novices who haven’t purchased gear can use rods, reals and lines provided by the club for casting classes. More informed decision on buying gear can be made after testing club equipment and getting feedback from instructors.

Info: Gale Allen, (509) 465-3272, email geckallen@q.com.