MassWildlife will host a free “Intro to Fly Tying” course for beginners only on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at its Western District Office, with tools and materials provided.

Dr. Slick Fly-tying Scissors -- Fly-tiers rave about these quality scissors made in Belgrade, Mont. Price, $28. Suggested by Great Lakes Fly Co., 4431 E. Superior St., Duluth.

First-time fly-tyers wanting to learn the basics? Waynesville Parks & Rec and Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited are partnering to bring you three evening classes in February.

The first time I went fly fishing, my buddy summed up the sport in five words: “hurling money into the river.” That definitely felt like the case as I proceeded to lose $10 worth of store-bought flies ...