Jerry Darkes has over 5 decades of fly-fishing experience in fresh and saltwater. He was one of the first fly-fishing instructors in NE OH. Jerry is certified by Fly Fishers International and has taught for over 30 years. Jerry is a well-known author with 4 books and numerous magazine articles to his credit.
Jerry has traveled extensively and hosts groups to a variety of fly-fishing locations.
He has been featured on radio, televison, and various podcasts including Wet Fly Swing and Anchored Outdoors. Jerry is also on the Scott Rod and Scientific Anglers Pro Staffs.
Getting started in fly fishing can be intimidating and confusing. You can watch hours of YouTube videos, but are you doing things correctly? A hands-on session with an experienced instructor shortens the learning curve significantly and ensures you are doing things the right way.
Want to tie flies, but not sure how to start? This two-hour program reviews the tools, hooks, materials, and techniques needed to tie your own fish-catching flies. You will tie a completed fly that will be ready to take out and fish. All equipment and materials are supplied. I will come to a location of your choosing.
$100 for one person, $25 each for extra persons up to 4 total.
This two-hour program starts with a review of a fly-fishing outfit and how all the parts work together. We will discuss the equipment best suited for your particular needs. The fly cast will be presented in a sequence from the pick-up and laydown, shooting line, false casting, and presentation. You will learn how to recognize casting mistakes and make corrections. All equipment can be supplied. We will meet at an on-water location.
$100 for one person, $150 for two.
This is a complete introduction to the sport of fly fishing. It reviews the assembly of a fly-fishing outfit, flies for different species, rigging and knots, and basic casting. You will learn how to fish surface and subsurface flies along with how to hook, play, land, and release fish. All equipment can be supplied. We will meet at a private pond that holds bass and panfish.
4-hour session- $200 for one person, $300 for two.
This program goes beyond basic tying and allows you to concentrate on a specific category of flies or fish species. From trout, to steelhead, to smallmouth, to saltwater, you pick the area of concentration. Going on a destination trip? I'll show you the patterns and techniques for success.
All materials supplied, I'll come to the location of your choosing. 3 hour session. $150 for one person, $25 each additional person up to 4 total.
For the intermediate to advanced caster, this program refines your casting skills and takes you up the performance curve. Based on your specific needs, we will review various techniques to move your casting to the next level. Going on a saltwater trip? I'll help you prep for the casting you need to be successful. Heavier line-weight outfits for try out. We will meet at an on-water location. Two-hour session- $150 for one person, $175 for two.
Spend a full, 8-hour day on private trout-filled water. This comprehensive program covers all aspects of fly fishing including a discussion of equipment, casting, flies, knots & rigging, with plenty of time to learn how to hook, land, and release fish.
Access and catch & release fees, and a sit-down lunch are included. Equipment supplied if needed.
$350 for one person, $450 for two.
To schedule a session contact me at jd@jerrydarkes.com or 440-781-3906
Great Lakes Fly Fishing, LLC covers Lake Erie, Lake Erie tributaries, and Lake St. Clair. Owner Jeff Liskay is one of the most respected guides across the Great Lakes region. I'm happy to be part of the team at Great Lakes Fly Fishing, LLC, helping with instructional programs and trip hosting. For full info go to www.greatlakesflyfishing.com.
Skinny Water Safari, operated by Dave Hurley, offers sight-fishing trips on Lake St. Clair for an interesting assortment of species. This is some of the most unique fly fishing in the Great Lakes.
Check out www.skinnywatersafari.com.
Jerry's latest book features proven patterns for the full range of species across the Upper Midwest and beyond. Fifty main pattern designs from top tyers are presented. Tying recipes with variations are given along with tying and fishing tips.
Link to purchase: https://www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-20092-favorite-flies-of-the-upper-midwest.aspx
This is THE pattern bible for fly fishing the Great Lakes and Midwest regions. 600 plus patterns for all species and all waters are presented in full color along with recipes and tying tips. The importance of this area in the history of fly tying and fly fishing is a primary theme.
Link to purchase: https://www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-17139-essential-flies-for-the-great-lakes-region.aspx
Geared for the beginner tyer, this book shows how to get started tying effective fly patterns for bass and panfish. After starting with a review of the tools and materials needed, a series of pattern designs are shown that can be adapted for a wide range of applications.
Available in digital format only at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fly+Tyers+Guide+to+Essential+Flies+for+Bass+and+Panfish
The waters of the Great Lakes are one of the "final frontiers" for fly anglers. Easily accessible to millions of people, these waters harbor an extensive assortment of fly-eating species. The gear, flies, and techniques needed to catch fishing in the Great Lakes are covered in detail.
Link to purchase: https://www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-7953-flyfishing-the-inland-oceans.aspx
Travel to the most remote area of the Great Lakes to target the famous "coaster" brook trout of Lake Superior. Nearly wiped out by overfishing, this special strain of brook trout has made an amazing comeback. Fish up to 8 pounds and larger are being caught, with the average size around 20 inches.
Lake trout are also present and provide great sport on a fly rod along with rainbows (steelhead) and northern pike.
The Nipigon region of northwest Ontario is the home of the world-record brook trout. Updated management practices have brought back world-class brook trout back to the Nipigon River and Lake Nipigon. It is streamer fishing early season with hatches bringing big fish to the surface through the summer.
Northern pike and lake trout are available through much of the season and the price is surprisingly affordable.
Cuba offers some of the best saltwater flats fishing found anywhere. There is a wide range of species available with very little fishing pressure. We work with a top outfitter who has several live-aboard fly- fishing options available in designated Marine Sanctuaries off the south shoreline of the country. These trips are suitable for both the beginner and experienced saltwater angler.
Mexico's Yucatan has some of the most diverse habitat in the Caribbean. All flats species are abundant and provide a wide range of fly-fishing opportunities. We have teamed up with a small lodge in southern Yucatan near Espiritu Santo Bay to provide an exceptional experience with outstanding fishing, great local food, and comfortable accommodations.
