Popular Fly-Fishing Program Returns to Ashland County After First Class Hooks Dozens
ASHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — The fish are biting, the fly rods are ready and the Ashland County Park District is preparing to cast its popular fly-fishing program back into action.
Following the overwhelming response to its first class in July, the Park District will hold a second free “Learn to Fly Fish” event from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the David McClure Outdoor Education Center in Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park.
Ashland County Park District Commissioner Bob DeSanto announced the returning program during an interview with ACP News beside the park’s pond—fly rod in hand and fresh off catching a bass.
“We did one earlier, and we had such an overwhelming response to it,” DeSanto said. “People asked us to do another one, so we’re going to do it.”
From unexpected turnout to second class
Organizers initially believed the Park District’s first fly-fishing class might attract only five or six people. Instead, 34 people registered, and the total crowd of participants, instructors and volunteers grew to more than 40.
Visitors came from across Ohio, including Akron and Cincinnati, to learn casting techniques, knot tying, equipment selection and how to choose artificial flies.
The enthusiastic response convinced organizers that Ashland County was ready for another opportunity to get hooked on the sport.
The Sept. 15 class will welcome beginners and intermediate anglers. Adults and children age 12 and older may participate.
Those who have their own fly-fishing equipment are encouraged to bring it, but rods will be available for anyone who needs one. Advance registration is required so the Park District knows how much equipment to prepare.
“We’ll teach you the basics. We’ll get you casting,” DeSanto said. “If you’re an intermediate and already have an idea about casting, come on out and fish the lake with your fly rod. We’ll have a coach out here for you.”
The class is completely free, and DeSanto hinted that participants may once again receive something to eat and drink during the evening.
Local anglers ready to share their knowledge
Several experienced local anglers are expected to return as instructors, including Ashland Municipal Court Judge John L. Good, Ashland Law Director Matt Malone, Ashland City Council President Steve Workman and Jeff Gerbick.
During the first class, participants moved among educational stations devoted to equipment, artificial flies, knot tying and casting. The instructors shared years of experience while giving participants an opportunity to practice the techniques themselves.
DeSanto said fly casting is an art, but beginners should not be intimidated.
“I didn’t have anybody to show me. I didn’t have YouTube videos, and I didn’t have a class,” he said. “I had to learn it all by myself. That’s why I’m anxious to help other people, so they don’t have to spend 30 years figuring this thing out.”
Fly fishing is often associated with trout, but DeSanto said anglers can use a fly rod to catch nearly any species, including bluegill, bass, steelhead and even carp.
“We’re not the greatest fishermen—I don’t want you to get the wrong idea—but we can get you catching fish,” DeSanto joked.
A century-old rod still carries Ashland history
The rod DeSanto used during Saturday’s interview was far from ordinary. He said the restored split-bamboo fly rod is more than 100 years old and once belonged to the late Paul Corning, a former Ashland mayor, judge and prominent local attorney.
Corning later passed the rod to his probation officer, who eventually gave it to DeSanto. After having it restored, DeSanto returned the historic rod to the water—and it continues catching fish.
“It’s as good as the new ones,” DeSanto said. “It is really a nice little rod to fish with.”
The rod caught another bass shortly before the ACP News interview.
“I like to fish this and just think how many fish Judge Corning caught with it,” DeSanto said. “Then I’ll pass it on someday.”
The story of that treasured rod also inspired a request to the community. The Park District is seeking donations of old fly rods, reels, artificial flies and other usable equipment for its educational programs.
DeSanto said equipment left behind by a family member who once enjoyed the sport could be placed back into service, helping a new generation discover fly fishing.
Anyone interested in donating equipment may contact the Park District or call DeSanto at 419-554-1758. DeSanto said arrangements can be made to pick up donated items.
More than catching fish
At 80 years old, DeSanto said his enthusiasm for fishing remains as strong as ever.
“If I could fish every day, I would fish every day,” he said.
For DeSanto, the sport offers far more than the excitement of landing a fish. It teaches patience, builds skills and encourages people to appreciate clean water, healthy streams and wildlife conservation.
“Fishing makes people environmentalists because they appreciate clean water, wild streams, wild fish and the preservation of that,” he said.
DeSanto also stressed that fly fishing is not just for men. Women and young people are strongly encouraged to attend and discover the outdoor tradition for themselves.
“If you have a child who would like to fish, encourage it because it’s an introduction to nature,” he said. “There is nothing greater than the tug of a fish.”
Event details
What: Free “Learn to Fly Fish” class
When: Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: David McClure Outdoor Education Center at Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park
Who: Adults and children age 12 and older
Cost: Free
Equipment: Bring a fly rod if available; equipment will also be provided
Registration: Required by calling the Ashland County Park District at 419-289-1454
Whether someone is casting for the first time, looking to sharpen existing skills or hoping to return an old family fly rod to the water, DeSanto said the Park District’s instructors are ready to help.
“Come out, feel the tug of the fish and get fishing,” he said.
