Recently we at Troutu had a question about a method of fly fishing called the “Bow and Arrow” or “Slingshotting” technique. This is a fly fishing technique that is often employed here in the Smokies to reach trout that are otherwise not able to be reached by the traditional fly casting methods. The “Bow and Arrow” method has been used by many old time anglers in the Appalachians and still is effective today.
However, we have taken the technique one small step further by applying it to both the standing position and the kneeling position as well. Kneeling is often required in some streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These streams are indeed very small, often overgrown with rhododendrons and more often than not overlooked by anglers as well. The rhododendrons were designed by God to have branches the exact size for catching fly fishing hooks. Anglers must use special patience and skill in avoiding getting the line tangled in them.
As a result of the questions, we have included Class 217 Fly Fishing Slingshotting Style in the curriculum.