FLY-FISHING WITH JOHN AND ELIZABETH EISENBARTH

Fly-Fishing With Karen Jordan

EDITOR'S NOTE: Karen Jordan, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has fly-fished for about five years and fishes every chance she gets at Riverside Outfitters and Fly Shop.

Question: How did you get interested in fly-fishing?
Answer: I grew up fishing and always wanted to fly-fish. So, when I moved up to north Alabama, I started going to fly shops. I got lucky with finding Riverside Outfitters and Fly Shop and felt right at home there.

Question: How did you learn about Riverside Outfitters?
Answer: I heard there was a fly shop around Jasper. I passed it twice before I saw a trout on top of an old building and went in. Elizabeth was giving a tying class and that was something that I was also interested in.

Question: What kind of reception did you get in most fly shops you went in?
Answer: Back in 1998, I was laughed out of the first few I went into. I guess because I'm girl they didn't believe I wanted to fly-fish. It took me a few weeks before I would go to another store.

Question: What do you like about fly-fishing?
Answer: I like being out on the river and the peacefulness that you enjoy. On the river you don't hear jet skis and big bass boats, so it's really peaceful. Early in the mornings and late in the evenings you can hear the wildlife.

Question: What is your favorite fly to fish?
Answer: I have my own KA caddisfly and mayfly.

Question: What it is like to catch a fish on a fly that you've tied yourself?
Answer: It's indescribable.

Question: Why do you recommend fly-fishing for women?
Answer: To me, fly-fishing feels more graceful than regular fishing. The scenery is beautiful and I get to enjoy some peace and solitude. Fly-fishing also doesn't require a lot of strength, so anyone can do it.

To learn more about flyfishing below the Smith Lake dam contact Riverside Outfitters and Fly Shop located in Jasper, off Hwy 69 N, 4 miles below the Smith Lake dam. For more information, call John Eisenbarth at (256) 287-0050, go to www.1flyfish.com or e-mail him at JE@1flyfish.com.