Callaway Gardens® Announces 2011 Fly-fishing School Schedule

March 1, 2011 - PRLog -- PINE MOUNTAIN, GA  – With 13 lakes professionally managed for both trophy bass and bream, and seasonal opportunities for trout, Callaway Gardens® is a wonderful place to learn how to fly fish. Callaway’s popular two-day schools include basic lessons in a classroom setting and then hands-on casting and fishing.  On the second day of the school, participants travel to the Flint River to fish for shoal bass and to hone skills in streams and rivers.

Many of Callaway’s fly-fishing instructors are Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) certified, including Carl Warmouth, a FFF certified Master Casting Instructor, a designation earned by less than 100 people worldwide.

Two-day fly-fishing schools are $295*, which includes use of premium equipment during the school and a delicious, catered lunch on both days.  The classes are limited to 12 participants.  Private lessons, guided trips and gift certificates are available.  Participants also qualify for a discount on select merchandise in the fully-stocked Kingfisher Outfitters as well as discounts on lodging (please ask for special rates when reserving the school or overnight reservations).

The 2011 Callaway Gardens Fly-Fishing School Schedule is:

February 26-27:  As winter winds give way to warmer days, anglers’ rejoice as the fishing season nears. Prepare to learn the essentials of fly-fishing from the region’s finest instructors.

March 26-27: Enjoy the fragrant bouquets of azaleas while learning the basics of the casting arc, or improve your existing fly-fishing knowledge from our Federation of Fly-Fishers certified staff.

April 16-17: April showers bring more than flowers. The ponds at Callaway are teeming with activity, especially from the native sunfish that assault any insect they encounter. Feel free to ask our friendly instructors about matching fly imitations to the actual insect prey.

May 21-22:  Spring is perhaps the most beautiful time of year. Callaway’s platter-sized bream are feeding voraciously. Now is the time for the beginner or expert fly-fisher to experience nature’s food chain in action.

June 25-26: June is prime time for fly fishing in most parts of the country.  Aquatic insect hatches abound in droves. Kingfisher Outfitters at Callaway is a great place to refine your fly-fishing methods or build confidence in casting for the impending summer fishing excursion westward or elsewhere. Our professional instructors provide invaluable knowledge to anyone who seeks an adventure.

July 30-31:  It’s summer vacation time!  Why not bring the whole family for a weekend to learn an amazing sport to enjoy for life? Children 12 and older are welcome to enroll in the class (with adult supervision). Or bring a Boy Scout along so that he can fulfill the requirements for the fly-fishing badge.

August 27-28:  Because of the popularity of our summer schools, this August class has been added.  For those not available in June or July – this is a great alternative.

September 24-25:  The warm days and cool nights of Autumn are in full swing.  Mountain Creek Lake is home to giant red-ear sunfish (shellcrackers).  Common catches include 2-3 lb. shellcrackers on the fly rod.  What better time to learn to fly fish?

October 22-23:  Fall is spectacular at Callaway. The area is ablaze with the roaring reds and golden shades of Autumn.  Bass and bream are enjoying the cooler temperatures and willing to accept a well placed fly.

November 19-20:  The very last opportunity of the year to participate in our two-day school and a beautiful time to visit Callaway Gardens.

Callaway Gardens®, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus.  For additional information, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

About Callaway Gardens
For almost 60 years Callaway Gardens has provided “a place of relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world” for millions of visitors.  Owned and operated by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, Callaway Gardens includes a garden, resort, preserve and residential community on 13,000 acres in Pine Mountain, Georgia.  Highlights include a butterfly conservatory, horticultural center, discovery center, chapel, inland beach, nature trails and special events throughout the year.

In addition, Callaway Gardens offers nearly 100,000 square feet of meeting space, 923 guest rooms, restaurants, a full-service spa, shops, golf, tennis, fishing and more.

Five unique, close-knit residential communities with custom home sites, lakefront properties and cottages on the golf course –offer an ideal home away from home or full-time residence.

Callaway Gardens is home to a 4,610-acre forest preserve, which is under conservation easement.  This conserved, sustainably-managed land is used for biological studies and environmental education programs.

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A gardens, resort, preserve and community, owned and operated by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, offering "So Much to See and Do" while "Connecting Man and Nature in a way that Benefits Both." Located in Pine Mountain, Georgia.