Saltwater Fly Fishing 101 with Simon Gawesworth and Bay Flats Lodge
Whether you're stepping onto a flats skiff for the first time or looking to refine your existing skills, our Salt 101 course offers the perfect opportunity to elevate your game. If you're looking to improve your casting in the wind, target challenging and selective species, or sharpen your overall saltwater fishing skills, this course is designed for you.
Saltwater Fly Fishing 101 is crafted to introduce anglers to the exciting world of saltwater fly fishing while also teaching advanced casting techniques, fishing strategies, and skills essential to becoming a confident, successful, safe angler. Throughout the course, you'll have the opportunity to target redfish, jacks, black drum, and sheepshead in the beautiful Texas marsh.
As part of Sage Experiences, you'll use the latest Sage fly rods and RIO fly lines, specifically chosen for the unique conditions of the Texas marsh. Students will begin with classroom instruction on select mornings and evenings, followed by a full day dedicated to refining casting techniques and saltwater fishing tactics. On the second day, you'll focus on mastering the art of casting from a skiff in the wind. The final two days are centered around applying your newfound skills in the field, with two days of guided fishing with professional Texas fly fishing guides.
Our course is designed to ensure every student leaves with the knowledge and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of fly fishing. To provide personalized attention, we maintain a low instructor-to-student ratio: no more than four students per instructor during lessons and just two guests per guide during the fishing days.
Head Instructor: Simon Gawesworth
Special Guest: Doron Lovett
Group Size: 8 students (A minimum of 6 students is needed to run the school)
Dates: April 12 - 17, 2026
Itinerary:
April 12: Arrive Bay Flats Lodge
April 13 - 14: 2 days of instruction
April 15 - 16: 2 days of guided fishing
April 17: Depart Lodge
Rate: Per person for a 5 night / 4 day school
Double Occupancy: $3,076
Single Occupancy: $3,826
Included: Accommodations, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages at the lodge, 2 days of fishing instruction, 2 days of guided fishing, use of Sage and RIO demo gear, all needed tackle and flies, tax
Not Included: Airfare, transportation to/from the lodge, alcohol, fishing license, instructor, guide, and staff gratuities
SAGE EXPERIENCES PROVIDED TACKLE
As a Sage Experiences Outfitter, Bay Flats Lodge is an elite outfitter that has committed to offering their guests onsite access to first-class Sage and RIO tackle that has been carefully curated to ideally suit their respective fisheries. All Saltwater Fly Fishing 101 students will enjoy access to Sage Experiences tackle at no extra charge:
SAGE R8 SALT 890-4
SAGE ENFORCER 7/8
RIO PREMIER REDFISH 8WT
