I have been a bait angler all my life and want to try fly fishing. My desire is to catch more quality fish. I have caught many stockers and some natives but I want to catch some monsters. Will fly fishing get me there?

Quote from Ratherfishthan on Sep 11^th, 2011, 9:30pm:

 
That depends ...  
 
A fly fisher will tell you fly fishing is a sport that will provide the ultimate fishing experience and is highly revered by many who strive to learn it, which is a lifetime endeavor. While catching more quality and big fish is part of it, there's a whole lot more. If you are truly interested in learning the sport, which has many facets, then you will find many resources for learning and other fly fishers are very eager to share and help. If you are someone that just wants to catch more fish, bigger fish to fill your freezer and show off stringers to your friends, you will be a lonely fly fisher and have a hard time finding help. Fly fishing is a sport; C & R, along with other factors, is a big part of appreciating the resource and preserving the sport.
 
Best way to get started is take lessons, get out on the river and practice. Let your conduct be your introduction to others and you will find many willing to help.  

Yes.  Very well put.  I am actually writing a compare and contrast essay for college with the subject being fly fishing versus conventional methods of fishing for trout.  It should be an exciting and fun paper to write.

Quote from Wildman on Sep 11^th, 2011, 10:49pm:

 
Jim,
 
Your response is priceless!!!
 
Mark

Thanks Ryan but i live north of Kernville near Porterville.  I will am looking to join the Southern Sierra Fly Fishers.  I have a friend of mine who belongs to that club.