Fish are elusive prey, fleeing into reefs to evade anglers and spontaneously sprouting legs to run away from Charles Darwin. Track down slippery targets with this Groupon.

Choose Between Two Options

• $59 for a four-hour Intro to Fly Fishing class for two (a $120 value)
$115 for a four-hour Intro to Fly Fishing class for four (a $240 value)

Student can choose from one of the following dates: September 29 and 30, and October 6, 7, 13, and 14.

Participants wade into the waters of the American River at River Bend Park to learn about topics such as proper equipment, casting, and wading safety from a lifelong angler. The instructor demonstrates fishing techniques that include nymphing, using streamers, and dry fly-fishing, and after the lesson new anglers should feel confident enough to explore fly-fishing on their own. Students should bring a folding chair, writing implement, and something to snack on. An additional $5 cash-only park entrance fee is not included.

Jeff Putnam's Fly Fishing School

To Jeff Putnam, fly-fishing isn't just a sport; it's also his work, his leisure, and a large part of his identity. He first pulled on fly-fishing gear at the age of 11, and at 16 began guiding fishermen through the trout- and bass-inhabited waters of Northern California. Since then, he's also worked as a fisherman's guide in Montana and Colorado and cast his line over waters as far away as Belize and Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean.

During group and private lessons, Jeff demonstrates fly-fishing techniques before participants try them out themselves. With his guidance, they learn many ways to hook finned prey from streams and lakes, or to snag inflatable rafts from neighbor's swimming pools.