Fly fishing dates back to at least 200 A.D. and remains popular today. Fly fishing is not difficult to master, though it is different from typical rod and reel fishing. Fly fishing can be used with great success in many creeks and rivers to catch such fish as trout, pike, bream, and bass.
The main purpose of fly fishing is to mimic the movement of a small bait fish like a minnow or an insect that might be found in or around creeks, streams or rivers. Flies that are created to look like bait fish generally have long wings down the sides of their bodies. Flies that are created to look like a variety of insects include willowflies, beetles, grasshoppers, mayflies, stoneflies, and crickets, among others.
Fishermen need to be familiar with the different types of flies available. One type of fly is the surface fly. These flies are made of lighter material and are used to catch fish that are feeding closer to the top of the water.
The second type of fly is the sub-surface fly. These flies are made heavier so they can go below the surface of the water. They attract those fish that live or hide in the darker areas of the water. Sub-surface flies imitate the nymph stage of an insect.
When determining what type of fly to use, it is important to pay attention to the water and air around you. What types of bugs are in the area? Fish notice color and shape, so anglers are always prepared to try a different fly. You may need to go for a flashier fly with contrasting colors. You may need to choose a fly that is heavier. The more often you fish a particular body of water, the more you will understand that water, and the more success you will have.
You do not have to buy an expensive fly rod and reel to become a fly fisherman. Rods range in price from around $7.00 up to $200 or more. It is important, however, to match the size of your rod to the weight of your line. There should normally be some small print on the rod that will tell you the weight of the line needed for that rod. If you do not find that information, ask someone in the supply store for assistance. Choose a hook size that is appropriate for the size fish you are angling for. Generally the larger the number on the hook, the smaller the hook will be.
There are basically two main parts to casting a fly rod, and these are the back cast and the forward cast. During the back cast, the rod will be brought slowly upward so that the line is tight, and then the rod is brought slightly backwards with a quick stop. To create the forward cast, the arm accelerates, moving forward, and then quickly stopping. The elbow remains in about the same position from the back cast to the forward cast, while the forearm and hand are moving backward and forward, with the forward movement moving in almost the same manner as that of a cracking whip.
To be successful, you must make the fly look as if it is alive and just hitting the water or you must let it float as if it is dead on top of the water. You will need to decide which manner works the best for the type of fish you are trying to catch. Fish tend to scare easily, so if you are wading in a creek, move as easily and smoothly as possible. If you find that the fish continue to scare and swim away from you without approaching the bait, you will need to try to cast from the shore.
Once you have hooked a fish, you will need to make sure the line remains tight. If the fish tries to jump out of the water, point your rod down towards the surface to throw the fish off balance by creating a moment of slack in the line. If the fish refuses to move towards you, move the rod from side to side as you slowly and steadily reel.
With a little practice and patience, you can be a successful fly fisherman. Remember, if you are only fishing to catch and release, wet your hands thoroughly and try to handle the fish as little as possible as you retrieve your fly. Always respect nature, so that generations to come can enjoy the wonderful art of fly fishing.
