Fly Fishing involves using an artificial fly or bait as a lure with a fly rod. It is not like spinning rod fishing, chuck and duck fishing, or any other kind of fishing. Fly-fishing has a long history, dating back to as early as about 200 A.D. Fly-fishing calls for a graceful method of casting and re-casting. In fly-fishing, the line and leader will have no additional weight attached. There are many fishing area that are restricted to only fly fishing, and if you are a beginner, it is a good idea to visit one of these locations. You could also sign up for some casting classes if you are new to the sport, even if you have had some experience with other styles of fishing. The essential gear needed for saltwater fly-fishing includes a rod, a reel, and artificial flies.
The rod is the most important piece of fly-fishing equipment. The type of rod that you purchase should be dependent on the type of fish you are trying to catch and the bodies of water that you will be fishing in. There are many rods to choose from, and there is a broad price range. If you are a fly fishing novice, you are probably going to be starting out in small ponds and lakes where you will be fishing for small bass and trout, so your best bet is to get a rod that has a five or six weight fly line. Keep in mind that rods are weighted by the actual physical weight of the line, and not by pound test. If you are looking to make some big catches, such as pike or large bass, then you should seek a heavier line, around eight or nine weight. Logically, heavier lines can carry out heavier flies, and vice versa. Lines with weights up to fourteen are available, but you will not need this heavy a rod unless you are going to be hauling in seriously large species of fish. There are three weights, and sometimes beginners make the mistake of taking the three weight simply because it is the lightest, but in reality, fly fishing with a three weight is not easy because you won’t have optimal control, and a five or six weight will be a much easier to get started with. Second in importance only to the weight of the line is the length of the rod. The majority of rods are two-piece, although there are also some that are comprised of even more pieces nowadays. The average length is between eight and nine feet. A shorter rod would be a good idea, if you are buying for a child or even a small adult. Also, the most durable rod material is graphite, so avoid buying rods that are made of anything else.
Once you have made your rod selection, it is time to choose the perfect reel. If you are going to be fishing in exclusively salt water, then it is critical that your line is designed for saltwater use, not fresh water use. If you do not get a saltwater reel, even if you are diligent about rinsing your reel off after each use, your reel will break down and get ruined. Essentially, the reel is responsible for holding the line, so if you are a beginner and you are fishing in fresh water, an inexpensive click and pawl reel will work well. You may even be lucky enough to find a rod and click and pawl reel set sold together. If you are into a bigger game, you may consider investing in a reel that has a high-quality drag system, and will take as much as 250 yards of backing. Finally, you will need to buy your bate. Artificial flies are very inexpensive, so buy a lot before you head out, and look for the flies labeled for use with the type of fish you are aiming to catch.
