Fly Fishing

Whether it’s the challenge, the excitement, or the image of waders waving fishing line through the air, fly fishing is probably the most popular angling method. What distinguishes fly fishing from regular baitcasting is the casting of a line rather than a lure. The weighted line allows anglers to present fly bait that lands on water and moves around like real insects. With this method you can catch various species of fish, provided that your bait resembles their preferred food. Fly fishing can be done in fresh or saltwater, and at any time of day. The trick is to get your technique down.

 

Technique

You won’t need a complex reel for fly fishing. Part of the excitement of this method comes from the fight, which is mostly done by pulling the line in with your hands. The rod must be long and limber, and the fly line heavy enough to cast. To choose your flies, just match the hatch! The closer your fly approximates the insect or baitfish on which the fish in question feeds, the better. Some artificial flies are designed to attract fish with other characteristics, like light reflection. The flies you choose will depend on your targeted species, so it helps to do some research.

Ensure that you are well-positioned to avoid catching the line on any trees or structures behind you – your line will reach as far back as it does forward when you are casting! Your goal is to cast in such a way that the line lands smoothly on the water and the fly appears natural. To do this, pull enough line off of the reel so that several feet lay in the water in front of you. Wave the rod tip back and forth to get the line moving in the air, adding more length on the forward cast as you go. Continue this motion until you reach your target. Keep the line moving, and repeat presentation if necessary. When a fish strikes, pull the line in while raising the rod tip to set the hook. Use your hand to play the fish.

 

Tips

  • Recommended flies include the Bead Head Nymph, Carey Special, Chironomid (Midge), Doc Spratley, Dragon and Damselfly Nymps, Elk Hair Caddis, leeches, mayfly, Muddler Minnow, Scud, Streamer, Tom Thumb and Woolly Bugger.
  • Keep an eye your fly: examine it after every fish you catch to ensure that it’s in good shape.
  • Avoid line management problems by drifting no more than six to eight feet to begin with.
  • Experiment with dry and sinking lines to fish with a variety of bait, including those that are subsurface.
  • Safety first: remove the barbs from your hooks to lessen the impact of a potential accident.
  • Use hauling to improve the speed of your line: at the end of your cast, when the line is stretched, let some extra line through your fingers and make a false throw to finish the cast.
  • Fly fishing is effective for a variety of species, including trout, salmon, steelhead, bass, grayling, pike, panfish, carp, redfish, snook, tarpon, bonefish, striped bass, chub, wahoo, tuna and marlin.