Fly Fishing Basics

If you have learned the fly fishing basics, you will have an easier time getting started. Choosing the right equipment such as reels and rods, and the right bait and casting techniques will make your fishing endeavors more successful.

1. Equipment. Once you have decided where you want to go fly fishing and what kind of fish you want to go after, you can then determine what type of equipment you will need. Check with the local anglers and fly fishing store to get more information about what type of fish are in the area and what you might need for bait and equipment.
2. Apparel. Until you know you really want to go fly fishing, don’t spend a lot of money on clothes. All you need to get started is an old pair of trousers, some old t-shirts, a mismatched pair of old socks and a pair of boots. If you don’t have a waterproof coat, search for one at your local thrift store. Once you decide if you really want to go fly fishing, you can find any number of stores that will be glad to assist you in finding an outfit.
3. Rods. Rods are classified by how much weight the line on the rod can cast. The higher the number of the rod, the more powerful it is. The length of the rod is also important. Short rods have a casting range that is restricted and you can only fish in brooks, small rivers, or streams with a three or four weight line which will only let you catch small fish. The most common length is ten feet. Check how it looks and feels to you, and how it breaks down.
4. Reels. Reels were originally made as a place to store your fishing line. Before reels were invented in 1874, fishermen used a pole in the ground to wrap the line around. When they needed more line they simply unwound it from the pole. Presently, fishing reels have a disc-type drag system which allows big fish to be reeled in easier. There are many types available for you to choose from.
5. Casting. Casting is the process of throwing the fishing line out into the water. One of the most popular is the forward cast. The fisherman throws the fly line back over his shoulder until it is straight and then uses the motion of his forearm to cast the line forward which makes the line propel over the water. When the fish bites, the fisherman feels a tug on the line which causes the hook to attach to the mouth of the fish. The type of casting you use depends on the weight of the line and rod and how accurate and far you want it to go. The more you perfect your technique for casting the fewer fish you will lose from your line. Some of the other types of castings are roll cast, single or double haul, curve cast, tuck, and many more.
6. Baits. Traditionally, fly fishermen use insects and small fish which are called natural baits. Some of the other baits that can be used run the gamut from bread and cheese to plastic or electronic lures. You can breed your own bait or buy it from a tackle shop. Artificial baits are made to resemble and behave like fish would. Make sure your bait is fresh and appealing to the fish. Lots of bugs can be found near where the vegetation is rotting.
7. Techniques. The technique you use will depend on the type of fly fishing you are doing. Each technique calls for different equipment. Study the casting techniques, and remember the more you perfect your technique, the better your fishing will be.
8. Accessories. Rods, reels and bait are considered tackle. Accessories are the popular gadgets today’s fishermen are enamored with. Things like korkers, dressing, flotants, pre-soak flies, simulated baitfish, hemostats and travel waders are some of those gadgets. Things like flashlights, sunscreen, walkie-talkies and digital camera are also considered accessories. Some fly fishermen like to experiment with things and make it themselves. It is strictly up to you to decide.