There are six main elements of fly fishing; a fly rod (usually around 9 feet
long), a fly reel (a round shaped real with a 1:1 relative ratio), a fly line
(around 90 feet long), fly lining backing (fills up the reel and is spare line
in case the fish takes a long run), a tippet to tie to the front end of the fly
line so it does not scare the fish (around 9 feet of clear line), and a few
flies (lures made from winding furs, feathers, glitter and various other things
around a hook). Picking the “right fly” in itself can be made into an art.
In fact interested enthusiasts often choose to tie their own flies in order to
obtain the “perfect fly”. Aside from that, like almost any aspect of
fishing, fly tying is a hobby. As I stated before fly-fishing differs greatly
from lure fishing. One of the biggest differences, and adjustments to fishing
style, is that it is not the sinker of the lure that provides the fisherman with
the weight to cast, but rather that the fly line itself provides the angler with
the weight necessary to cast. The easiest cast on a fly line to learn to cast on
is a weight forward line. This means that most of the weight in the line is in
the first ten or twenty five feet. This cast allows the fisherman to make short
and accurate casts. This method has been proven very effective in clear water
streams where you sight a desired fish to catch. Once you have obtained all the
necessary equipment you need to locate a good fishing hole. (Even if you are
with an experienced angler who has a favorite fishing hole it is a good idea to
know how to read the river, because with time the rivers change, and if you are
relying on a favorite fishing spot to always be there you may be in for a big
surprise with the change of the seasons.) You have to remember that you are
attempting to imitate food for a feeding fish. In order to do this you have to
do two things, choose a fly, and choose a fishing spot. When choosing a fly look
around in your environment to see which bugs the fish are feeding on. If you
have trouble-locating insects shake a bush or a branch and note what flies out.
Next you should observe your environment in order to see where the fish are
feeding. If you are fishing in slow or still water it may be easy to see
surfacing fish, however in faster water the ripples often make it difficult to
see where the fish are seeking refuge. A good rule of thumb is to find a spot
where the fish will be forced to excerpt as little energy as possible. This
often means finding a rock and floating a fly right by it, or finding an eddy
where the current is detoured and slowed. Now you are ready to fish! The first
thing that you have to do when casting a fly rod is to get a nice firm grip on
the handle. Hold the rod with fingers wrapped around the handle and thumb facing
forward, like you would grip a golf club. Run about ten to fifteen feet of line
out of the reel and let it fall to your feet. Make sure there is nothing for the
line to get caught on or around. Now flick the line out through the rod with
small flicks of your wrist so the ten or fifteen feet of line are lying out in
front of you. Now raise the rod and swing it back to about one o’clock, using
your forearm and not your wrist. In about two seconds you should feel the line
tighten behind you and the tip of your rod should bend back slightly. When you
feel such resistance, push the rod forward and give a small flick of the wrist
so that the rod ends up at about ten o’clock. The line should speed out in
front of you and lay flat on the ground. (Be careful not to hook yourself or
others nearby.) You will soon find yourself performing trick casts around trees
and mangroves. Remember the right way to fly fish is what ever way works.
Fly-fishing is as a practice of modification. Most importantly remember to have
fun, if you are not catching anything don’t get frustrated, grab a book or a
bite to eat and enjoy life and the outdoors!