So it is probably warm outside and you want to blow off some steam, take some time off work to finally try out fly fishing. Or you have a bunch of friends who plan to find a nice quiet place outside of the city and hunt for fish in the rivers. But the cusp of the problem is that you do not know how. You are one of many people who have seen people fish but have no hands-on experience.
Allow me to provide you with some very basic information on fly fishing.
What You Need to Know
Before we begin, we need to establish that you are aware of certain terminologies. We are going to use them a lot going forward, so it is important you follow.
• A fly rod is a purpose-built rod made for fly fishing. Unlike in traditional fishing, this is not called a pole
• A butt is the bottom, or the handle, where you grip your rod
• A reel is a wheel-shaped object on which the fishing wire is rolled
• The reel seat serves the purpose of holding the reel to the rod
• A cast refers to the motion you make when you throw your line on the water
Equipment Hunting
Your techniques can only take you so far, the other factor that makes you a good fly fisher is your equipment. As you are unaware of this world, the cost of the entire equipment for fly fishing may dissuade you or lead you to buy cheaper alternatives. But we strongly recommend you do not.
Here are some of the equipment you will need:
• Fly Rod
• Fly Reel
• Leader and Tippet
• Flies
Practice Before You Head Out
Fish are scared easily. The key is wading. Unless you are careful with your approach, you can easily scare off the fish in hiding. This will result in a frustrating experience.
Before you head out to the river, practice in your backyard. No, seriously! It may look stupid but it is important that you practice your cast.
YouTube a Few Tutorials
The internet is an infinite resource, use it to learn the basics of fly fishing. Watch a few videos to understand how it is done. Concentrate on each movement, how to cast, and how to reel-in your catch without losing it.
Apply the same techniques during practice.
Do not Miss Out on Dress Code
People who go for fishing do not wear fancy bright clothes. This is because the fish can spot you. Wear muted colors, something that easily blends in the nature around you.
Check for Government Regulations
Whether recreational fishing or commercial fishing, you will need a permit from the government before you can indulge in the activity.
Look up whether it is required by law for anglers to obtain a fishing license where you live. Some countries, such as New Zealand and Sweden, do not have this requirement.
Check what Insects the Fish are Feeding On
When you reach your destination spot, have a look around and observe which insects dominate the surroundings. It is not definitive that it must be what the fish are eating, but it is certainly a good probability. This will allow you to hook flies that are more attractive to these fish. Are the bream hitting top water mostly? Are there any larvae on the waterside plants? What color and shape are these insects? Over time, you will learn to tie your own flies, but to start I highly recommend buying an assortment of flies and matching up as close as possible. There are great options available at amazing prices on amazon HERE.
Additionally, if your’s is a popular fishing spot, there should be fishing shops nearby that can help you more effectively. You can ask them what kind of bait is popular for the area, then match your flies to the baits being used by others.
Do not Reel in Too Quick
It is essential to have patience when you are fly fishing. It is typical to feel a sudden excitement when you feel a jerk on your line and immediately start reeling in. However, instead of rushing to reel in, lift the rod up in a quick and firm motion so that the hook latches on securely in the fish’s mouth. Remember to set your hook firmly.
Once that is done, you can then start reeling in. This will help you avoid the mistake of letting the catch slip away.
Approach Fish like a Ninja
We have all heard about wading and how fish are scared easily if they pick up movement in the water, but it is also important that you are visually covered. Believe it or not, fish can see you through the water. When approaching fish, be careful with your movement and use covers like long grass rushes and bushes to blend in. Which brings me to the next point.
Wear Appropriate Gear on the Day
In addition to wearing clothes that help you blend in the wilderness, it is key that you protect your eyes as well. Sunlight reflecting on water can reduce visibility and make spotting fish difficult. For this purpose, you can use polarized sun glasses.
They are designed to reduce glare to a great degree, allowing you to cut through the sunlight and reflection off the water. Will it make you a better fly fisher? It should definitely make a difference towards how easily you can spot fish. I don’t recommend wearing expensive sunglasses. Buy an inexpensive but quality pair to keep in your fishing gear so that if you lose them you won’t be too upset. I just bought a cheap pair from amazon and keep them in my truck for when I fish. To check the price of my favorite pair click HERE.
That pretty much covers some tips we can give to guide you towards a better fly fishing experience. There is one big mistake anglers often make that they really should rectify—and that is unnecessary wading. Patience is key. Instead of being too hyper focused on the target, soak in the beauty of nature and the serenity of the activity to relax, feel the water, and truly enjoy the fly fishing experience. See my other articles for more in depth tips on fly fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. Subscribe to this blog to be the first to see the upcoming articles on fly fishing and other outdoor activities that will open your life up to more adventure and memories.