Fly fishing is considered a sport or hobby by some and an art form by others. For others, fly fishing is almost a religion. His favorite fishing spots are kept secret.
Call it what you want, it’s an enjoyable pastime set in a beautiful environment and built on the camaraderie of the fishermen themselves, the oceans, lakes and rivers they catch, and the beautiful fish they chase.
Some anglers can only fish as weekend warriors. They are happy to come across a fish or two on a vacation fishing trip with friends or kids (as long as the kids know enough to keep quiet). Others are inveterate wanderers who spend most of their days tying flies and dissecting. the hatches and underwater features of your favorite fishing spots.
For those who consider themselves avid fly fishermen, the sport is a refreshing escape from the daily rigors of everyday life. A meditative and even spiritual passion that non-fishers have a hard time understanding. It can be a great stress reliever. In times of stress, the sport is so relaxing that they don’t care if they catch something or not. There is a difference between fishing and fishing.
But for those who understand, there’s nothing better than the tug of war of a fly line, and the sight of a fish rising up to catch that fly you’ve just placed so perfectly.
Species
Trout is the target of most, though anglers can fly fish for everything from largemouth bass to big game saltwater species like marlin, tarpon, and even shark. If you take the fly, they are willing to cast it.
There are thousands of species of saltwater and freshwater fish, and the International Game Fishing Association monitors the size and weight of catches, keeping records.
American fly fishermen spend most of their time chasing trout, particularly the rainbow trout species. The other types of trout include golden and rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and lake trout.
Gear
Fly fishing gear is always changing, and rod, reel, and line remain a fly-fishing staple.
Fly fishermen are also known for the dozens of different knots they use, many of which correlate to the type of fly line, leader, and tippet.
Fly fishing can also be an expensive hobby, with typical rods and reels costing well over $100 each. Anglers, however, can usually find a bargain if they know where to look and if the Internet and search engines have made them easier to find.
Seating
Anglers will tell you that there is no bad time or place to use a fly rod, as long as anglers follow current national and state rules and regulations.
You can fish everywhere from the open sea to mountain streams or lakes. In fact, many fly fishermen practice their trade at home, honing their casting skills on the front lawn or at the local park. Ted Williams, the Hall of Fame baseball player, was a world-class fly fisherman. He practiced throwing himself using a bucket in his garden.
Fly fishing has caught on everywhere, whether it’s fishing on a road trip through US national parks like Yosemite. They will chase peacock bass in the Amazon River, or hunt for carp in Europe.
Fly fishing is extremely popular in the western US, thanks in part to the warm climate, the preservation and accessibility of rivers and a strong outdoor heritage, and the many mountains and streams within them.
Fly Fishing Techniques
Fly fishing techniques can change from season to season, fishery to fishery, and even from hour to hour, depending on the hatch and the presence of different insects in the water.
In general, river trout, the most popular game fish among fly fishermen, feed in four different areas of the water, but can be found on or near the bottom approximately 75 percent of the time.
That makes nymph fishing (below the surface) with bottom-dwelling insects a popular approach. But when temperatures rise, some insects make their way to the surface, making it a good time for dry patterns.
Preparation
Fly fishing techniques vary, and every angler has their own style or method of fishing, so the best advice for novice fly fishermen is to be patient when trying to hone their skills.
Practice makes perfect, especially when you work on your pitching technique.
Tying flies and caring for your rod, reel and lines during your downtime and during the time of year when fishing is not possible will also help make your next fishing trip a success.