Fly Fishing for Dummies

Clueless about fly fishing?materials. Fly rods tend to have large diameter eyes
Me too!(or guides) spaced along the rod to help control the
I have been really curious about this sport for somemovement of relatively thick fly line. To aid in the
time now. I've seen it done countless of times.freedom of movement required to skillfully cast with
Tried it.a fly rod, there is usually little to no butt (handle)
Failed.extending below the fishing reel. Although fly rods are
People have endlessly and tirelessly, with their utmostmainly used for casting from fixed positions, they can
patience and understanding tried to rub off some flyalso be used for trolling for fish.
fishing skills on me - but to no avail.Fishing Reel is a device used for the deployment and
I have resorted to reading, for now. I decided thatretrieval of fishing line using a spool mounted on an
whatever I can't do, I might as well LEARN - evenaxle. They are used in conjunction with the fly rod
just in theory. It helps. I think of my self right now asand are attached to the base or handle of the rod.
"A work in progress".Fishing line is any cord made for fishing. Important
Let's all learn the basics. DEFINITION OF TERMS!parameters of a fishing line are its length, material,
A brief definition about some terms I need to knowand weight (thicker, sturdier lines are more visible to
about fly fishing.fish). The refractive index is also important-lines with
What is Fly Fishing?a refractive index similar to water are almost invisible
Fly fishing is an ancient and distinct angling method,to fish. The most important parameter in deciding
developed primarily for salmonids (trout and salmon,what line to use is its strength. This is the amount of
mostly) and now extended to other species such asweight the line can hold before snapping. One must
pike, bass, and carp, as well as a wide range of saltbalance the trade-off between strength and visibility.
water species.Flies as Bait? Are you kidding?
Fly casting is gripping or holding a fly rod correctlyFlies or Artificial flies are constructed - "tied" onto a
and to adopt the correct stance to maintain comforthook with thread, fur, feathers and other materials -
and balance. The most basic rule to casting is basedin sizes and colors to match naturally occurring food
on the way a clock looks. Your head points straightor simply to excite a fish. And to add more
up to 12:00, your cast (the tip of your rod) should goconfusion, the names of flies: Wet and dry flies,
back to 10:00 and then forward to 2:00, releasingnymphs, scuds, eggs, streamers, steelhead/s, bass
your line at the end of the forward motion. It is aflies, salmon flies,and saltwater flies.
common mistake to dip the rod below those twoYou will be considered a well equipped fly fisher if
positions and almost always ends in a line tangle!you bring waders, wading boots, vest net, polarized
Angler. (Does that have anything to do with Math? Isunglasses to protect your eyes and see through the
hate Math!)reflection on the water, a hat for the harsh sun, sun
That would be YOU silly! Someday, IF you learn howblock and bug dope (bug repellant) - if you don't
to fly fish, you will be called an angler. A personwant to be eaten alive by bugs before you even
catching fish or shellfish with no intent to sell, thiscatch a fish!
includes people keeping the catch or people thatArmed with the stuff I read, I went about to
practice the "Catch and Release" method (highlyexperience Fly Fishing without even going near a
recommended).body of water.
The Essentials - If you don't have a complete list ofWondering how?
these, you're NOT Fly Fishing!A site that sells fly fishing products - with pretty
Fly Fishing rods are long, thin, flexible rods sometimespictures too!
made of bamboo, but more recently from man-made