Fly Fishing Basics Are The Gateway
To
Understanding An Ancient Technique
By Michelle Bery
Everyone knows the basics of fishing. There’s a rod, reel,
fishing line, hook, bait; you cast the line, wait for a bite,
and reel in your dinner. Experienced fishermen know there is
more to it than that, but for most of us that description
appropriately sums it up. However, there are many types of
fishing, such as salt water and fresh water, and perhaps the
most artful of them all, fly fishing. You have probably heard
of fly fishing - it has been in recorded history for nearly
2000 years - and you probably know that it does not involve
fishing for flies, but if that is all you know then a primer in
fly fishing basics can bring you up to speed.
Unlike other forms of fishing, fly fishing does not typically
use any kind of organic bait, live or dead. Instead, fly
fisherman use artificial flies – ribbon, string, hair, feathers
– as a lure to attract fish. The artificial flies are attached
to the hook and line, and the fisherman attracts fish with
movement that makes the fly look like an insect that is moving
on or above the surface of the water. The nature of that
artificial bait is the first and most important element to
understand when examining fly fishing basics.
Another aspect of fly fishing basics, an aspect that separates
fly fishing from most other variations of fishing, is the way
the line is cast. Other kinds of fishing rely on casting a line
and attracting fish with the bait, but fly fishing requires a
much more skillful method of luring the fish. A fly fisherman
casts his lure toward the fish and uses rhythmic movements to
make the lure fly above the water, skimming the top, or even
diving under the surface, all in an effort to replicate the
movements of an insect that might entice a hungry fish to
strike.
If you understand fly fishing basics, you might wonder what you
need to give it a try. Fly fishermen usually use rods that are
longer and lighter than typical fishing rods. The reel used is
typically quite simple because it is generally used only to
retrieve the hook and lure – and hopefully a fish! Before
casting, fly fishermen usually create slack in the line by
pulling some from the reel. That slack allows the lure to fly
freely to the targeted area. Choosing the proper lure is
another aspect of fly fishing basics that one should understand
before setting off to cast their line.
Fly fishing implies that the lure is intended to resemble the
characteristics of flies, but fly fishing is hardly limited to
that. The sport has evolved in recent years, and many fly
fishermen now choose lures and casting techniques that mimic
the primary prey of the fish they are attempting to catch.
However, specific baits and the eating characteristics of
various species of fish are beyond the realm of fly fishing
basics.
An understanding of fly fishing basics is not enough to prepare
one to head off to the nearest lake or stream. If you are
interested in expanding your knowledge, or trying fly fishing
yourself, spend some time reading on the subject, and if
possible seek the tutelage of an experienced fly fisherman.
Only then can you begin to understand more than fly fishing
basics, such as specific recommendations on rods, reels, line
weight, lures, and most important, the great places where fly
fisherman must make a pilgrimage.
About The Author: For easy to understand, in depth information
about fly fishing basics visit Michelle's ezGuide 2 at http://fishing.ezguide2.com.
