Fly Fishing

In many circles fly fishing is considered more of an art-form than a sport. While the equipment required to participate in the sport is essentially pretty simple – the techniques employed to catch a fish with that equipment certainly are not.

Fly fishing anglers have traditionally targeted trout and salmon with their craft but many other species can be caught with fly fishing including panfish, pike, carp and bass.

The equipment used in fly fishing includes a fly rod, the fly and the fly line.

Fly Rod

The fly rod is essentially a basic piece of equipment. It has a large simple reel, no handle at the base (unlike other fishing rods) and a long flexible rod. The angler holds the rod with one hand and pulls the line with the other so as to generate more and more power in the cast. The line essentially flows further and further out from the reel until the desired distance is reached and then it is cast into the target area – where the fish is believed to be.

Casting in fly fishing is often described as the “10 to 2″ method, meaning that the range of movement in the rod is limited the 10 and 2 o’clock positions on the face of a clock (if 12 o’clock was holding the rod pointing straight up).

Fly

Flies are created in all manner of colours, shapes, patterns and sizes – but all with the same goal in mind. The creator is trying to match the local insects which are the prey for the fish. When a properly cast fly drifts on the top of the water it is intended to resemble a local aquatic insect which is attractive to the fish.

Creating a fly is considered an art-form in itself with the fly playing a crucial role in the success of an angler. Many materials – usually quite unorthodox – are used in an effort to replicate the appearance of the local insect population.

Fly Line

Heavier than normal fishing line, the fly line is central to the concept of fly fishing. Fly line is usually coated with plastic to give it strength and enough weight to enable it to be cast. This is important because the fly lure is too light to be cast on its own.