Fly Fishing Shop » Fly Fishing Tips

Fly Fishing For Beginners

admin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:34:42 +0000

Fishing is the art of presenting a lure or bait in a manner that a fish will strike at it. This presentation can be done in more then one way. A normal rod and reel uses weights attached to the line to assist in casting. the light line is hidden from the fish. Fly fishing involves a heavy line that will guide the fly to it’s destiny. This heavy tapered line does not require weights.

The fly is a hairy or furry item tied to a hook with thread. It can be man made or natural like feathers or fur. These can be many colors and a few different sizes. They are lightweight and can float or sink in the water. This is the difference between wet and dry flies.

Casting or presenting your fly to the fish is the art of the sport. You do not cast and point like a normal rod and reel. It is the fast forward and stopping action that gets the fly to your desired location. You want the fly to land as naturally as possible onto the water where it will sit or sink. If a fish does not strike shortly you lift the fly off the water and try again.

You can fly fish for many species of fish including trout, salmon, panfish, bass, and others. River or stream fishing for trout and salmon are the commonest locations for fly fishing. Fly fishing takes alot of practice but you will enjoy the action.

How to Practice Fly Fishing Cast

admin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:32:46 +0000

Keep in mind that fly fishing takes a lot of practice and determination. You will not just be able to pick up the rod right away and be good. When practicing, you can tie a ball of yarn on the end of the rod instead of using a fly. You will probably want to use your dominant hand to cast with and the other hand will be for control. First thing is to make sure that you have a firm grip on the fly rod, with your thumb on top of the rod. When casting, make sure that you lock your wrist. You want to allow your elbow to bend, not your shoulder or wrist. You want to use the same movement that you use to hammer something into a wall. Another important thing is that your cast should gradually build speed as your throw the fly out towards the water, and remember that the fly is going to follow your rod tip. A commonly used metaphor in fly fishing for casting is called ten and two. You can basically think of a giant clock right next to you while you’re casting. When you cast your rod forward, your rod should stop at the ten o clock hand on the clock and your back cast should stop near the two o clock hand on the clock. Timing your starts and stops is very important when trying to get a nice accurate cast. When you first begin fly fishing, you can turn your head to watch the fly go over you. This is done so you can see when the line is straightened out and when to begin the forward cast. Learning to stop both forward and backwards casts is crucial to becoming a good fly fisher. To help make the next cast easier, strip the line off the water with your other hand, so you can control how much line you’re throwing out each time.

Tips for early morning fly Fishing

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:31:31 +0000

There’s a special quality about the early morning air that seems to encourage fish to do things they won’t do later in the day. Rising to shallow water along a lake shore or near the banks of a stream pool is not out of the ordinary for early morning behavior. These are times with a special solitude, as well as ample light for the fish to spot a bug or even a bait.

For this reason, when setting out on foot in the early AM, it’s always a good idea to approach the water’s edge very slowly. Some fishermen use a method similar to stalking, by stopping and crouching to eye the surface of the water from a distance. Many times this will disclose a fish that would have spooked, and been gone for the rest of the day.

Being familiar with the approach area helps as well. Some fly fishermen don’t start fishing until they’re either at the water’s edge or wading. But many a nice fish has been hooked by presenting a fly from a grassy area or a clearing, well back from the water.

When reaching the bank, it’s best to acclimate to the feel of the morning before starting to fish. Even in cases where the hatch is right and there is some activity, noticing the way things may be moving is a good way to stay on the fish. Chasing is never recommended since fish tend to come back to certain areas and this is especially true in the early morning. The fisherman who can find ways to be invisible will sometime find fish at his or her feet.

How to fly fish lily pads

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:32:12 +0000

When you are considering the question “how to fly fish lily pads?” her are a few things to keep in mind. First consider what is the best season for the fish you are going after, second pay close attention to water depth and third think about your technique.

As an example if you are fly fishing bass, the best season is the spring spawn when they like to use lily pads as cover for their spawning. Another good season is during the summer, early in the morning. Lily pads attract forage for many fish, so early in the morning when many species feed, is generally a good time.

Another important consideration is water depth. You will have better results if you stick to fishing pads that are in about two to three feet of water. At this depth there is a much better chance of having a school of fish.

Now for a little technique. Some with experience suggest using a popper on the surface and a weedless hook to avoid getting snagged. One strategy is to cast over the far side of the pads by about two to three feet, then slowly bring your lure right up to the edge of the lily pads and be ready! Work the lure all along the far edge of the pads. If there is no action on the back edge try repeating the process along the front.

So if you are thinking about how to fly fish lily pads, give these suggestions a try, and if you feel generous you can even share some points with your friends.