Fly fishing doesn't have to be difficult

[Tony Cav]

Origilally published in 1983 in the Daily Journal

By Tony Cav.

FOR A DIFFERENT and exciting approach to fishing, try one of the oldest angling methods known. Try fly fishing.
Fishing with the long pole and feathered artificials is perhaps the most artistic form of sport fishing in the world. The earliest known description of fly fishing dates to Macedonia in the third century. Aelfan describes crude flies made from wool and feathers which took trout from the Astraeus River.
Later descriptions came in the 15th century in a book by Dame Juliana Berners, "Treatyse of Fysshynge Wyth an Angle". Although somewhat primitive by modern standards, some of the methods described are very much in use today.
But enough of the history lesson. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty.
Fly fishing involves the use of a long pole (eight feet is ideal for the beginner), special braided line with plastic coating and artificial lures created by wrapping bits of fur, feathers and other materials around a hook. The artificials, or lures, are weightless when compared to the types used in conventional spin fishing. Therefore, it's the line that is being cast with the fly being carried along.
Casting with a fly pole involves a back-and-forth whipping motion which requires care and patience. This whipping motion makes it necessary that you check
behind as well as in front of you for potential snags.
Beginner outfits can be purchased for under $30 although the finest poles alone — without reels — can cost more than $200. A complete outfit consists of a pole, a reel capable of holding about 30 yards of line, the fly line itself and eight feet of tapered monofilament leader to which the fly is attached.
Starting out can be a trying experience without the guidance of a knowledgeable angler. If you don't know anyone who fly fishes, then perhaps you should consult one of the many publications on the subject. Craig Woods, in "Fly Fisherman's Streamside Handbook", Ziff Pub-lishing Company, covers the basics of rods, lines, leaders and everything else from knots, casting and common fishing etiquette. Although the book was written with trout in mind, it informs on the basics necessary for pursuing most species.
Persistence is the key with fly fishing and the best way to stay at it is with some positive results. The suggestion here is to first try fishing for blue gill sunnies. You're bound to snag a few.
So you find yourself at a local pond and you're ready to begin. The best bet in fly selection is to keep it simple. Using a clinch knot, tie on a small (#14) wet fly, one which sinks just below the surface. Check for obstacles which may snag your line, then begin the whipping motion while gradually feeding line off the reel. Make the final cast and allow the line leader and fly to land in the water — in that order: the fly lands last. Don't get discouraged as casting takes time to master. In time the skills will come.
With the line on the water, wait a few seconds before making a slow retrieve by lowering the pole tip, pulling back any slack line in by hand, and then gently raising the tip. Keep a keen eye on the line for any sudden twitches. When one occurs, raise the pole sharply but not too hard to set the hook on your first fish.

[Capt. Lou]

Good advice! Please have respect , fly ROD ! Poles are found on PB's !
Just saying'

[AndyS]

I think fly fishing with poppers for smallmouth can't be beat !!

Just because it is fly fishing, it doesn't have to be trout. Watching smallmouth crush a popper on top is da bomb !

Thanx for the write up.

[Leif]

AHHHH! Fly fishing is the best!


Leif