Fly fishing is a relaxing activity where you ultimately sit, or stand, and wait for a fish to bite your bait and reel it in. It’s simple, calm, and doesn’t require a lot of physical energy. Still, it can feel overwhelming if you don’t know a lot about it. Fortunately, there are some fly fishing basics that beginners should know to improve and land some big catches.
Getting Started
Fly fishing is all about patience and consistency. It involves using a lightweight rod with a fly, or lure, at the end of it. Like any hobby, it takes practice to build up your skills. These skills mainly revolve around your overhead casting technique. It’s also important to know how fly fishing differs from other conventional forms of fishing. While other forms of fishing use weight to cast across a lake or river, fly fishing relies on no weight. The power primarily comes from your line and your cast. You should know how to cast correctly to increase the chance for a catch. There are two ways to do this: loading your rod or roll cast. To load the rod, use a back cast before casting forward to create a whip-like motion. This will increase your cast’s momentum. The other option is a roll cast in which you cast forward and lift your rod above your head to pull your line back. Once your rod is at a 90-degree angle, whip it forward. Whichever method you decide, casting off in the water without practice will scare the fish away. You should practice casting off on land before moving to the water.
Having the Right Equipment
Effective fly fishing all depends on the rod, line, and lure. A fly fishing rod consists of a long pole, fishing line, and simple reel. It’s designed for efficient casting. As the fisherman, you should know how to line your rod. First, attach backing to the reel using an arbor knot. Then, attach the fly line to the backing. Some lines come with loops built in, but if not, use a surgeon’s knot. After that, attach the leader to the fly line using a nail knot. Once you do that, attach the tippet to the leader using a surgeon’s knot. Finally, tie your fly using a clinch knot. Make sure you have all the necessary fly tying supplies to do this. Of course, ask for help with any of these steps if you have difficulty.
Safety Tips
While not the most intense activity, there are some safety tips to keep in mind when out in the open water. You should take precautions when wading around. When wearing waders, wear a belt to prevent them from filling up with water in case you get swept under a current. Also, remain cautious of wildlife or predators if in the open wilderness.
