Fly Fishing Basics

Fishing with a fly rod can be daunting to the beginner. The truth is that fly fishing, while very different from fishing with spinning tackle, isn't that hard to learn. Mastering fly fishing is a different matter entirely. Mastering fly fishing is a matter of dedication and lifelong pursuit. Luckily dedication and lifelong pursuit is exactly what you will desire after you learn the basics. Fly fishing is that good, and that addicting.

The Cast

Learning the basic cast consists of a matter of hours for a reasonably adept adult. Every fly fisherman strives forever to improve their casting skills. Unlike conventional gear where casting relies on light line and the weight of the lure or bait, casting a fly rod consists of the movement of the rod and the weight of the line. The fly at the end of the leader is usually of negligible weight and if anything the weight of the fly impedes the cast somewhat. Floating fly line is the standard although there are many variations including sinking line. Line weight is matched to the rod design for optimal performance. The fly reel is simple in function and can be simple or complex in design.

Casting the line consists of moving the rod forward rapidly and then stopping. Pausing to let the line straighten out and then back casting the other direction. Forward pause, back pause, forward pause the rhythm keeps the line in a constant motion forward and back until the line is laid down gently onto the water. Key to the basic cast is to understand that the motion of the rod will directly translate into the motion of the rod. This means that if you stop the rods forward motion while the rod is still high the line will go forward and up. If you continue the swing until the rod tip is headed down, the line will go forward and down often hitting the water or the ground.

The actual motion of the rod for a basic cast should be forward to 11 o'clock and backward to 1 o'clock. This is a fairly small motion and beginners often try to sustain the movement of the line by making bigger swings. Practice makes perfect and at least some instruction by a more experienced caster (or video) is almost required.

Casting with fly line seems somewhat awkward and useless at first until you look closely at the flies! Fly tying is an art unto itself and the lures or flies as they are called are closely matched to actual foods that fish eat. Some of them are very specific to particular insects and some are more general. The more general flies are called attractors. Flies entice fish much more instinctually and naturally than say a spinner or crank bait! Thus in many situations they are the only thing a fish will take and are extremely affective.

Fly fishing is a challenging and very rewarding sport. There are artistic as well as scientific elements and the nuances, traditions and downright fish catching abilities are well worth learning. The question is not should you try fly fishing... the question is what are you waiting for?

Jason Pitcock has been fishing for over 30 years and fly fishing for more than 15.He enjoys passing on his fishing tips to his young daughter while fishing in their farm pond. Jason is also founder of http://www.worldsfishermen.com for more information on fly fishing please check it out.

Author: Jason M Pitcock
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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