A Beginners Guide to Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a million dollar industry. And is open to just about everyone who can hold a rod. Including the ladies. And don't worry if you don't know how to fish or where to begin. There are dozens of web sites, books, and places to go to learn what you need to make your fly fishing adventure the best it can be. As well as one you will tell around the camp fire over and over. The first thing you will need to figure out is what gear and supplies you will need. According to "fly fishing saltwater basics by C. Boyd Pfeiffer"

Wading gear- Wading gear depends on the depth and temperature of the water you will be in, how far you will be walking and how much traction you'll need. But most important which ever wading gear you choose should do several things; fit well, keep you dry when wading and allow you to walk comfortably. Wading gear comes in two common types.

· Chest waders which are best for wading in deep water, and,

· Hip boots which are ideal for small shallow streams.

Both types also come in boot -foot and socking - foot styles and are available in a variety of materials. The following are just a few.

· Nylon - which is economical and lightweight as well as comfortable in hot

weather.

· Rubber This is inexpensive and durable. But can be heavy and baggy.

Most rubber waders are not suited for wading in very warm or

cold weather.

· Neoprene which is warm comfortable and durable and it provides

flotation if you fall in.

Next we will look at the different flies, reels, and rods that can be used.

Flies - Interestingly some fish attack flies by reflex even when not hungry. Whereas other fish strike out of anger, because they do not want the fly which appears to be a smaller sea life form in the area. This can be a territorial reflex. Examples of flies that can attract fish are ; baitfish such as minnows, smelt, silversides, mummichogs, shiners, and even anchovies and sardines are enjoyed by predators. They also have different shapes. For example herring or menhadenlike fish have high flat thin bodies. Where as anchovies and sand lance are cigar - shaped fish. And to round out the list mullet is fat or stout.

To design a baitfish properly, the shape, color, and size, as well as pattern must be taken into account. Other flies include: Alewife, Shiner (spearing), Killifish, Blue herring, butterfish, Grass shrimp, crabs, lobster and spiny lobster squid, eels and worms.

Rods- Saltwater and freshwater use the same tackle. However Salt water has some important considerations, salt water fishing is rougher on tackle. Because salt water fishing is done mostly in open water 9 foot rods are the best rods to use. Longer rods are often whippy and difficult to cast. Too short rods can have less distance casting ability.

A Rod that bends mainly near the tip during the cast is fast action where if one bends in the midsection its medium action, and finally the butt or near the handle is a slow action. How a rod feels in your hand depends partly on how the grip is designed. If it is too thin or fat it can make the rod awkward.

When choosing a rod if you want a lighter rod with a more delicate feel the cigar grip is an option. For that heavier feel a rod with a full -wells grip which is flared at both ends may be more to your liking.

When choosing a reel it would depend on the size line you plan on using. Most reels are direct drive, which means that the handle rotates with the spool and if a fish makes a fast run, it will take the skin on your knuckles off. The best would be an anti - reverse reel which employees a clutch mechanism which will keep the handle from spinning when your fish takes out the line.

Now fly lines, besides being able to determine what size fly line you can cast, line weight also affects the distance and delicacy of your cast. For better results, make sure the line and rod match. Even though line weight ranges from 1' to 12', there are special- purpose lines as heavy as 15. Now to tell what would be right for you, line weight designation is based on the weight of the first 30 feet of the fly line. It is important to measure the weight in grains.

Hope this helps and you enjoy your next out door adventure.