Getting Started in Fly Fishing

Only a few items are needed to start catching any number of aquatic quarry. A rod and reel, a few flies, and a lot of patience can get you on your way to becoming a master in the art of fly-fishing. Many people are intrigued by the prospects of this inspirational activity. Solitude and excitement surround this age old form of fishing.

Most fish can be caught on a fly. The easiest prey will be the fish everyone starts with: the bluegill. These creatures are well known for being easy to catch, and for good reason; their diet consists of mostly insects throughout the year. Blue gill have excellent vision. At times, you'll see the fish come right up to the fly only to turn away as it notices the hook. When fishing pressure is low, these fish can be caught one after another.

Catching these fish can also teach you the proper way to set a hook. As the fish sips the fly, wait a second and tighten the line gently. Many lost fish result in premature setting of the hook, often pulling the fly out of the mouth before the fish can get a good bite on it.

Of the many aquatic animals, the most popular are the trout that inhabit cold, oxygenated water. These fish are the prettiest of all in my opinion. Trout have excellent eyesight and often see you coming. This fish can be easily spooked, so you might only have a couple casts at a lunker if he's noticed your presence.

To start catching these beautiful creatures only a few items are needed. A good tip-flex rod of about 8 feet with medium action usually in a 5-weight, will help you learn the basics of casting. A floating, 5-weight, weight forward line is a good match for this type of rod. There are many methods for casting depending upon the type of water you're fishing. For tight mountain streams, a shorter rod will be easier to handle and keep you out of the brush. For boat or lake fishing, a longer rod will help you get your fly out where you want it.

Casting a fly rod can be frustrating for the first timer. A proper cast will load or throw the line into the direction you want your fly to land. Starting with about 20 feet of line out past the tip of the rod, pick the line up off the water and gently pull the line behind you keeping the line in the air the whole time. When you feel or see the tip starting to bend and the loop in the line tightening, the rod is loaded. Using the load of the rod, propel the line forward by moving the rod forward to the location of your fly's destination. If you're rod arm is right handed, gently hold the fly line between your fingers on your left hand. This will control the speed and drop of the line, giving you a flawless presentation, thus catching that 20 pound brownie you've been stalking!

Any clean body of water can be fished with a fly, whether it be freshwater or saltwater. Remember to clean your gear especially well after fishing the ocean waters. Salt and sand can shorten the life of an expensive reel as well as the fly line. If it's trout you're looking for, a stream may be as close as a two hour drive. It's easy to find fly-fishermen in your area due to the sport's growing popularity, so use this resource for good advice on how and where to go.

Hopefully, the information provided will help you get started. It's easy to get discouraged if you're not catching anything. Keep at it, they're are plenty of fish out there that are willing to bite onto the end of your line. Patience is a virtue, practice it and I guarantee you won't get skunked.