Women and Fly-Fishing - a Brief Introduction

The key to fly fishing is to find someone who knows something about it. Under ideal conditions, everything about fly-fishing is excellent. You'll be standing in a body of water that is ideally suitable for your standing comfortably without the water reaching your nose. If you're extremely lucky, the sun will be shining, the temperature will be well above freezing and the surroundings should be natural and rustic.

Although I've tied my share of flies, this in not a treatise on fly-tying. In the worst possible situation, you can generally buy flies and attach them to your fishing line without a great deal of anguish. Don't be surprised that many of them resemble bugs. It appears that fish are attracted to bug or bug substitutes. But it's the ancillary equipment that's more important.

What you don't want to do is try to stand in a body of water in conventional clothing. You'll need waders and most likely, you can get any color you like as long as it's military green. I believe that I've seen some in camouflage but the green is probably easier. And don't expect too much in the way of shoe fashion. The boots need to be sturdy, brown, waterproof and ugly in order to be useful.

Headgear of some sort is required. One of the givens of fly-fishing is that you'll likely be out there for hours, throwing out your line over and over, theoretically teasing the fish to attack the pseudo-bug that is your fly. If it's sunny, you'll want a hat that you can secure to your head somehow. If the wind hits you, wading after a floating hat is not easily accomplished. Your goal is to find one that will shade your face and your neck without looking like you're going to a fashion show or a construction site.

And finally, the obvious rod and reel. Although I didn't buy either, I am aware that you can go from a very reasonable investment to a down payment on an Italian villa for equipment, there is no direct connection between the cost of your rod and reel and the size of the fish you can catch. Keeping all things in perspective, if you plan to do considerable fly-fishing, it may be worth the investment for top-notch equipment. If it will be once or twice a year, the more modest gear will certainly suffice.

Most important is the act of getting out and trying it. Patience is an attribute that is vital. After having participated in fly-fishing five or six times, I have had an actual fish in my hands once. We didn't eat him, primarily because I had left my net on the bank of this tributary and he managed to slither out of my hands. But it's a good time, an excellent outdoor pursuit and something that doesn't require the skill of hunting or backgammon.

Just for the record, many women take the sport of fly-fishing very seriously and I mean no disrespect to those women who are accomplished at the sport. My background never included fly-fishing and as I participate in it later in life, it's quite an adventure.

I'll be getting out there this spring, as soon as the ice turns to water. I suggest that you do the same, making certain that you have someone there to assist with all of the procedures and paraphernalia. You'll be glad you did it.

Please note that these observations are entirely as a result of my own enjoyment of fly-fishing. I strongly suggest that if you would like to know more, do more or catch fish on a regular basis, please visit a sporting goods or recreational facility for training and supplies.