Fly fishing is an old and rather unique method of fishing that is typically used to capture various species of trout in streams and rivers. However, fly fishing can be used to catch many different kinds of fresh water fish, such as bass, salmon, or walleyes. Even some ocean species, such as striped bass and tarpon, can be hooked on the open water using an appropriate fly. In fact, almost any species that feeds on surface-dwelling bugs or other critters may be good targets for anglers using this method. For this reason, fly fishing allows a lot of flexibility in that it can be done from a boat, from the shoreline, or wading out into a stream or river.

Unlike most other methods of fishing that rely on a natural or artificial bait set or pulled at various depths under the water's surface, fly fishing is typically done at or within a few inches of the surface. Because of this, fly fishing equipment is somewhat different that other types of casting or trolling equipment. The rods, reels, lures, and even the line, are specialized for this type of angling.

Fly fishing rods are usually quite long when compared to other types of fishing rods. They can range from approximately 6 feet to 14 or 15 feet long. The reason for this is that the rod is used to whip the line - and the attached fly - back and forth in the air to get the greatest distance while casting. A longer, more flexible rod also provides more action when reeling the catch in, giving the angler the ability to feel what the fish is doing - and to be honest - making the experience much more fun.

There are two basic types of fly fishing lures - wet flies and dry flies. Wet flies are designed to float just under the surface to emulate a bug that has recently drowned or a nymph (a young insect that has not reached maturity). Dry flies float on top of the water's surface, and resemble dragonflies, mayflies or other insects that are resting. Dry flies are usually coated with a waterproof material to ensure that the fly does not absorb enough water to sink. Both types of flies are usually made with small hooks and very lightweight materials in order to resemble the insects of the area and to assist with flotation.

Since the flies are so light in weight, fly casting also differs from casting other types of fishing lures. Neither wet nor dry flies have enough weight to carry them forward a long distance, so casting is performed by the angler developing a back-and-forth motion through the rod to the fishing line, which is heavier than the line used for other kinds of fishing. A strong rhythm and good line control can carry a fly quite a distance with great accuracy. The action and rhythm of a fly fisherman casting can also be very artistic, and is one of the most distinct and attractive aspects of fly fishing.

For any angler - either novice or experienced - that hasn't tried fly fishing, it is highly recommended. Fly fishing involves the fisherman much more than trolling or "drowning worms." The water, the conditions, the potential hot spots where a fish may be lying in wait must be constantly watched and analyzed. Fly casting takes practice and/or skill to master, and provides more satisfaction that just dropping a lure behind a moving boat. And the lightweight, responsive equipment used in fly fishing makes hooking and reeling in a fighting fish a memorable experience, even when the fish isn't that large. All in all, it can be considered one of the most enjoyable and relaxing sports available today.


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