| Fly fishing is an old and rather unique | | | | a nymph (a young insect that has not reached |
| method of fishing that is typically used to | | | | maturity). Dry flies float on top of the |
| capture various species of trout in streams | | | | water's surface, and resemble dragonflies, |
| and rivers. However, fly fishing can be used | | | | mayflies or other insects that are resting. |
| to catch many different kinds of fresh water | | | | Dry flies are usually coated with a |
| fish, such as bass, salmon, or walleyes. Even | | | | waterproof material to ensure that the fly |
| some ocean species, such as striped bass and | | | | does not absorb enough water to sink. Both |
| tarpon, can be hooked on the open water using | | | | types of flies are usually made with small |
| an appropriate fly. In fact, almost any | | | | hooks and very lightweight materials in order |
| species that feeds on surface-dwelling bugs | | | | to resemble the insects of the area and to |
| or other critters may be good targets for | | | | assist with flotation. |
| anglers using this method. For this reason, | | | | |
| fly fishing allows a lot of flexibility in | | | | Since the flies are so light in weight, fly |
| that it can be done from a boat, from the | | | | casting also differs from casting other types |
| shoreline, or wading out into a stream or | | | | of fishing lures. Neither wet nor dry flies |
| river. | | | | have enough weight to carry them forward a |
| | | | long distance, so casting is performed by the |
| Unlike most other methods of fishing that | | | | angler developing a back-and-forth motion |
| rely on a natural or artificial bait set or | | | | through the rod to the fishing line, which is |
| pulled at various depths under the water's | | | | heavier than the line used for other kinds of |
| surface, fly fishing is typically done at or | | | | fishing. A strong rhythm and good line |
| within a few inches of the surface. Because | | | | control can carry a fly quite a distance with |
| of this, fly fishing equipment is somewhat | | | | great accuracy. The action and rhythm of a |
| different that other types of casting or | | | | fly fisherman casting can also be very |
| trolling equipment. The rods, reels, lures, | | | | artistic, and is one of the most distinct and |
| and even the line, are specialized for this | | | | attractive aspects of fly fishing. |
| type of angling. | | | | |
| | | | For any angler - either novice or experienced |
| Fly fishing rods are usually quite long when | | | | - that hasn't tried fly fishing, it is highly |
| compared to other types of fishing rods. They | | | | recommended. Fly fishing involves the |
| can range from approximately 6 feet to 14 or | | | | fisherman much more than trolling or |
| 15 feet long. The reason for this is that the | | | | "drowning worms." The water, the conditions, |
| rod is used to whip the line - and the | | | | the potential hot spots where a fish may be |
| attached fly - back and forth in the air to | | | | lying in wait must be constantly watched and |
| get the greatest distance while casting. A | | | | analyzed. Fly casting takes practice and/or |
| longer, more flexible rod also provides more | | | | skill to master, and provides more |
| action when reeling the catch in, giving the | | | | satisfaction that just dropping a lure behind |
| angler the ability to feel what the fish is | | | | a moving boat. And the lightweight, |
| doing - and to be honest - making the | | | | responsive equipment used in fly fishing |
| experience much more fun. | | | | makes hooking and reeling in a fighting fish |
| | | | a memorable experience, even when the fish |
| There are two basic types of fly fishing | | | | isn't that large. All in all, it can be |
| lures - wet flies and dry flies. Wet flies | | | | considered one of the most enjoyable and |
| are designed to float just under the surface | | | | relaxing sports available today. |
| to emulate a bug that has recently drowned or | | | | |