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