Top 10 Fly Fishing Basics For Beginners Or Experts

2008-07-11
By: Lee Overton

Top 10 Fly Fishing Basics For Beginners Or Experts By Lee Overton

Fly fishing is a very popular fishing sport that can be both relaxing and challenging at the same time.

The following tips and tricks of fly fishing basics can help to make the most out of any fishing trip.

1. Practice your Casting

Experts say that the one thing you need to do to develop a good cast is to practice as often as possible. This will lead to an ability in casting that can make the difference between being a successful fly fisher or an irritated one.

Try practicing against a wall on the outside of your house. Imagine there is a clock hanging on the wall at the same level as your shoulders. Put some fabric or electric tape, at the 11:00 and 1:00 clock positions. If you practice casting at these markers for a few minutes each day you will see a huge improvement in your accuracy and style.

2. Hold Your Rod Effectively

It's important to learn to hold your rod effectively under all fishing conditions. You want to make sure that you have good control at all times without gripping too hard. You can adjust the power of your hold in the middle of a cast. This allows you to reduce the vibrations of each movement. With just a little practice you'll be able to increase the tightness at the same time as you learn to relax your grip.

3. Use Dry Flies in the Afternoon

If you're fly fishing in the afternoon you'll want to use dry flies. The biggest reason for this is that the sun warms both the water and the air, bringing out tons of little black flies. This is a great time to do some dry fly fishing since you have a fly that is similar to this insect.

4. Keep your Dry Flies Floating Longer

One way to keep your dry flies floating higher and longer on top of the water is to waterproof them. Use Scotch-guard, the same stuff that you use to protect furniture, or any boot water-proofer from the sports store and spray the flies you plan on fishing with in the next few days. Let them dry overnight before using them.

The Scotch-guard will put a waterproof coating around your flies and keep them from becoming soaked. This will allow them to float higher and longer on the water.

5. Basic Tools for Tying Flies

There are some basic tools that you need for tying your flies. Such as:

A bobbin to hold the thread while you're tying.

A vice to hold the hook while you're tying.

Hackle pliers to keep a strong hold on delicate, small feathers.

Needle point scissors for cutting and trimming materials.

A bodkin and half-hitch tool for help tying the half-hitch knot.

A vise material clip for keeping all the materials firmly in place.

Head cement for both gluing and to add a finish.

6. Tying Efficient Knots

Very few knots will ever be 100% of their rated strength. But if you moisten your knots before you tighten them they will be much more effective. Other things that you can do to tie better knots:

Tighten them very slowly.

Keep an eye out for any weak frays.

Test every knot by pulling it hard.

7. Keep your Fishing Vest Organized

If you use a fishing vest to carry your tackle and lures you'll want to keep it as organized as possible so you're not fumbling around searching for something when you need it. If don't plan to use it, leave it home so that you only bring the essentials.

8. Discouraging Insects

If you want to discourage insects avoid wearing clothes that are red, yellow, black, white or blue. These colors can attract black flies, deerflies, gnats and mosquitoes. Also bring along a small can of Off or other brand repellent.

9. Sticking with the Basics

Try to stick to the basics whenever possible. This means carrying one or two small boxes of flies and fishing them to death. Experts use only a floating line for most of the fish they catch and make a point of keeping tackle to a minimum. Many novices try using too many "new patterns". Stick with a pattern and fish it for around three to four dozen drifts. This will bring you the best results.

10. What is Essential Gear?

When it comes to fly fishing basics there is gear that is essential and gear that is less necessary. Plan on carrying essential gear that focuses on the day of fishing ahead. Essential gear:

A good rod that you can rely on.

A reel.

A variety of bait that you can use all day.

A variety of flies and lures that you can use all day.

First aid kit.

Poncho.

Hat and sun block.

Extra clothing to wear and take off if you get too hot.

Non-essential gear:

A huge tackle box, filled with all your lures, baits and flies.

Things that you won't be using day, such as the wrong line or reel.

Lee Overton is an avid hunting enthusiast and has put together a collection of some of the best books on the subject and a free report on trapping and trapping supply at http://www.trappingonline.com He also has authored a book about simple ways to make money with internet auctions at http://www.SimpleAuctionMoney.com

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