Since the earliest fisherman plucked fish from the water with their bare hands, anglers have found many different methods of fishing. Fly fishing is one of the oldest and has been in existence for hundreds of years. Believed to have begun during Roman times, the advanced methods of fly fishing are considered to have developed in Scotland and England. With improved reels, line and fly gear fly fishing has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds.
Originally, fly fishing was mainly used to catch trout and salmon, which are easily fooled by artificial flies. However, many species of fish are now being targeted by fans of sport fishing using dry and wet flies. Today the lines are heavier and larger in diameter. As a result there is a need for a larger reel that is required to hold that size of line. Anglers now research the local water life to determine the best colors and styles of flies that may be able to attract the local fish population.
The main purpose of fly fishing is to offer an artificial fly to the fish that will closely resemble an insect or bug that is native to the area. Curious fishermen may spend a lot of time researching the types of bugs that flourish in the region as well as spending time studying the types of fish and how they approach their victims.
Practice, Practice, Practice, It Takes A lot of Practice to Properly Cast Flies
For the fisherman switching from bait fishing to fly fishing there is a conversion period in which they must learn the difference. With bait casting, the weight of the lure and bait draws line from the reel, and extends out into the water. When fly fishing the line is cast into the water and the fly on the line follows the line into the water. It requires a lot of practice and concentration to place the line that is cast from the reel and having the fly land in the desired spot on the surface of the water.
The two main types of lures used in fly fishing are the dry fly that remains on the surface and the wet fly that is designed to sink once it hits the water. Other flies, called emerging flies partially submerge under the water, to duplicate the action of emerging insects from their larva stage.
Fly fishing requires the fisherman to adjust to local conditions as well as altering their technique depending on the time of day and time of year. It will take the fly fisherman a lot of practice and patience to develop the skills necessary to consistently catch fish.
Making Your Own Flies
After a fly fisherman has mastered the difficult techniques of fly fishing he may want to design his own flies. It is a wonderful hobby. A master fly maker can build up quite a collection. A beautiful as well as effective fly can be a rewarding creation.
Whether you create your own flies or become an avid collector, the art of fly fishing can grow on you and become almost an addiction.
Written by David Swanson. Find the latest information on Beginner Fly Fishing as well as Fly Fishing Lessons