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Fly Fishing Tips, Tackle, Tactics


Fly fishing is effective with practically every kind of fish which feeds at the surface - panfish, trout, bass, and salmon, as well as many saltwater fish. Those who practice this form of fishing agree that it offers the most sport of all, and that the light tackle is in itself a rewarding to use. Fly casting can't be described so that the beginner, by memorizing instructions, can go out and cast acceptably from the start. Practice alone will enable him to lay a straight and delicate line, and put the fly on the spot that he wishes too. However, there are certain fundamentals which must be understood at the start.

In dry fly fishing only one fly is used, this attached to a tapered leader at least 7-ft. long; in wet-fly fishing one, two, or even three flies may be used, though experts prefer to fish with only one. The leader is therefore level, with extra loops for extra flies, if you are not content with one. The dry fly should float on the surface; the wet fly is fished beneath the surface. To help a dry float, carry a bottle of dressing and apply to the fly.

Fishing Technique


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In casting pull enough line from the reel so that the fly reaches to the butt of the rod; flick the fly out on the water and, with the left hand, pull off a couple of feet more line. Grasp the rod firmly with thumb extended along the rod and raise the tip sharply up and back over the shoulder until the rod has passed the vertical; all the while keeping the elbow close to the body so that the wrist and forearm do the work. As soon as the line straightens out behind, as told by a tug at the tip, bring the rod sharply forward again, stopping when the tip has Reached an angle of about 45 degrees. The spring of the rod will throw the line and flies forward, and a bit of tip elevation, just as they reach the forward position, will cause them to settle down to the surface naturally. If not enough line is out, strip more from the reel and repeat the action until the desired length is reached. Long casts are not necessary - 30-ft. will catch lots of fish under ordinary circumstances.

Fishing Tackle - Getting Started


A good, all-round fly rod is from 8 to 8-1/2 ft. long, and weighs from 4 to 5 oz. Such a rod takes a level line or a weight-forward tapered line. A good tapered line is worth the extra money it costs. If you intend to fly fish, it will pay you to get a really good tapered line; such a line casts beautifully and, with care, will last for years.




Fishing Tackle


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Last Fishing Update:
January 3, 2009

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