How to Start Fly Fishing

If you have wanted to begin fly fishing recently, you are in the right hands. Fly fishing is a popular sport that as outgrown its numbers recently; it’s an exciting, challenging sport that is likely to push you to new limits daily. Although it’s expensive, fly fishing is a great way to exercise, and while it seems a little bit of an intimidating hobby, it shouldn’t be complicated. If you are a newbie in fly fishing, try out this beginner guide to help you get started.

Educate Yourself

You can spend some time trifling around alone on websites looking for information, but it would be much more effective if you requested someone to take you through the whole process first. Some local fly shops educate their customers for free or at a relatively small fee. These pieces of training are straight forward, and they enlighten you on fly fishing basics such as the best fly fishing kits and gears. However, most of these trainers don’t take you out on the water, but they train you on everything from knot tying and fly selection to casting and much more. This education allows you to get brief feedbacks from a professional before setting out for fishing.

Select Your Reel, Line, and Rod

It’s always essential to include some good reel, rod and line packages in your fly fishing starter kit when heading out to fish. This can be a formidable task since there are thousands of styles available, each with different sizes, shapes, lengths, and features. You will, therefore, need first to consult a professional or else go for a five-weight, nine-foot rod. A full set up costs less than one hundred dollars and can last a decade.

Get Some Tippets and Leaders

Typically, the leader connects the fly line to the fly. The tapered material is then straightened out to ensure that the fly lands precisely where it is supposed to. On the other hand, the tippet extends the leader. You will need a tippet if some length of the leader is lost after cutting or breaking it. One should select a familiar brand for both the tippets and leaders to ensure that everything works well.

Get a Fly Box and Several Flies

If you see other fishermen out, start a conversation with them. You can find out the best flies suited for the area you are fishing at. This can lead into a new fishing partner as well.

There are several fishing flies, including streamers, dry flies, and nymphs. The choice of flies depends on the water conditions, water, and the species of fish you intend to catch. You’ll want to carry a variety of flies in your fly box to ensure that you are prepared whatever is thrown at you by any river. Depending on the type of fish you are fishing, some good fishing flies include the parachute Adams and the Royal Wolf. The Royal Wolf is best suited for any light conditions and can be used anywhere in the world.

When selecting a fly box, choose one that suits the type of flies you intend to use. Some are designed for dry flies while others for saltwater flies. The best fly box to use is a multi-compartment, multi-use fly box that carries multiple types of files.

Suit Up Appropriately

It’s essential for you to invest in a good pair of waders and always garb for the weather. If you are not fishing in deep waters on a hot, sunny day, you might not require waders. However, if you intend to fish in deep waters and you need a good pair of wanders to keep you warm and dry, Neoprene wanders are the go-to since they are inexpensive and lightweight. You can also explore nylon, synthetic, and rubber fly fishing apparel. If anything else, you need a good pair of boots if your wanders are not designed to be worn shoeless. Before selecting fishing gear, assess the water conditions and weather conditions before you head out to fish. This will keep you safe and comfortable.

Fly fishing is an exciting hobby that helps in opening doors for some exhilarating experiences. Even on the rainiest, dismal and cloudiest days, the ecstasy of reeling in a massive fish catch cannot be beaten. Even on days where you’ve caught nothing; fly fishing is an ideal way to harness the spiritual and emotional thrill of the great outdoors.

About the Author

Matthew Bernhardt, a third-generation Coloradan, grew up at the forefront of the state’s fly-fishing revolution, enjoying time on the water side by side with experienced guides and lifelong anglers.

By combining his passion for fly-fishing with input from other experienced fly-fishers and guides and his fine arts degree from Colorado State University, Matthew spent five years carefully developing the Drifthook Fly Fishing System, built to help every angler catch more trout.

When he’s not spending time with his wonderful family, you’ll find him out on the water catching MONSTER trout, and he anxiously looks forward to the day when his kids are old enough to join him there.

Fish-and-Hunt.net would like to thank Matthew for sharing his thoughts today. Want to share something? Let us know!