fly fishing

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.

Having the right rod, reel and line is probably the most important.

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.

Staying dry catching keepers all day.

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!

The Great Smoky Mountains a Hidden Fishing Paradise

I have been working (and visiting) the Great Smoky Mountains a lot the past couple of years. During my winding drives, I have come along some real hidden gems in respect to fishing that looks to be begging for me to pull over and start casting.

Being more of a lake/creek fisherman, I have only been fly fishing once in my life as a kid. The Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina have got me thinking about giving it a real try.

The Views of The Smoky Mountains

The beautiful view the smoky mountains offers will take your breath away. The region offers a lot of wildlife along with many streams/rivers that flow heavily giving trout fishing anglers a perfect and beautiful experience.

Depending on where you go in the Smoky Mountains, you will find many places to stay. For a fishing trip, I would suggest looking into getting a cabin.

The Fishing opportunities of The Smoky Mountains

Being that the Smoky Mountains are so large, you will find endless fishing opportunities. From rolling rivers to slow moving waterways and lakes. Here are a few I have found during my drives to customers:

Oconaluftee River

Located in Cherokee, NC, the Oconaluftee is a staple for local trout fishing. With Cherokee’s large Elk population, you never know who you will see out in the water. This stretch of river is a beautiful spot to fish or just have lunch take in the beauty of the outdoors.

One note to keep in mind. You will need a NC fishing license with a trout stamp. You also my need a Cherokee fishing license if you are located withing the tribal land. You can find more information on this and other regulations here.

This is the river I have been thinking about fishing. The downside for myself is, it will require new gear. Since I have do not fly fish, new fly rod, tackle and bibs are needed. I have been looking at some fishing wader reviewed and some rod/reels in my price range as of late. Hope to have everything by mid season!

Cherokee Lake

If you are more into Large Mouth or Stripped Bass, Cherokee Lake may be your spot. This whole region is known for massive lake and stripe bass. I have been past this lake many of times and planning on putting a trip together in the next year or two with my brother in-law.

Lake Cumberland and Norris Lake

So, Lake Cumberland and Norris Lake are not quite in the Smoky Mountains but close enough where they are worthy of a mention. We have fished both lakes many of times.

Lake Cumberland

Located in near the Kentuck/Tennessee border, Lake Cumberland is most widely known for Striped Bass fishing. We have caught some monsters. But, you don’t need to stick with Stripe Bass. Once you limit out,hit the Small Mouth. You can expect to pull some nice fish out of this lake. Actually, the image used on our twitter page is a Stripe Bass caught on a trip their. Here is my quick article on a Lake Cumberland fishing trip I posted back in 2013.

Norris Lake

Norris Lake is newer to our adventures. We have only been once but have decided to go back as soon as we can. Located in the same region as Cumberland, Norris Lake is located throughout many counties in Tennessee. It has a lot of creeks and rivers intertwined flowing into it.

Me with three monsters caught at Norris

Photoed above is some nice Strip Bass caught on our trip to Norris Lake. We had a great day out on the water and limited out.

Above is a beast I pulled in a mouth of a river and Norris Lake. We were located on the river and you channel going into the lake is behind the boat you see in the photo.

Other Fishing Opportunities

There are so many fishing opportunities in and around the Great Smoky Mountains, it would be impossible to list them all. The above are just a few of the opportunities I have drove past, or fished myself. If you have a trip coming up or want to plan one, I suggest googling “smoky mounting fishing”. You will find endless possibilities.

The Bottom Line

If you have never been to the Smoky Mountains, I suggest you check the area out. The mountains makes for a good family trip, tons of wildlife and endless views. Check out my review on Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, great place for a family trip with plenty of river access for fishing.

So, do you fish in the Smoky Mountains? If so, share with us places to check out!