Fly Fishing Technique For Beginners
Any fly fishing technique starts with realizing that when it comes to fishing, fly fishing is much different from the regular casting the line into the water and letting the bait sink and the bobber float on the water.
In fly fishing, lures known as flies are used to catch the fish. It is the cast of the fly that lets the fisher have control.
Before we continue, I just like to refer you to Fly Fishing Secrets, a great publication for all who would like to learn fly fishing. Another recommended buy is Making Fishing Lures, mainly because it comes with a free bonus "Fly Fishing Basics - 101 Tips and Fishing Secrets".
But let's get back to fly fishing technique...
False Casting Technique
Fly fishers are often seen moving the rod back and forth over the head and not truly casting. This is known as the false casting technique.
The false casting technique allows the fly fisher to lengthen and control the line. This also allows the fly fisher to help position the cast (as the lure is supposed to land in the place that the fly fisher wants) and to dry wet flies (if needed).
It is important to realize that what is being done is that the weight of the line is being used to cast the fly as there is very little weight on the end of the line.
Once the cast is actually released, the fly should land on the water like an insect lands on the water and look completely natural. The fly then goes under the water.
More On Fly Fishing Technique
Once the fly is under the water, there are other techniques that are used. A fly fisher may wrap the line around two fingers allowing movement of the line to make it look like the fly is moving.
Once a fish is on the line, the hook is set similarly to when regular fishing is done. The line is pulled back and the tip of the rod is lifted. Hopefully the fish stayed on the line.
Sometimes a fish will nibble at the fly and the fly fisher will have to "play" with the fish. The fly will have to be moved back and forth or up and down – any way to make it look more natural. This can fool the fish into thinking that the fly is a real animal for it to eat. Then the fish may be caught.
If no fish are caught in a certain area, the line may be gently removed and replaced in another spot using the same techniques.
Flies Do Not Have To Be Flies
Beginners should start practicing their casting in an open field where no objects are in the way of the line. It is very easy for a beginner to get a line caught in trees or other objects like this.
Also, a real hook should not be used until the cast is good enough that the hook will not hurt the caster or any other people or beings in the area.
It is important to remember to stop sharply. This is often one of the hardest parts. However, for those who are practiced in the art of towel snapping, it should not be too difficult. Click here to order fishing gear from RiverBum.com
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