Fly Fishing Basic Tips

The peace and enjoyment of fly fishing is a true joy.

Fly fishing is one of my favorite pastimes since it can be both soothing and hard. I’d like to share my enthusiasm for fly fishing, as well as fishing in general, with others who may be scared by the sport’s distinctive features.

I’ll start with some tips and tricks that can be a good place to start for newcomers. When you’re first learning to fly fish, you’ll want all of the assistance and advice you can receive from the pros. I’ll start with three basic suggestions today and expand on them in subsequent posts.

Tip #1:  Practice your Casting

The experts say that the one thing that you need to do to develop a good casting technique is to practice as often as you can.  This will lead to a proficiency in casting that make all the difference between being a successful fly fisher or a frustrated one. 

Try practicing against a wall on the outside of your house.  Just imagine that there is a clock hanging on the wall that is at the same level as your shoulder.  Place markers, such as black electric tape, at the 11:00 and 1:00 clock positions.  Practice casting against these markers for a few minutes each day to improve your accuracy and style.

Tip #2:  Rods

There are several things that you need to think about when choosing the right type of fly rod for you. One of the first things that you need to consider is comfort.  Is the rod that you’re using comfortable for you to hold?  If you’re shorter than about 5’5″ you won’t want to use a rod that is seven feet.  Choose a rod length that is easy for you to hold and cast for a few hours at a time.

The majority of today’s rods are made to allow you to feel when a fish bites. The rod’s shaft is known as a “blank,” and it is constructed of fiberglass, graphite, or other materials when it is first created. The action of each of these blanks is either mild, medium, medium/heavy, or heavy. Extra light, light, or regular action will be available in the upper portion.

Both ends of the blank are assembled and the final result is a fishing rod, complete with a handle and guide.  No matter what type of rod that you’re using, the “action” of the rod will refer to the “blank”.  The action of the rod will have a great deal to do with the type of fishing that you’re doing.

Tip #3:  Holding your Rod Effectively

It’s critical that you understand how to grip your rod correctly in all types of fishing situations. You want to make sure you have adequate control at all times and are not clutching too tightly. When you’re in the middle of a cast, you can modify the strength of your grip. This will enable you to reduce the vibrations produced by each movement. With only a little practice, you’ll be able to tighten your grasp while also learning to relax it.

Conclusion

These are only a few basic tips to get your started.  One additional insight is that you should NEVER pay full price for fly fishing gear or any fishing equipment! Around the holidays, your savings can be multiplied with Black Friday Fishing Deals and Fly Fishing Holiday Sales! Don’t forget that fishing can be a great part of your exercise regimen!