Fly Fishing Basics

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Welcome to Fly Fishing Basics, How To & Tips

Tip #81: Take a Fishing Trip

Take a fishing trip with a local guide. You'll learn a lot about how your guide watches the river or lake and what you have to do to achieve that same expertise. Take a trip close to home or travel abroad to experience international fly fishing.

Tip #82: Fishing in Dam-Controlled Waters

It's imperative that when you're fishing in waters that are controlled by a dam that you find out ahead of time when there will be a water release. The release will be signalled by a horn or whistle so make sure that you listen for the notification.

Tip #83: Fishing Upstream

A basic concept of fly fishing is that a hooked fish isn't really caught until you have it up on the bank. If you want to land more fish the one thing that you can do is try to hook more fish upstream instead of downstream. This way, your fly will have a better chance of getting into the jaw of the fish. Try to keep downstream of any fish that you've managed to hook; when the fish is downstream he is using less energy since the current of the water will be doing much of the work for the fish.

Tip #84: Join a Fly Fishing Club

One of the best things that you can do as a beginner fly fisher is to join a fly fishing club. You'll get to know other anglers in the area where you live and may even be able to find a fishing buddy or two. The other benefit is that you can learn more about some of the great angling locations in your home territory.

Tip #85: Using a Landing Net

If you want to use a landing net you need to make sure to hold the net on the stream bed and lift it up as the fish swims over top of it. Most fish will be lost after they make their final rush if they are faced with a landing net that is being held vertically out in front of them. After all, you can't expect the fish to want to swim right into it! And if you hold the net from behind and try to sweep up the fish all will be lost. All it takes is one touch of the fish's tail and it will be gone.

Fish are known for their acute sense of vision. They are able to see in all types of water conditions and can see equally well during the day and night. The reason for this great sight is that fish have eyes that are able to adjust naturally to different conditions of light. No matter what the color of the water is they are able to rely on their vision to guide them. At those times when the vision of the fish is restricted, its other senses will kick in. This means that no matter where you hold that landing net the fish will be able to see it or sense it.

Tip #86: Storing your Rod

The one and only thing that you need to do to keep your rod in great shape is to store it correctly. The first thing that you need to do is store the rod in the sock and a hard tube. This way nothing can damage it when you're not using it. After you're done using your rod make sure that you clean it. All of the salt should be rubbed off and the rod left until it is completely dry before you put it away.

When you're washing your rod, use warm water that has been laced with a mild soap. Use a soft cloth. Make sure that you wash all parts of the rod including the rod guides, feet, cork grip, and the reel. When you're finished take the time to rinse the rod with warm water. This procedure will keep your rod looking and performing great for a long time.

Tip #87: Keeping your Reels Covered

When you're not using your reels you should keep them covered. If you keep your reel uncovered you'll end up with grit and dirt inside of it. As well, the outer coating of your reel can be damaged and this can lead to corrosion. If you end up with scratches on the reel you can cover the areas with clear fingernail polish to slow down the corrosion.

Tip #88: Avoid Windy Days

Beginner fly fishers may want to avoid learning on windy days. Days that have any degree of wind will require certain skills for casting. As you're starting out learning out how to fly fish you'll want to choose calm days so that you can practice your casting and other techniques.

Tip #89: Sometimes it's best to do nothing

Fly fishing may seem like it's an active sport since you're always doing something, preparing something, and thinking about what you're going to be doing next. However, sometimes it's best to do nothing at all. Be patient, stand still, and just enjoy the experience. If you have to do anything, think about your top water patterns. The bottom line is that sometimes you have to wait to catch your fish.

Tip #90: A Word about Nymphs

When you're fishing during the early spring months, most of the fish that you catch will be nymphs. The hard part about fishing for nymphs is choosing the right pattern to use. Keep this tip in mind: fish with two flies since this doubles your chances of catching one.
 
 

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