Fly Fishing Is Different Than Traditional Forms Of Fishing

Fly fishing is really a form of fishing in which the angler needs to make use of an artificial fly and it is in fact also different than other forms of fishing in that traditional fishing means using a hook to which is attached a worm. However, in fly fishing the hook has some feather or fur or foam or yarn attached that then becomes a ‘fly’. The most well known form of fly fishing is dry fly fishing in which the angler makes use of artificial fly that is cast and which then floats on the water. Hopefully, as the fly passes over a fish the latter will try and bite it and in this process the angler can make a catch.

Everything Is Visible

Dry fly fishing is preferred by anglers who can see the fly as it floats on the water and he can also view the fish bite at the fly. However, when angling for trout as well as other fish it is common for those kinds of fish to feed beneath the surface of the water and so dry fly fishing will not be suitable in case you are looking to catch trout.

Nymph fishing is another form of fly fishing and is one in which when flies lay eggs in the water these eggs will hatch in the form of nymphs that rise to the surface of the water. Nymph fishing is more challenging since the action takes below underwater.

Fly fishing can be used to catch all manner of fish though it is most often used to land trout and salmon and chars and almost every other kind of game fish. Trout is very popular as far as fly fishing goes because it lives in waters that are very shallow and they also like to feed on tiny insects.

In fact, fly fishing has become one of the most popular of all sports and anglers like it because of many reasons and will generally treat this form of angling as a religion. In any case, fly fishing offers you a chance to relax and is especially appealing to people that are environmentally conscious because it is the least harmful fishing technique as in a majority of instances the angler, after landing a fish, will then return the fish to the water.

Black Aluminum Casting 3 4 21BB Fly Fishing Reel New US $9.99

Foxtons hand made 15 carbon salmon fly fishing rod restored and in unused condi US $124.82

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Lots of 48 pcs Hi carbon dry fly hooks kit feather tied flies trout fly fishing US $.99

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When it concerns purchasing a fly fishing line you should realize that it pays to ensure that everything is well balanced including the rod and reel and line and the leader – all of which should work well together. This means that you should be especially careful about which line and leader you use so that with the right line and leader you will then be able to ensure that everything works right.

Post from: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing

There are an almost endless array of fly lines available, some which cost extraordinary amounts. If you have invested money in a quality line, you will want to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.

The single most important thing you can do is keep it clean. After each trip, take a little time and rinse your line with soap and water. Stay away from detergents and use a mild handsoap. Detergents tend to dry out the line and could result in your line developing cracks in the outer layer. This of course will hasten damage to the inner core of the line.

For some years, there has been a debate about the use of Armorall® and other similar products. Fly anglers who have used it discovered that it seemed to make their lines slicker. Others I have talked to have suggested that this is just a short term advantage and over time the chemicals in Armorall® will damage lines with regular use. I am not a chemist, and neither have I conducted any personal studies on the matter so I can't advise you one way or the other. Bob Kloskowski of the International Fly Fishing Association interviewed Bruce Richards of Scientific Anglers and asked him specifically about using Armorall®. Here is what Richards had to say on the matter:

"Armorall and 333 contain some plasticizers and lubricants and will lubricate the lines surface, temporarily. They also contain a small amount of detergent that theoretically would reduce line life, but the affect would be minimal. These products can be used without noticeable negative affect, but the positive affect of lubrication is very short term as the product washes off quickly." - 1997 Interview on NBC

Before you do head out for the first time this season, you might want to inspect your fly fishing lines for signs of cracking or even cuts. I remember some years ago, while casting on a windy day and getting into one of those cursed tangles where my leader caught my line and discovering that the leader had actually cut through the outer layer of the line. I was still able to fish the line that day, but replaced it before the next trip out.

Regardless of what sort of dressing you use on your line, the main thing is to keep it clean! Your fly line(s) is a very important part of your fly fishing gear.

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Post from: Fly Fishing

Spring Time Fly Fishing Gear Tune-Up – Clean Those Fly Lines

Fly fishing isn't just a normal way of fishing because it uses specific tools to catch fish. . The most common associated fish caught with fly fishing tackles is trout and salmon, however pike, bass and carp are being caught as well.

The basic apparatus in fly fishing is the fly rod, fly line, artificial fly line and fly reel. Each part of the tackle has its own vita role in catching fish. First is the fly rod which is used to cast the fly line. The length will vary between 7 to 10 feet depending on the environment where you are fishing. Usually, fly rod are made from graphite and fibreglass and in some cases bamboo. By using other materials, the fly rod will become lighter or heavier and it may also become stiff or bendy. Therefore, follow the intended materials for ht fly rod to work perfectly.

Another part is the fly line which is a plastic coated line that can be found in variety of thickness. They also range in color but usually, bright colored fly line is used to attract the prey that is intended to be caught.

Now let's go to the major part of the fishing tackle which is the artificial flies. They are made by tying hair, feathers, fur and other natural and synthetic materials onto a hook. Artificial flies range from bright lively colours in order to stand out, or darker colours to match the environment.

Another important part of the tackle is the fly reel. This one is used to hold the fly fishing line. The fish caught depends entirely on the kind of reel used. For bigger fishes, one should consider thicker lines and gears while for smaller fishes, a manual reel can be used.

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Post from: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Apparatus

Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide – Things to Know Before Going Fly Fishing for Trout in Montana

Montana is home to some of the best trout fly fishing in the United States.  People come from all over the world to fish its legendary waters.  Some fly fishermen seek the expertise of a Montana trout fly fishing guide while others are determined to go at it alone.  Regardless of how you do it there are certain things that you must be prepared for.  This is a quick guide to Montana trout fly fishing that is aimed at helping ensure a successful trip to one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Even if a person was to fly fish Montana for a year and never catch a fish, the trip would still be a success.  You cannot believe the sheer beauty of this place until you have been there.  The wildlife alone is enough to get people coming back for more; throw a few 20 inch trout into the mix and you are in for one of the best trips of your life.  To make this trip as successful as possible, there are items that you will not want to leave behind and situations that you will want to be ready for.  Read on to get a general idea of what you need to be ready for, the essential items that you need to bring, and ideas on how to make this a great trip, and hopefully a successful one at that.

Where to Fly Fish in Montana

Montana is one of the biggest states in the U.S. and is home to the Rocky Mountains and other massive mountain ranges that feed thousands of rivers, streams and lakes.  With all of this water, it can be a daunting task to pick a particular body of water to fish.  I have had to decide where to fish on several occasions, and I'll tell you, it is not easy.  For the most part, all you have to do is find some cold clear water and you can bet there are trout in it, probably big trout.  From the northwest to the southeast corners, and everywhere in between, fly fishing for trout can be good.   A good portion of the Montana is not so mountainous and more so desert, but even in this 2/3 of the state, an experienced fly fisherman can find big trout if he or she knows where to look.  This is an area where a Montana trout fly fishing guide can come in handy.

Southwest Montana is by far the most popular part of the state for fly fishing.  It is home to some incredible rivers that are fed from the numerous mountain ranges that can be seen in all directions.  This area is unique in that a person can fish many different bodies of water in a short trip.  From one blue ribbon trout river you can drive over a mountain pass and be fishing in another blue ribbon river in an hour or two.  Here is a quick list of the rivers that you have to choose from in SW Montana:

Madison

Big Hole

Bitterroot

Ruby

Rock Creek

Beaverhead

Jefferson

Yellowstone

Gallatin

Missouri

All of these rivers hold a large number of big trout, but are just a few of the bigger named rivers that Montana has to offer.  It takes many trips to Montana to really determine a favorite river.  A person could fish Montana for a lifetime and still have new rivers to fish.

When to Fly Fish Montana

I have been to Montana and experienced both great and not so great fly fishing.  Whenever the conditions are right though, the fishing has consistently been on the great side.  A good way to better your chances of experiencing good fishing is to time your vacation around both weather and insect hatches.  Most of the hatches are dependent on weather though, so if you come during the time of year that weather is most predicable (summer), your chances of having a successful trip will increase.

Here is a quick break down on each season and what can be expected.

Winter: Cold!  This is the time of year to book a trip to do some tropical fishing.   Many of the rivers in Montana freeze all the way across or are made up of big dangerous ice shelves.  There is some fishing in some tail waters near the dams, but unless you are a local, the fishing is not worth going out of you war to be freezing.  If you do come this time of year, bring your skis, the skiing is better than the fishing.

Spring: The fish this time of year are less fearful than they get once they have had a few hooks in their mouth a little later in the year, so great fishing can happen.  The problem becomes the water flow and clarity.  There is usually a small time frame when the snow and ice clear in the valleys, but remains in the mountains, making for clear water.  This is a good time to fish but the window of opportunity is very small.  If you can get away with short notice, as soon as you here the fishing is good, you'd better get on it because as soon as the snow starts melting and the spring rains start coming down, the rivers will rise and clarity will drop.

Summer:  This is the most popular time to be fly fishing Montana's trout rivers.  The temperatures are comfortable and the river levels drop and become clear.  The Salmon Fly hatch is the first hatch to really start off the season.  It happens usually after June 10th.  This is a busy time of year for a Montana trout fly fishing guide, but the trout love to eat these significantly sized insects.  From the middle of June and throughout the rest of the summer, there will be hatches of either caddis, mayflies, hoppers and many more.

Fall: After the summer crowds leave, the fall gives way to cooler temperatures and less crowded rivers. This is a favorite time of year for many hardcore fly fishermen.  The fish are ready to fatten up for the winter and some big insects begin hatching.  The main attraction this time of year is the Fall Caddis hatch.  These supersized caddis are a trout's main entree and can be taken with ease off the top with large floating flies such as stimulators and caddis in size 6 – 10.

Being Your Own Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide

For an experienced fly fisherman, Montana can be effectively fished without the help of a guide.  This will certainly cut down on the budget, but is only advised for those that are proficient at casting and working flies.  There is a huge learning curve in fly fishing and if you are not over that curve, then it will be beneficial to have someone to help you out, either a friend or a guide.  Before you go, you will want to know what you will need as for as gear and fly patterns.  At the link at the end of this article there is an insect hatch chart for Montana that can help you decide what flies to take.  Another good way is to stop at a fly shop on the river you will be fishing and ask.  Most of these people spend a lot of time on the river and will be able to steer you in the right direction.  You may also want to ask them if they have any guides available as sometimes you can book a trip last minute for a discounted price if the guide has nothing else to do.  If you are going to fly fish Montana on your own, then make sure you read the gear guide below to make sure you have all you will need.

Hiring a Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide

One of the best ways to ensure a successful fly fishing trip to Montana is to hire a Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide.  It is amazing how much knowledge most of these guys have after putting fly fisherman on trout every day.

Here is a list of the benefits that a fly fishing guide can offer:

Knowing the insect hatches:  Yes, Montana is full of big trout, but the way these trout get so big is because they are smart.  They know which insects are hatching, the color and size they are, and how they float in or on the water.  Knowing these key features is exactly what a guide is paid to do, so he or she had better be good at it or they will not make it in this business.  When fishing these smart trout, you need to have everything perfect; a guide can definitely help to make this happen.

Where to Fish: Trout have certain conditions that they prefer.  Fishing in the right spot is a crucial factor to success on any trout water.  Insects and other organisms that trout feed on collect in certain areas and this is where you will find big trout.  A good Montana trout fly fishing guide will be able to put you in the right place at the right time

Access: Getting to the trout waters is sometimes half the battle.  Much of Montana's trout fishing is best accessed by a boat or by walking through private property.  Not everybody has a boat and even if you do, it may not be feasible or possible to bring it.  A guide will get you where you need to be one way or another.

Equipment: Most guides will have a high quality fly fishing rod, reel and line set up for you to use that is designed to cast the flies you will be using and fight the fish you will be fishing for.  It is very important that you use the right equipment as this will greatly improve you fly fishing efficiency.

Knowledge: A Montana trout fly fishing guide will be able to offer clients so much more than just fishing advice.  A good guide also knows the history, geology, anthropology, and stories that make this part of the world so interesting and beautiful.

Gear to Bring:

Montana is a demanding place, both in fly fishing gear and clothing alike.  To make this the best trip possible it is advised that you come prepared for anything that Montana can throw at you.  I have seen it snow in July, and I've lost several fish due to size that I was not expecting.  Let's go over some items that you should not come to Montana without.

1. Fly Fishing Gear: Things you will need if not hiring a Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide

Fly Fishing Rod: It is very important that you bring a fly rod that is of high quality.  The Wal-Mart combo set is not recommended and will lead to headaches and a far less successful trip.  A well made fly rod is much easier to cast, more accurate, and stronger leaving you much less likely to break it.  Two rules of thumb are: 1. Buy the best rod you can afford.  2. Only consider rods that offer a lifetime warranty.  For more information on buying a fly rod and all other fly fishing gear mentioned here, click the link at the end of this article.

Fly Fishing Line:  Fly lines are a close second to the importance of a fly fishing set up right behind a quality fly rod.  With fly fishing, you are casting the line which delivers the fly to where you want it.  This means the line has to work with the rod.  This is why it is advised to use a high quality line in addition to a nice rod.  Also, you will want to be able to fish many different situations as the fish are not always willing to take an insect on the top.  You may need to use a sink tip to get bait fish imitations to the fish so it is also wise to go with a line that has interchangeable tips of different sink rates from floating to fast sink.

Fly Fishing Reel: a fly reel is less important and receives far less use than the line and rod, but a smooth drag system is very helpful if you hook into any trout 16 inches or more.  It is not a good experience to lose a fish of a lifetime over a cheap piece of equipment.  Again, it is suggested to buy the best reel you can afford, but if you must skimp on either a rod, reel, or line, this is the place to do it.

Waders and Boots: These are an essential.  Most Montana fly fishing is done at elevations well over 6000 feet making for cool mornings and cold water even in August.  Having owned a couple pairs of cheap waders in my early fly fishing days, I can tell you how important a quality pair can be.  Although they may cost twice as much, a quality pair can last 3 times as long before they start leaking in the seams and cutting in to your fun.  Also, a good pair of wading boots is a must on the slippery rocks of almost all Montana Rivers.  Good support and traction are what you should be after.  There are many types of soles to choose from.  A big push in Montana is rubber soles as opposed to felt in an effort cut down on transporting invasive aquatic organisms that can live in a felt sole that does not have time to dry out before using them in a second river system.  Nearly all quality wading boot manufactures have come out with rubber soles designed to grip slippery rocks and many have removable cleats that can add a lot of stick to your traction.  Check out the gear guide link at the end of this article to help you decide on all equipment you will need.

Flies, leaders, tippets, floatant, and line cutters: These are all necessary if you are going to be your own Montana trout fly fishing guide.  It is important to know how to tie all this together and what types of flies are effective during the time of your adventure.  One would think a trout would take any fly that it sees, but even the small fish are smart and will mostly only take flies that match the insects that are hatching at the time.

2.  Things to bring guide or not:

Hiring a Montana trout fly fishing guide will definitely cut down on the amount of gear you will need to pack as far as fly fishing equipment.  Still there are several items that you will not want to leave home without that your guide will not provide, especially if you are not hiring one.  Here is a quick list of items that should not be left home.

Rain proof coat: have it ready too.  The weather in these mountains can change in an instant from sunny and warm to cloudy, rainy, and sometimes even snow.

Binoculars: the areas are home to some incredible wildlife and you never know what you are going to see.  Deer, elk, big horn sheep, moose, wolf, coyote, bear, and many more species are all possible.

Camera: Make sure you have one handy when you real in that fish of a life time.  The surroundings are picture perfect as well.

Sun Screen: The sun is intense at these altitudes and the rays will reflect off the water.

Sun Glasses: Sunglasses are very helpful when spending all day on the river.  Polarized sun glasses are recommended as they cut down on the glare coming off the water and enable a person to see through the water much better than with just regular sun glasses.

Handling of Montana Trout

All trout are very delicate.  It is best not to touch them at all, but if you do need to take a picture, wet your hands before touching, take a quick photo, and get it back in the water.  It is best to let it swim away as soon as it has the power to do so.  Please do not caress it and rub its belly like you see them do on fishing shows.  Get the trout out of your hand as soon as possible.  Most of Montana requires Barbless hooks, but do it because it is the right thing to do as it is so much easier to remove the hook this way.  Barbless hooks get a bad rap for loosing fish.  I think it is more of an excuse.  Many times that hook is going to come out barb or not, the key is to keeping the line tight.  Many experienced fly fishermen including many Montana Trout fly fishing guides will agree that the barb actually makes it harder to get a good hook set on a fish because it has a wider shank to seat it firmly in the mouth tissue.  The final argument against barbed hooks is the fact that it is not smart to have a barbed hook flying around your head, or any part of your body for that matter.  A barbed hook in your eye is not a pretty sight.  Just hope there is still have sight from that eye when you get back from the hospital.

Conclusion

No matter how many big Montana Trout you do or don't catch, you are sure to have a good time.  Like I said before, the scenery alone is worth making a trip here. Typically my drive home to Idaho is spent planning out the next trip to Montana.  Every time I make the trek to these legendary waters I am faced with not having enough time to fish all the water I would like to.  That is because a lifetime is not enough time to fish all of this state.  On the drive to Montana it always seems like I have more than enough time to be fishing, but before I know it, it is time to pack up and head for home.  I guess time flies when you are having fun, luckily there are many more trips to come if I have things my way.  I hope to see you all there, and please be respectful of the fish so we all can enjoy fly fishing Montana together for years to come.

Take the Right Gear

To make sure you are properly equipped with the right gear for fly fishing Montana, go to this gear guide where you will find advice on fly rods, lines, reels, waders, and all necessary gear related to fly fishing: http://onlineflyfishingguide.com/onlineflyfishinggearguide.html and click on the gear guide. For more information on hatches, river flows, and other important articles about fly fishing, click on this link: Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide.

Question by fencer: what is a good beginner fly fishing reel?
I have a fenwick ff80-3 that my dad gave to me and im looking for a good beginner reel to go with it so i can try fly fishing in about 2 weeks from now, maybe a kit that has some flys with it as well and the string that goes with it. Does anyone know of a good beginner set up i can use.

Thanks alot.

Best answer:

Answer by trunorth
One important thing to remember about most fly reels (the exception is hard core saltwater reels) is that it is simply a place to keep your line.

I would recommend the Pflueger reels, I have two of them and they work well.

http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/products/products.php?p=33

Add your own answer in the comments!

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Post from: Fly Fishing

Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide ? Things to Know Before Going Fly Fishing for Trout in Montana

A quiet morning, a small moving stream and the fish are biting. If this sounds like something you dream about, you are a fly fisherman at heart. So for those of you that are new to the sport, here is a little fly fishing guide to get you started. Even some of you fly fishing gurus might be able to get a little brush up here!

Fly fishing is alot more then just casting a line and wishing for the best. Many other things must be taken into account, i.e....the fly rod, the fly line, the fly reel, casting, and finally the tackle needed. I hope to cover all of this here in a very short amount of time for you.

The rod: Fly fishing rods come rated like 3-weight or 5-weight. All that means is that the rod will effectively cast that size line. Now this is not a scientific fact, but a 5-weight rod casts 5-weight line better than any other. In discussing fly fishing for beginners, a little experimentation is in order.

A trip to a fly shop will be good for that purpose, but you are going to see another aspect of the rod called "action". "Action" determines how soon the rod begins to bend. This is important to lure presentation as well as in certain conditions.

The line: There are many types of fly fishing line. All of them are designated by letters like "DT" (double taper) or "WFF" (weight forward floating), "WFS" (weight forward sinking) and a few others. Each has it's own applications.

For the most part, a DT or WF line is recommended by most fly fishing guides. Again, with fly fishing for beginners, the line is the most crucial part of your gear. A good line will cast well on the worst pole ever made.

The reel: This element can mean the difference between landing the fish of your dreams or watching your prize fish swim back into the depths from where it came.

Reels can cost anywhere from around to thousands of dollars. The most important part of the reel? A good drag system that is adjustable. Without a drag system on the reel, you run the risk of running the reel out of line and damage can occur.

As a fly fishing guide line, get yourself a decent reel and load it with some GOOD line to match the rod.

Casting: Fly fishing for beginners wouldn't be complete without a word or two on casting. Start by moving the rod back and forth. The cast has two parts; the back cast and the front cast. On the back cast, the line will travel behind you. Then on the front cast, the line will unroll and travel out in front of you.

Practice this front/back casting and watch the line as it travels. Keep the line in a large "C" shape. When you have this down, start to tighten the shape into a "J" shape. This is THE method for fly fishing for beginners and is taught by many fly fishing guides as it is the main cast used in fly fishing.

Flys: This is the most important factor in fly fishing. If you are familiar with the water you are fishing then load up with flies that resemble the natural insects there.

On new rivers or lakes try match the flies you are using to any kind that seems to be on or in the water. Then match that as closely as possible from your fly arsenal.

It is always a good idea to research the water you are going to fish before you fish it, however this is not always possible so sometimes it is best to match the fly to the insects you see around you or ask a local where possible.

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Our goal is to bring the best technology in reels to any given price point. We?ve now addressed the important $ 100+ price point wi...

Fenwick Cartridge Fly Reel (Capacity 7-8/100)
Fenwick Cartridge Fly Reels Changing Fly Line is a Snap Machined aluminum diecast frame offers durable, flex-free construction E...

Post from: Fly Fishing

River Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a specific type of fishing and therefore requires a specific type of tackle. But to those who are new to fishing may ask "what is it?" and what is the difference between them? The general idea of the difference is that different fish can be caught because of the different tools used. The most common associated fish caught with fly fishing tackles is trout and salmon, however pike, bass and carp are being caught as well. This article will help you understand what fly fishing is and the different attributes involved.

The basic apparatus in fly fishing is the fly rod, fly line and artificial fly line and fly reel. Each part of the tackle is vital in its own way in catching fish. The fly rod is used to cast the fly line. Depending on the type of fish caught and the environment being fished the lengths will vary between 7 to 10 feet. Normally the fly rod will be made from fibreglass and graphite and in some cases bamboo. By using different materials, the rods are lighter, heavier, stiff or bendy. Again fly rods are made from materials that suit the intended purpose.

The fly line part of the fly fishing tackle is a plastic coated line that can be found in many different floating and sinking styles in a variety of thicknesses. They range from colour to colour in many cases are bright in order to attract the prey intended to be caught.

A major part to fly fishing tackle is the artificial flies. They are made by tying hair, feathers, fur and other natural and synthetic materials onto a hook. In the past natural flies were used however, in today's fishing tackle synthetics are proven to be much more popular. Depending on the type of fishing being caught and the environment in which you fish different flies are needed. Artificial flies range from bright vibrant colours in order to stand out, or darker colours to match the environment.

The fly reel is an important attribute when one looks at fly fishing tackle. The reel is used to hold the fly fishing line. The reel is the fundamental attribute when one considers fly fishing. Depending on the fish caught depends entirely on the reel used. For bigger fish the reel becomes more of a necessity where gears and thicker line is needed. Whist for smaller fish a manual reel can be used.

So far you can now see the apparatus needed to carry out and as you can see if will add up to a small investment. This is why shopping online for your fly fishing tackle will financially better. I have found many websites that offer a wider selection at a lower price when compared to high street stores.

From this short article it is clear to see that fly fishing tackle consists of a fly rod, fly line and artificial flies and finally a fly reel. They are all designed and work in cohesion to catch certain fish you will not be able to with a normal rod, which is why fly fishing has that edge you cannot get in normal fishing circumstances.

Redington Crosswater 4/5/6 Fly Reel Fly fishing Fishing
The Redington Crosswater Series Flyfishing Reel, size 4/5/6 is updated with new feature and drag system, the Crosswater is still a...

Martin Fly Fishing Multiplier 3:1 Ratio Fly Fishing Reel with Disk-Drag
Quick retrieve makes quick work of even the toughest fight, and when an irate 20 lb. steelhead decides he's going to make a run ri...

Fenwick Cartridge Fly Reel (Capacity 7-8/100)
Fenwick Cartridge Fly Reels Changing Fly Line is a Snap Machined aluminum diecast frame offers durable, flex-free construction E...

Wild Water Fly Fishing Complete 5/6 Starter Package
You get our fantastic AX56-090-4 Series , 4 piece fly rod with a LIFETIME WARRANTY, a large arbor reel preloaded with backing, a w...

Waterworks Lamson Konic 4 Fly Reel
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Silver Lake Fishing Flies Assortment
You’ll be pulling fish from water in no time with this excellent assorted set of hand tied flies and streamers. With 55 of today...

OKUMA INTEGRITY I-10/11 WT LG. ARBOR FLY FISHING REEL
Okuma's large arbor design gives faster line retrieval for a single action reel. Traditionally known as a specialty reel, large ar...

Post from: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Tackle ? What is It?

Fly reels can get expensive.  Do you need to spend that much to get a high quality reel?  A fly reel is the third most important item to a standard fly fishing set-up, with fly fishing rod and fly line being number one and two.  Let's look at the aspects that you do not want to leave out when trying to save money on a fly fishing reel as well as some that you can get by without, so you can have the best fly rod for the money.

Before you buy a fly fishing reel, it is important to know a few things so that you can be confident you are buying a fly reel that will fit the fly rod you are buying, the fish you are after, and the technique you are to use.  A fly reel must match these aspects before it can even be considered as the best fly rod for the money.

Size of Reel Needed

A fly reel's size is determined by the line weight (wt) you will be using.  For example, dry fly fishing for trout will typically be done with a 4wt or 5wt rod and line.  Therefore you will want to use a 4wt or 5wt reel.  If a fly fisherman were to use a 4wt fly reel just because it is inexpensive, with an 8wt line, he would find out pretty fast that there is not enough space on a 4wt reel to hold 8wt line.  Nor would the drag system be strong enough to effectively control a fish that an 8wt is made for such as a steelhead or salmon.
For a fly fishing set up to feel right the rod and reel must have a good balance.  Having a balanced fly fishing setup will help the rod load better resulting in a much further and smoother cast.  A fly fishing setup with a reel too small or big for the rod not only feels weird but also looks weird.

Size of Fish

It is important to purchase a reel that will be able to handle the fish you are after.  With big fish, the reel becomes more of a necessity than with smaller fish.  For example, a 16 inch trout is going to put on a good fight for a 4wt fly fishing setup, but mostly a fly angler will be able to land the fish by pulling on the line and not rely on the reel at all.  If a fly angler was to be using his 10wt fly rod and reel to hook into a King Salmon, then the reel will get a lot of use as simply pulling the line in will not cut it.  With these bigger fish that are prone to run a long ways, a quality, smooth drag system is essential.  For this reason, it is possible to get all the reel you need cheaply to outfit a 4 or 6wt rod, but as you go up in weight, price should and will follow as the reel is depended on a lot more.

Technique

There are a couple fly fishing techniques that will help determine the best fly reel for the money.  Of course there are the standard setups that are pretty straight forward; just buy a reel that matches the line and rod weight and your set up should be pretty well balanced.  If a fly fisherman was to buy a spey rod (an advanced two handed fly rod made for long casts), then he will want buy a reel that is a couple sizes bigger than the line he is fishing.  This is because spey line is quite a bit longer than traditional fly fishing lines due to the ability to make longer cast.  Spey rods also need bigger reels because the rods or typically long, 13-14 feet, and it takes a little more weight to balance one out.

So, What Is the Best Fly Reel for the Money?

The best fly reel for the money is one that covers all the basics mentioned above, but also fits into your budget.  A good rule of thumb is to buy the best fly fishing reel that you can afford.  The price ranges a lot, but any model made by Sage will more than get the job done at a fair price.  A person can spend as little as , or as much as 0.  All are good reels, but the change in quality definitely makes a difference as you go up in price.  Do not fear though, if this is your first fly reel purchase, Sage's lower end reels will feel as smooth as baby skin if you only have cheap reels to compare it too.

Conclusion

While a fly reel will not see near as much use as the fly rod  or line for lightweight setups, a quality reel is essential when it is needed, especially  when using heavier equipment and fighting bigger fish or big fish on light line.  Click here: OnlineFlyFishingGuide.com to check  out the complete line of Sage Reels, as well as all other equipment that is  needed to be a successful fly fisherman. The OnlineFlyFishingGuide.com is a  great source to learn the art of Fly Fishing, starting with using the right gear.

Okuma Sierra Fly Reel (285/30)
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SAGE 3800CF fly reel, 3850CFR

Post from: Fly Fishing

The Best Fly Reel For the Money

Fly fishing tackle is not generally suited for, say, shark fishing and vice versa.

Rods for fly fishing differ from other kinds of rod. They are thinner and more flexible. Probably the most noticeable difference between fly rods and other rods is their lack of a butt section. This deliberate omission, which gives fly fishing rods their distinct look, is designed to prevent interference with the casting movements.

An important element of your fly fishing tackle is the line. Unlike traditional fishing tackle set ups where the weight of the lure pulls the line out, the fly is generally of very little weight so relies on the weight of the line to unfurl to its target. Because of this, fly fishing line is much heavier than its regular fishing counterpart.

Compared to traditional fishing reels, the fly fishing reel (a Centrepin Reel) is a simple piece of tackle. Acting mainly as a storage device for the line, they have few other functions. Earlier examples of fly reels had no drag mechanism, slowing of the fish was done by simply "palming the rim". In recent years, fly fishing reels have evolved somewhat, employing disc drag mechanisms, though they still remain relatively simple devices.

Every successful fly angler has an arsenal of artificial flies to lure his catch. Flies come in hundreds of different varieties. With colourful names such as Nymphs, Zonkers, Buzzers, Wooly buggers and other exotic names, you may be confused.

Flies are made from a wide variety of natural and synthetic materials, such as, to name a few, hair, mylar and rubber. They are designed to have the appearance and behaviour of the prey of the target fish. This could be, as the name suggests, flies or anything else the fish like to feed on, such as worms, insects, vegetation, even mammals and birds! The fly acts in the same way as bait in more traditional forms of fishing. It is attached to a hook, which hooks the fish when it makes a move at the bait.

Flies are generally very affordable, individual flies costing in the region of 50p – £2 (you can buy in bulk and get them even cheaper). There is however a huge number of people who get great joy from making and fishing their own flies.

Another sometimes overlooked element to fly fishing tackle is clothing. We are not blessed with the best weather in the UK so it is important that you are comfortable for your time fishing. If you go out for your first day of fly fishing and find yourself shivering all day, the chances are you won’t want to go again so a warm set of waterproof clothing is of the utmost importance.

You should also invest in a decent set of waders. Because of the limitation on casting distance with no weight on the end of the line, you are often required to wade out a little to be able to reach the target fish.

Black Aluminum Casting 3 4 21BB Fly Fishing Reel New US $9.99

Foxtons hand made 15 carbon salmon fly fishing rod restored and in unused condi US $124.82

Mayfly Fly Fishing Supply Organizer Accessory US $22.00

Fly Fishing tackle box case with 19 compartments Freshwater Saltwater US $1.07

VINTAGE FLY FISHING REEL OCEAN CITY NO35 PHILADELPHIA PA US $9.99

Lots of 48 pcs Hi carbon dry fly hooks kit feather tied flies trout fly fishing US $.99

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 6 7 £24999 US $31.58

Irideus RISE Flip Page Waterproof Fly Fishing Box Trout Flies Fly Case Holder US $15.99

Rainbow trout Art print lures orvis Trout fly fishing rod Fenwick reels US $10.00

Fly Fishing Digest by Bill Wallace Illustrated 1973 US $9.99

Vintage fishing 33 4 Alps pro fly Graphite fly reel unused in box US $30.02

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 5 6 £24999 US $31.58

40 Elk Hair Caddis Trout Fly Fishing Flies bass panfish with box US $12.99

BLK PAINT ALUMINUM 2 3 21BB FLY FISHING REEL 70MM US $.99

Satyr Tragopan Pheasan US $14.99

Post from: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Tackle ? The Basics

Fly fishing rod

This rod is one of the mandatory equipments for fly fishing. These rods are usually different when compared to regular and conventional fishing rods and are designed in unique manner. It would allow casting the fly and fly line. Rods today are often constructed using types of graphite compounds. Many of the rods are still structured from bamboo or fiberglass. The Fly rods are usually categorized based upon weights of line they are structured to be used with.

Reels

The Fly fishing reels essentially, are less significant than the rods. Unlike conventional fishing, along with fly fishing one does not reel in the fish. The Fly fishing methods involve stripping the line with free hand. Quite many fly fishing reels actually are of primitive designs and hence not so very expensive. Anglers commonly "palm" the reel for creating the drag, than relying upon internal drag mechanisms within the reel.

Line

The Fly fishing line has been specially designed for such style of fishing. Fly fishing line is considerably heavy compared to traditional fishing line. It is often tapered and designed for floating. Some lines are designed to sink, though. Some anglers attach backer line in between fly fishing line and reel so as to increase the line available.

Leader

The leader is a monofilament, clear line which attaches to the extreme end of fly fishing line. Additionally, the fly is tied to the leader at the end. This leader is further tapered down into a narrow diameter towards the forward end. Leader matches more with the traditional fishing line.

The Flies

They are available in huge assortments of designs and styles. The dry flies are designed so that they float up in the water, nymphs and wet flies are structured for submerging, and few other flies are made to partially submerge. Flies could also be implied as attractive or imitative. Imitative flies are deliberated to imitate or manifest like a specific insect. On the other hand, attractive flies are structured to attract the fists not looking towards any specific natural food source.

The Waders

Waders are optional when you fish in warm water. But a few anglers go fly fishing in cold water streams to find waders enormously essential. Some popular wader styles currently include waders with waterproof lining and neoprene waders. Neoprene waders work very well in the cold water stream and serve in keeping the angler warm. The waders having a waterproof lining prove to be convenient and breathable when one goes hiking flanking a stream.

Net

A net is essential equipment for fly fishing. As fly fishing is often done standing in the waters, it could be not very easy to hunt a fish without good nets. Nets always have a hook attached. This would help the net so that it could be hooked on the anglers' vest or waders. A net is particularly important in cases when the angler is trying to catch and release fishing.

Fishing Vest

As fly fishing is always tried in the water, a fishing vest seems to be a near-essential equipment piece. Vests would allow you in keeping essential gear and tools handy and neat as and when you find its necessity.

Clippers

Clippers are quite useful for clipping the line when you change the flies. You would rarely notice any fly fisherman with no clippers in their pocket or vest.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are pieces of personal gear which you would never want to forget. They would keep the sun to not reach your eyes and also protect them from stray fishing hooks. Polarized and good quality sunglasses would also assist in a better vision while you are out near the stream. Most anglers would also append a sunscreen and a hat to the catalog of personal gear which is essential.

There are other pieces of gadgets and gear which are available for every fly fisherman. The above mentioned ten items are perhaps among the most essential ones required for a successful and fun outing.

Black Aluminum Casting 3 4 21BB Fly Fishing Reel New US $9.99

Foxtons hand made 15 carbon salmon fly fishing rod restored and in unused condi US $124.82

Mayfly Fly Fishing Supply Organizer Accessory US $22.00

Fly Fishing tackle box case with 19 compartments Freshwater Saltwater US $1.07

VINTAGE FLY FISHING REEL OCEAN CITY NO35 PHILADELPHIA PA US $9.99

Lots of 48 pcs Hi carbon dry fly hooks kit feather tied flies trout fly fishing US $.99

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 6 7 £24999 US $31.58

Irideus RISE Flip Page Waterproof Fly Fishing Box Trout Flies Fly Case Holder US $15.99

Rainbow trout Art print lures orvis Trout fly fishing rod Fenwick reels US $10.00

Fly Fishing Digest by Bill Wallace Illustrated 1973 US $9.99

Vintage fishing 33 4 Alps pro fly Graphite fly reel unused in box US $30.02

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 5 6 £24999 US $31.58

40 Elk Hair Caddis Trout Fly Fishing Flies bass panfish with box US $12.99

BLK PAINT ALUMINUM 2 3 21BB FLY FISHING REEL 70MM US $.99

Satyr Tragopan Pheasan US $14.99

Post from: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Gear- Top 10 Essentials For Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing for Beginners

You take the time to get into just the right location in that great stream that your friend told you about.  You have been waiting for so long to enjoy this time, alone, fishing to your heart's content.  There are many amazing moments in life but fly fishing is one of your favorite.  You'll get into the waders, getting into just that right location so that you can cast.

The tip of your rod should be in the four o' clock position with 20 feet (6 meters) of line extended beyond your rod's tip. Trap the line between the rod handle and your index finger. To begin the back cast, bend your elbow, raise your forearm and move the rod tip from four o'clock to eleven thirty and lift the line from the water. Pause for a moment at this point to allow the line to extend behind you before casting the rod forward. Allow the rod to follow through as the line extends to its full length in front of you. Then continue to work the line in this manner. A fish strikes. The fight is on and you successfully land the fish. This is fly casting.

Fly fishing is an old method of angling. It was primarily developed to catch trout and salmon. Today, it is still used to fish these species, but is also used to catch bass, carp, pike and a wide range of saltwater fish. The difference between casting and fly fishing is that in casting you use the weight of your bait, sinker and bobber to propel your cast. In fly fishing, the weight of the line propels your line forward and puts your fly into position. The fly cannot do this, as it is essentially weightless. The goal in fly fishing is to present the fly gently and to always be in control of it.

When you fly fish, you need special fishing equipment that includes a fly rod and reel, a special fly fishing line and artificial or live flies. These are tied onto your hook with feathers, fur, thread or other materials in colors and sizes that represent natural prey. The key to successful fly fishing is balance. The rod, reel and line, as well as the tippet all have to match in order to have a positive fly fishing experience.

Rod, Reels and Lines
Fly fishing rods are lightweight and long. The line provides the casting weight and is heavy. It can be of differing density, depending on whether you want the fly to sink or float. Line is matched to your rod by weight. Look near the fly rod butt to find out what line weight must be used. Graphite rods are best because they can produce any action that you wish to use. If you are a beginner, buy a basic and moderately priced rod, or borrow one from a family member or friend.

Flies and Leaders
Flies weigh very little. The fly is usually attached to the line by a leader that is two to three meters in length (6 to 9 feet). The leader often tapers to a fine end. This is called a tippet. Tippet size range from 8X, which is the smallest, to 0X, which is the largest. Tippets are set in units of .001 inches. To match the tippet to the fly, you must subtract from eleven and multiply by .001.

For example to find the diameter of a 4X tippet, you would subtract four from eleven. That equals seven. Now, multiply by .001. This size would be .007. What if you have a # 18 fly? How would you calculate tippet size? You would put eighteen over four and calculate. The answer would be 4.5. Since there is no 4.5 X tippet, you would move to the next largest size, which would be 5.

Types of Fly Fishing
There are two types of fly fishing - dry and wet. Wet flies are fished beneath the water surface and are divided into several types, including live wet flies, lures and nymphs. Dry flies float on the water surface and are coated with a substance called, 'floatant' to make this possible.

If you are interested in fly fishing and can't decide which equipment you need to have a positive fishing experience, ask an experienced angler for help. This can be a family member, friend, someone from the local angler's club or a staff member of the local fly fishing shop. Fly fishing is not as hard to learn as it appears to be. Have fun and enjoy that big catch.

The best way to enjoy your catch is to take the time to enjoy the many wonders that the fishing experience offers.  No matter what that first adventure turns out to be, you can make it amazing by spending some time learning the skills from an experienced fisherman.

About the Author

Find tips about bowhunting hogs and bowhunting moose at the Bowhunting Tips website.

Fly Fishing For Beginners article

Post from: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing For Beginners