Are you ready to try fly fishing? Well fly fishing is a lot different to bait fishing but these differences are what make it such a beloved sport of many anglers. In this article, I'll give you a few fly fishing basics to save you the headache of assimilating new knowledge and help you more easily make a start for yourself in this fascinating type of fishing.

The Rod

The rod is very simple and quite different to a spinning rod. First, the rod often comes in several pieces which make it much easier to carry as a set. They connect together easily in a similar way to tent rods. The reel is incredibly simple. It features a single small handle and a knob to increase or decrease the tension.

In general, the larger the flies that you use then the larger the rod you need. If you are fishing mainly trout then you can get away with a smaller rod but if you want to also fish for larger, more exotic fish then you really need to use a separate rod.

Flies

Fly Fishing does not use any live bait or even prepared bait. Instead, "flies" are created from natural or synthetic materials such as threads, furs or feathers. While you can make your own, they are also easily found in your local fishing store.

Artificial flies work because they resemble real prey. Fish are attracted to them either because they move like prey or because some other feature of them draws the fish into an instinctive response. There are many different flies available depending on the job you want them to fulfil. Some, such as nymphs, resemble immature flies and sit under the water. Others, such as dry flies, are buoyant and float on the surface of the water.

Do your research before you head out and determine which types of flies you need. Unlike live and prepared bait, flies are tiny and it is not too expensive to carry a large set of them around with you that will be fit for most scenarios.

Casting

With bait fishing, the line is light and it is the bait that is flung out forward, carrying the line with it. With fly fishing, the opposite is the case. The flies weigh practically nothing but the line is much thicker than that used for bait fishing because it is coated in plastic.

The casting action is also different. Think of a metronome that makes only small angles to and from the vertical. This is similar to how a fly fisher casts his line. The casting action is done with the forearm. Some anglers use their wrist but this is generally considered incorrect form. To get close to your fish, you may need to walk into the water. You may have seen waders being used for this purpose. They are like a pair of boots with watertight, chest high trousers attached.

Fly fishing is great fun. You will need to practise however. Once you start off you'll find you'll want to learn more and more until you become a true fly fishing expert.

The fly rod comes in several sizes. Its length typically ranges from as short as 6 ft to as long as 13 ft.
Aside from the length, fly fishing rods are measured by their weight. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the value of the weight, the smaller the fish it can catch.

For example, a fly rod of 0wt (zero weight) is enough to catch a small trout. For bigger types of fish such as a salmon, a fly rod of a heavier weight is used.

A fly rod's weight is also important in determining the weight of the fly line that can be used with it. So a rod of 10wt requires a #10 line and could not use a line of a different size.
There are rods which can accommodate a variety of weights but they tend to compromise performance for flexibility.

Bamboo is the traditional material used as a Fly Rod. It is prized by fly fishing enthusiasts for its surprising strength in typical conditions.

It can be pricey though, which is why others choose rods made of alternative materials such as fiberglass and graphite. The two are chosen for their durability (they are not prone to rusting) and performance (they are lighter compared to other materials).

The fly reel is the one which holds the spool of line used in catching a fish. Also, it functions as the piece which controls the line.

If more line needs to be released or if the line slackens, it is the fly reel which adjusts the line to the desired length.

This piece of equipment can be made out of different materials. However, in saltwater fly fishing, aluminum is the material of choice because it is rust-proof. Saltwater is a highly-corrosive element, thus the need for a component made of aluminum.

Usually, fly reels are manually-operated. However, mechanical ones are favored by those who intend to go fly fishing in more demanding situations like those which involve long and arduous runs.

A typical fly reel has the retrieve on only one side. However, modern-day reels have interchangeable retrieves, meaning that the user can choose where to place a retrieve depending on which hand is stronger or on the type of fishing that he/she intends to do.

For example, right handed big game fishers prefer to have the retrieve to their right. Interchangeable retrieves are good for those who want to have a versatile reel. Also, it can save money compared to buying a specific retrieve for a specific need.

Modern-day fly lines are made of a tough braided or a monofilament core which is wrapped in a thick layer of plastic. They also come in a variety of models which are used in different kinds of environments.

There are lines that can be used in seawater then there are those that can be used in cold temperatures. Each specific model ensures maximum effectiveness when used in the environment it was designed for.

Fly lines come in different sizes. These sizes are not only important in buying lines but also in determining the rods they can be used with. It is because a line's size is always matched with the weight of the rod. So for example, a #7 line is to be used with a rod of 7wt.

Aside from the line, another consideration when buying a line is the taper. Some lines have a taper at one end while others are tapered on both ends.

The advantage of the latter over single-tapered lines is that the other side can still be used when the other one is worn out.

Also, the taper has an influence on how well it can be cast. A heavier taper can be cast easier which is why it is recommended for beginners.

Although its purpose may be straightforward, there is nothing straightforward in choosing the right fly for the right fish.

In the past, choosing a fly is easy enough because there are specific flies for a specific fish.

For example, a trout fly is to be used exclusively on trout and a salmon fly on salmon. But in the present, there are more specific flies that cater to the varying diets of a particular fish.

So for example, a trout does not only have a singular trout fly, but also has flies that imitate frogs, worms, etc.

Another source of confusion, at least for beginners, is that categories of US fly types are named differently than their British counterparts.

For example, what are called dry flies in the United States are simply called dries in the UK.

But despite the difference in taxonomy, they usually have the same set of sub-categories. Again using the dry flies as an example, the sub-category of mayflies can be found in both categories.

Aside from its different types, flies also differ in sizes. Usually, a fly's size ranges from #2 to #22 with the former being the largest.

Not to worry though as the confusion can be resolved by a good advice from reputable and experienced fly fishing equipment vendors. It is always a good idea to ask them when in doubt of which type of fly to buy when one goes fly fishing.

Fly fishing rod cases can be simple and inexpensive but they offer the greater benefit of protecting your fly fishing rod.

Things To Look For In A Fly Fishing Rod Case

If you will be salt water fly fishing you will want to make sure that the fly fishing rod case that you purchase will be able to tolerate the salt. A lot of cases have rivets which are in place to drain water or zippers to keep the case closed. Salt water can cause erosion on both rivets and zippers and you will want to make sure that your fly fishing rod case was constructed to be durable enough to withstand the conditions it will be exposed to.

If you know you will be doing a lot of walking or that you will need to carry your fishing gear a long distance to get to your optimal fishing location pick gear that is lightweight and comfortable to carry. Select a fly fishing rod case that is light weight and has a comfortable carrying strap. Then when you get to your fishing spot you will not be exhausted from your hike and you have the energy to do something fun like tie fly fishing knots instead.

If you like to bring multiple rods along for your fishing excursions select a fly fishing rod case that can accommodate multiple rods.

You can purchase rod tubes that are great for attaching to your car for easy transportation of your fishing equipment. The tubes come in different sizes in order to accommodate a variety of rods.

For your home you can purchase a wall rack that will allow you to display your rods while at the same time keeping them safe. Similar models are available that sit on the floor and display your collection of rods just the same. Many of these rod display racks can be customized to a particular theme or with your name.

Do not forget to protect your reel either. Whether you purchase a case that can hold both the rod and reel or purchase individual cases to accommodate each it is important to keep both pieces protected to avoid damage to either.

If you are thinking about learning how to fly fish purchasing used fly fishing equipment is a great and inexpensive way to start off and get the feel for the sport to decided if you like fly Fishing. This way if interest in the sport is lost a lot of money was not wasted in the process.

There are many great places where you can locate used fly fishing equipment. Check around for local yard sales. You never know what type of goodies you can score in someone's attic. Also keep your eye on the classified section of your local newspaper for used fly fishing equipment. Often times your local fishing supply store will have a used equipment section.

A few Pieces of Used Fly Fishing Equipment That Make A Great Investment

While it might not be a good idea to buy a bunch of used flies consider purchasing used fly fishing equipment that is more durable. Purchasing a used rod is a great way to purchase a high quality piece of fishing equipment without having to break the bank.

As rods, even a used one, can be pretty expensive one should consider purchasing a fly fishing rod case to protect it with. This is a great piece of gear to purchase used. Just make sure the case accommodates your rod appropriately and is in good shape.

If you like to experiment with different sized rods and reels buying used fly fishing equipment is a great way to satisfy your interest in a variety of different products while still leaving you with money left over in the bank which can be spent on a new pair of waders or a float tube.

Float tubes are a fun new way that anglers can enjoy fishing. This inflatable armchair lets you fish in deeper water while at the same time providing a relaxing place to sit and enjoy the day. As float tubes are a bit of a novelty this would be a great piece of fly fishing equipment to purchase used.

Types Of Fly Fishing Tackle Bags Available

One handy form of a fly fishing tackle bag is the leader wallet. Using a leader wallet can help you keep leaders right on hand for whenever you need them. Typically this type of wallet will be waterproof and have individual compartments that you can store your leaders in.

Look for a fly fishing tackle bag that has a belt loop. You can attach the tackle bag to your belt for easy access to terminal gear and other miscellaneous items you might need while fishing. As with the wallet, look for one that is waterproof. If you are a salt water angler make sure that which ever tackle bag you choose will be resistant to the salt which can cause corrosion on certain metals.

There are several fly fishing tackle bags that have been designed exclusively for use with your flies. If you use long flies make sure the tackle bag you are considering purchasing will be big enough to hold them. If you use a large variety of flies make sure that there are a suitable number of compartments to organize them in.

Look for a combination fly fishing tackle bag if you wish to store multiple types of gear in one location. Whether it is flies, line, or leaders you will want to make sure that the design of the tackle bag is going to accommodate your needs while you are fishing. You do not want to end up with a fly fishing tackle bag that you constantly have to hunt thorough to find exactly what you need.

Fly fishing can turn into a very expensive habit. Consider purchasing used fly fishing equipment to save a little money. Also, do not be afraid to test out items in the store and make sure you feel comfortable with that fly fishing tackle bag on your belt or if maybe it gets in your way.

What Kind Of Fish Can I Catch

When fly fishing in saltwater you might find Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Snapper, and Mackerel. Depending on the location where you will be fly fishing and the exact fish you are hoping to catch you will want to pick salt water fly fishing equipment that will best suit your needs.

Different Types of Salt Water Fly Fishing Equipment

The first piece of salt water fly fishing equipment you should pick would be your rod. For typical salt water fish a rod that is between 8.5 to 9 feet in length would be a good place to start. You will also want to make sure the rod can accommodate line weights of between 7 and 9. If you know you will be fishing for larger fish such as Tarpon you will need to purchase a rod that is capable of casting at least a 10 to 12 weight line.

The next piece of salt water fly fishing equipment that you will need to purchase would be the reel for your rod. There are many factors that will contribute to your reel selection. What type of fish do you plan on catching? Will you need a large amount of line in order to reel the fish in? A Tarpon is going to require that your reel capacity is much higher than that of a Mackerel.

Fly fishing involves the use of several different objects such as line and flies. One of the best ways to keep all of your things organized is to invest in a fly fishing tackle bag. Do not waste all of your fishing time untangling line and flies when you can easily organize everything into a tackle bag which is an excellent piece of salt water fly fishing equipment.

One of the most important pieces of salt water fly Fishing equipment is the flies. The flies are what fly fisherman use to catch the fish. There are hundreds of different types available for use with salt water fish. For beginners, try selecting a fly that can be used to catch a variety of fish for a better chance of success. If you want to get a little bit creative you can also try tying your own flies.

If you like to experiment with different rods, reels, lines, or tackle, purchasing discount fly fishing equipment is a great way to save money while allowing you to test out different products. Creating the perfect fly fishing setup can take years to complete and this is a great economical solution for many.

Discount fly Fishing equipment can come about in many different ways. A store might have purchased an order too large for it to sell and the leftovers have become discounted. Another store might buy in huge bulk quantities which will allow them to sell discount fly fishing equipment.

Selecting Discount Fly Fishing Equipment

There are a couple of things to watch out for when selecting discount fly fishing equipment. You will want to make sure the item is not being sold at a discount because it is damaged. If the item is damaged you should consider how serious the damage is. If it's just a surface scratch on a rod but it just happens to be the rod you have long desired and could never afford and it is being offered at half price it might be just the thing for you. If the rod is broken in half you might want to reconsider your purchase.

Watch out for "open box" discount fly fishing equipment. This has likely been returned by someone. See if the salesperson knows the reason for the return. Make sure all parts that should be included are all there and working.

Purchasing demo equipment is another way to save money when selecting items for your fly fishing setup. People do not always take it easy on demo items and you will want to make sure that whatever item you are considering purchasing is still in good shape.

You can add components to your salt water fly fishing equipment setup or you can add another tackle bag to your collection. Purchasing discount fly fishing equipment is a great way to indulge your hobby without spending a fortune.