So, picking up fly fishing? Is the life of a spin fisher that reels in their catch too slow for you? Maybe you are someone who lives for fishing that is much more challenging and fulfilling? Or perhaps you just like the feeling of getting up close and personal with mother nature and enjoying her blessings while you fish?
Not a problem at all, everyone has their own reasons for picking up fly fishing. If you are a beginner, the learning curve might be a little steep, especially if you have never handled a rod before, but once you get past it, it is smooth sailing from there.
With that said, here are some tips that beginners should know when they start fly fishing.
Book a session with a coach
Yes, fishing can be a solo sport, but there is nothing stopping you from asking from help from your fellow other anglers or even professionals. Even more so if you are new to the scene.
And unless you are really pressed for money or adamant with self-learning, booking a session with a coach or guide will help you save a lot of time and frustration.
What would take you days or weeks to learn about fly fishing, a guide or coach can teach in a single session or two, while probably even giving you additional helpful tips. Plus, you can even get some practical experience instead of having to start from scratch when you actually get to it.
You may also want to consider attending fishing events or joining local fishing clubs that have demonstrations while also allowing you to attempt them yourself.
Practice makes perfect
Hiking, cycling, swimming, or angling, it is all the same. If you want to get better at hooking those fish, or casting your line at just the right way, you will need to practice doing so. And to imprint the things you learned from your coach or local fishing club, then practice is your best friend.
It is a frustrating endeavor, especially if you do not know how to cast yet, but a rewarding one once it bears fruit. Just keep at it. You can try casting without water on your backyard, just by trying to throw your own line while also getting a feel for your rod.
If you want to actually practice on water with fish, then try doing so on still water. You won’t have to cast too far while you try to get a good grip on your rod. Plus, you will have plenty of space so you will not have to worry that your rod might suddenly land in unwanted foliage.
Check the local fishing regulations
You do not want to end up on the wrong side of the law for simply wanting to fish. Check the rules properly, as not all rules on fishing areas are the same. Some may require you to release your catch, while others may require you to kill them.
Oh, and don’t forget your rod license!
Utilize proper perception
It is okay to get really into fly fishing, but do not forget that you are still on water.
The rising or lowering of water depths or current strength for rivers and streams are nothing new, and you certainly do not want to get into an accident or worse just because you were not paying attention to the water. Watch your step!
Learn about your equipment
If you come from spin fishing, you may be thinking that fly fishing will not be too different, thanks to both utilizing rods.
It is understandable that you might think so as a result, but it is not true. For instance, fly rods are much longer than spin rods are, while also being much more flexible and thinner.
Fly lures are nothing like the artificial lures of spin fishing, and fly rods being lightweight means that a cast can easily go too far than your intended target.
You will also be wearing waders to go in the water, which is something you do not do if you are spin fishing.
In other words, you should learn as much as you can about your equipment, in comparison to the equipment of the spin fishing gear, while also gaining more knowledge about the workings of your rod.
For instance, you should learn about taking apart your reel as well as changing its spools/cassettes fast and properly, while ensuring that the inside of each spool is properly marked to ensure that you do not confuse which line is which.
Choose clothing wisely
Bright colors on your shirts and short work great… If you want to spook fish away from your location.
Seriously, if you are going to wade in water anyways, you might as well dress with proper attire.
You want to be wearing dark colors that help camouflage you with the nearby foliage or the muddy color of the water (depending on where you are fishing) to keep the attention on you to a minimum.
Oh, and pockets will save you a lot of frustration, so pack outfits that have those, and leave the sleeveless shirts at home!
Learn to tie basic knots
Surgeon’s knot, half-blood knot, overhand loop knot, get a booklet or an online resource about the types of knots before you get going for the best results. Of course, there is no harm in asking your coach either…
Wrapping Up
Fly fishing can make for a very fulfilling experience with your fishing skills.
If you are a beginner, do not be discouraged if there seems to be a lot you have to take note of and do, they are all something you will learn over time, whether your ask for help or go at it solo.
Remember these tips and you are sure to go home with a nice catch and an enjoyable fishing trip.