Fly fishing is a popular outdoor activity that has been around for centuries. It involves using a special type of fishing rod to cast a lightweight artificial fly to catch fish. Unlike traditional fishing, fly fishing requires a unique set of skills and techniques that can take some time to master.

If you’re a beginner looking to get into fly fishing, there are a few things you should know before you get started. First and foremost, you’ll need to invest in some basic gear, including a fly rod, reel, and line. You’ll also need to purchase or learn how to tie flies, cast properly, and read the water to find the best spots to fish. With a little bit of patience and practice, you can become a skilled fly fisherman and enjoy this rewarding hobby for years to come.

Gear and Equipment

To get started with fly fishing, you will need a few essential pieces of gear. Here are the basics:

• A fly rod
• A fly reel
• Fly fishing line, which consists of backing, fly line, a leader
• Flies, which imitate insects and other prey
• A vest or pack to hold your gear and flies (not totally necessary, but nice to have)
• Polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and see fish in the water

When choosing your gear, it’s important to consider your skill level, the type of fishing you’ll be doing, and your budget. For beginners, it’s often best to start with a basic setup that won’t break the bank.

See my blog post here

Basic Techniques

Casting

When preparing to cast a fly fishing line, begin by holding the rod as if you are shaking hands with someone, with your thumb on top of the rod and pointed towards the end of the rod. Your hand should be in the middle of the rod’s grip. Use your index finger to hold the fly line against the rod, keeping any additional line from coming out.

With the rod pointing a little downward from about waist level, pull out about 10 yards of fly line and wiggle your rod up and down to feed the line out and down onto the ground or water in front of you. Step back a little to extend the line out in front of you.

As you prepare to cast, keep your wrist straight and lift your arm up slowly until the line is tight. Then, quickly rotate your arm backward to bring the line behind you. This motion will cause the rod to bend, referred to as “loading the rod.” Bring the rod to about a 1 or 2 o’clock position and pause, allowing the line to form a loop behind you. This pause is important for setting up the cast.

Once the line is behind you, quickly bring the rod forward to about the 10 o’clock position. The line will cast forward and out in front of you, and the direction you point the rod during this movement will determine where the line ends up. The harder the movement, the more distance your line will go.

As the line extends out into the water, slowly lower your arm to gently lay the line out on the water, avoiding slapping the water and scaring the fish. Make sure to keep the line tight to maintain control.

This can all sound very confusing and sometimes it’s easier to see it in action.  Take a look at this great video for a detailed explanation.

For an even more detailed description, check this out

Presentation

When presenting your fly, aim for a drag-free drift. This means the fly should drift naturally with the current. Mend the line upstream to keep it from dragging. You can also use a reach cast to put some slack in the line, allowing for a more natural drift.

Pay attention to the water’s surface. If you see fish rising, try a dry fly. If not, use a nymph or streamer and fish deeper. Vary your retrieve speed to entice strikes.

Setting the Hook

When you feel a tug, don’t immediately yank the rod back. Instead, wait a split second, then give a quick, firm hookset. This will help ensure the hook is set in the fish’s mouth.

Keep the rod tip up and reel in the slack line as you fight the fish. If it jumps, lower the tip to keep tension on the line.

Landing and Releasing Fish

When landing a fish, use a net if possible. Wet your hands before handling the fish to avoid damaging its protective slime layer. Remove the hook gently with pliers or forceps, then release the fish back into the water as quickly as possible.

If the fish is tired, hold it upright in the water and gently move it back and forth to help it regain its strength. When it’s ready, it will swim away on its own.

Fishing Locations

When it comes to fly fishing, finding the right location is key. Here are some popular fishing spots to consider:

Rivers and Streams

Rivers and streams are some of the most popular fly fishing locations. They offer a variety of fish species and different types of water, from fast-moving rapids to slow-moving pools.

• Look for areas with riffles, runs, and pools.
• Pay attention to water temperature and flow.

Lakes and Ponds

Lakes and ponds are great for fly fishing because they offer a lot of space to cast and explore. They are also home to a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and panfish.

• Look for areas with underwater structure, like weed beds and drop-offs.
• Pay attention to water temperature and depth.

Saltwater

Saltwater fly fishing can be a thrilling experience, as it often involves targeting larger fish species like tarpon and bonefish. It can also be challenging, as the conditions can be unpredictable.

• Look for areas with structure, like mangroves and oyster beds.
• Pay attention to tide movements and water clarity.

Safety and Ethics

Safety Precautions

When fly fishing, your safety should be your top priority. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:

• Always wear a tight fitting wading belt while wading or a life jacket when fishing from a watercraft.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out, and be prepared for changing conditions.
• Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it.
• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for potential hazards, such as slippery rocks or fast-moving water.
• Handle your equipment with care to avoid injury from hooks or other sharp objects.

Conservation and Ethics

Fly fishing is a privilege and a responsibility. As a fly angler, you should always practice good conservation and ethics. Here are some guidelines:

• Obey all laws and regulations associated with the fishery.
• Limit your catch and handle fish gently to minimize harm.
• Respect other anglers and their space.
• Do not litter or damage the environment.
• Learn about the fish and their habitat to better understand how to protect them.

Conclusion

There is no way around it, you are going to be terrible the first couple of times you try it. Don’t get discouraged. Practice, practice, practice. Keep in mind that probably >75% of the fish I catch are from a cast of 15 yards or less. As cool as it is to watch someone sling a line out 30, 40, or 50 yards, it’s not required to catch fish. Try all different types of casts and see which one feels “natural” to you or the one you feel you have the most control over. Just get out and fish!