I have always loved fishing, but am not very good at sitting and waiting. In that regard I’ve tried carp fishing, and there’s no doubt that there’s a huge thrill in catching one of these fish, especially a large one, but I just don’t have the patience.
The majority of my fishing has been what I call “wander fishing”.
If I’m not catching, I like to move around and try different places to fish, which keeps it interesting.
A few years ago, I thought I’d try fly fishing.
I had always avoided this branch of fishing, thinking it was beyond my financial means and difficult to master.
Tip 1. I was wrong!
As in all branches of fishing, there are some rivers that are more expensive to fish than others, but it is quite possible to fly fish and not increase your costs any more than if you were carp fishing for example.
Tip 2. Buy a combo.
There are fly fishing combos to suit all pockets, which generally include reel, rod and line, plus a few flies as well.
Tip 3. Cheap is not always best.
It is arguable that you are more dependant on your rod for fly fishing success than in any other type of fishing. A fly fishing combo gives you the chance to perhaps spend a little more than you might have for a superior set of tackle.
The rod is very important, as it is key to good casting, perhaps more so than in the other branches of fishing. Investigate this area thoroughly before committing yourself to a purchase.
Tip 4. Don’t complicate things!
Unlike course fishing, where you often see people turn up with a wheelbarrow of ground bait and a tea chest size tackle box, start off with a rod, reel, floating, intermediate and sinking type fly lines and a selection of flies. In addition a set of forceps and a pair of nail clippers for cutting off the mono filament leader more or less offers a complete package.
Tip 5. Wear Appropriate Clothing
Most fisheries insist on wearing some form of eye protection, given that a fly is cast backwards as well as forwards, putting a passer by at risk from getting hooked. Buy polarised sun glasses as these also help you to spot fish. In addition a multi-pocket jacket or vest will allow you to dispense with carrying any sort of bag, useful when you are moving around and wanting to travel light.
Tip 6. Don’t Stay In One Place.
When you fish, make sure you cover the water in front of you, to the left, right and centre and at different depths. However, if you haven’t had a “take” or a “knock” after 15 minutes or so, move on. I am amazed at the number of people who fish the same pace all day and then complain that they haven’t caught anything!
Tip 8. Long casting isn’t everything.
Most people feel that they have to cast miles to be successful. In time, that may come, but whilst you are learning big fish are to be caught in places that others don’t think of. I’m talking about the margins. Because so many people seem to imagine that the biggest fish are where most people can cast to, i.e. at some distance, they concentrate on trying to cast long distances.
Tip 8. Have some casting lessons.
I have watched many people getting into all sorts of problems casting. If you don’t understand the principles and have someone show you how to do it properly, you may find that you get frustrated and give up. Casting a fly line is very satisfying – watching the line flow out effortlessly in front of you, but the line falling on the ground behind you, or getting in a tangle is very annoying. A couple of lessons is all it takes.
If you get decent gear, it will assist you in becoming a better fisher. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money if you investigate fly fishing combos. These provide the basic kit for a discounted price. Visit www.flyfishingcombosdeals.com.
categories: fly fishing,fishing,angling,hobbies,relaxation,sports,river fishing,still water fishing,fly fishing
