Nothing relaxes a person like a calm day on a beautiful lake, searching for something to eat. To add to that picture, the concept of fly fishing has taken the art of fishing to a whole new level. Its about the right kind of fly, the right kind of rod, and the right kind of stroke to bring a fish to its proverbial knees and begging for a taste of that fly. Fly fishing is becoming increasingly popular with the invention of custom made flies and with the need for more outdoor, relaxing activities in peoples lives. But before you don a pair of waders and head up for the open stream, consider the following equipment specifics first.
You must first consider what species of fish you will be casting for. You need specific gear for each fish you aim to catch. After all, you wouldnt use a shot gun to try to shoot moose, so why would you use the same equipment to land different sized fish. Larger fish logically require larger equipment like bigger tackle and stronger rods and line. So if you are looking to land Moby Dick, do not use equipment that would only catch Nemo.
Consider, also, the type of water you will be fishing in. Are you going to be fishing in a wide, calm lake with lazy fish, or a bubbling brook with zipping trout? Will you be searching for your fish in murky water or the clear, cool stream of a mountain? Your location paired with the proper equipment will definitely lead to either a successful or a bomb of a fishing trip. No one wants to walk way with an empty, dry net, so outfit yourself properly with the right equipment for the right location. You might even want to consider the equipment available at the outdoor shops in the location where you will be fishing. They certainly will have the correct bait and tackle for their native fish.
Finally, look at the action of the rod. No two rods flex alike, and so you will need to consider how much flexibility you will need as you cast and how fast you need that cast to occur. Novice fisherman find their most success with medium to medium fast action rods. These allow the user to feel the rod more easily, which leads to a smoother cast overall. Novices need the best equipment possible to help them learn how to cast properly, so consider the medium action rod if you are just starting out.
Everyone wants to come away with a whopper of a fish instead of a whopper of a story about the one that got away. So outfit yourself properly before you step your feet into the water and start tempting fish with a creepy looking fly.
One of the biggest reasons this happens is because of the way they grip the fly rod. They typically hold the fly rod like a piece of luggage -- what I call the Samsonite grip. They grab the fly rod in their fist and stick their thumb out along the top of the handle. Using this grip, the muscles in your forearm are relaxed when your wrist is bent.
You can bounce quarters off of these same muscles if you try to straighten your wrist while using this grip. This grip sabotages your efforts to control your wrist. Don't use it!
For a much more comfortable and controllable grip have someone hand you a dollar bill. You grabbed it with your thumb and the crook of your index finger didn't you? Now, holding that dollar bill, turn your hand palm up and look at how the forearm through the wrist, up to the thumb, all lines up nicely.
You could almost put a straight edge on it. Also notice that there is virtually no tension in your forearm with this grip. Now grasp (don't grab) your fly rod with this same grip.
The fat part of the handle should be in the palm of your hand and the butt of the fly rod should exit your hand between the pads of your palm (where your lifeline curves). The crook of your index finger should be directly below or slightly ahead of your thumb. Your thumb should be directly on top of the fly rod opposite the fly reel.
This is often called the "thumb on top, extended finger grip." If your thumb starts sneaking out past the crook of your forefinger you will lose the benefits of this grip and the muscles in your forearm will become tired. Don't let that happen.
Because there is virtually no tension in your forearm while using this grip correctly, it becomes much easier and more comfortable to control your wrist, and thus the fly rod, while fly fishing.
Most fly casting practice sessions should last from 30 - 45 minutes. It will typically take 10 to 15 minutes to warm up and get back in the swing of things. Then for the next 20 to 30 minutes you will get the most out of your practice and throw your best casts.
You will make as many casts in a 30 to 45 minute casting session as you will in a full day's fishing. Much beyond 35 to 45 minutes of continual practice and you will start to get fatigued, even if you don't realize you are. When you get fatigued, the harder you try - the worse it gets.
Pretty soon you become frustrated. Not much chance of improving your skills when you become frustrated with your efforts.
It's better to practice fly casting for 30 to 45 minutes and leave on a high note after throwing some of your best casts, than it is to continue casting and become frustrated with the results. Come back later today, tomorrow, or later this week, and do it again. For better results, practice more often, not longer. Give it a try!
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