What is Fly Fishing
No lures or worms here! Fly fishing involves using an artificial fly,
which can consist of feathers, yarn, hide, foam, fur, or other materials,
depending on what kind of fish you are after. Fly tying is easy to learn.
Dry fly fishing is the most common form of fishing. The artificial
fly is cast out and floats on the water. As the fly floats over the fish,
hopefully the fish will rise to the surface and try to take the fly.
Arrggh! Feathers?!? Phetew! With the fly rod, you will attempt to prevent
the fish from spitting out this less than tasty morsel, long enough for
him to be off-guard and exhausted, so that you can then swoop him up with
your net.
What's So Good About It? (besides
no worms)
With fly fishing you will be able to see all the action, rather than
in the typical picture of fishing, where the fisherman is just sitting
there wondering when and if something may or may not happen mysteriously
under the water.
The fly is very visible on the surface to the fish. You will see the
fish take the fly on the surface. Some fish, though, for example trout,
feed under water so if you see fish rising to the surface, it is time
to use a dry fly.
Most fish can be caught with a fly, but the most common are trout, salmon,
and most game fish. Trout are the most popular in most areas, and you
will find them feeding mostly on small insects in shallow water.
If you are fishing on the coast, salmon fishing with a fly rod can be
a rewarding challenge. Some of these salmon can be 30-40 lbs., and you
will get a strenuous work out running along the beach trying to land these
big beauties.
Some fly fishermen regard fly fishing as the ultimate form of fishing.
Some consider it more environmentally friendly than the other types of
fishing, because it does less harm to the fish.
These same fly fishermen love the techniques involved and are likely
to release the fish afterwards, just having accomplished all they wanted
by winning the game.
Saltwater Fly Fishing Tips
If you are just getting started in saltwater fly-fishing, there are a
few tips that will make your conversion from freshwater easier and more
productive.
Freshwater gear is lighter than may be necessary to fish in a turbulent
offshore breeze, and because of the salt air, you may want to keep the
gear at a low cost.
There are a number of reasons you need to use heavier tackle. One is
because you will need to make longer casts with larger flies in typically
windy conditions.
Another is because when you see that fish, you need to deliver the fly
immediately. This is considerably easier with heavier equipment.
The Saltwater Fishing Rod
A good 10-weight rod is suggested. This is more important than spending
money on the reel, if you can't do both. You can get away with a less
expensive reel, but you get the control you need with the rod.
A lighter rod will flex more when you cast, especially against the wind.
This is the main reason you want a heavier rod for saltwater fishing.
The Saltwater Fishing Reel
Buy a reel made especially for use in saltwater. It will definitely hold
up better in the harsh conditions. Be sure to clean it after each use.
Adequate Fly Lines
More expensive fly lines last longer and perform better than cheaper
lines. You do not want to skimp on lines, or you will be sorry. Keep your
lines clean and dressed with a good line dressing, to ensure top performance.
Technique
Keep direct contact between your rod tip and fly. A marine game fish
quite likely will strike at lightning speed. Every little bit of slack
from the rod to the fly means a greater chance your hook-up will be unsuccessful.
Keep your rod tip pointed toward the water. Don't lift your rod from
the water. Set the hook by stripping the line, and keep the rod pointed
down before lifting it.
Because of the heavy head section, a good caster can achieve at least
80 to 90 feet of distance with only one false cast. The situation may
arise, where an 80 foot cast is not enough for open water fishing, and
a long cast with a shooting head is what is needed to pull this off.
Flies
The best bet is to use flies that look like shrimp, crabs, minnows, worms,
and other small saltwater creatures.
Deep-Sea Fishing
When you are fishing in deep water, it is usually to catch fish that
live or feed near the bottom. Believe it or not, these are some of the
most costly fish if you were buying it at the market. As you probably
can imagine, deep-sea fishing is difficult and can be very strenuous.
Equipment
The equipment used in deep-sea fishing is heavy and more complex than
that of regular fishing.
The fish are usually larger and stronger than average, and therefore
the line must be very strong.
A hand reel is used instead of a pole. The hand reel is attached to the
boat and reels in the line.
The set up of deep-sea fishing equipment starts with the mainline. The
main line attaches to the hand reel and should be long enough to go the
required depth.
Attached to the mainline is the terminal rig. The terminal rig holds
smaller line, called trace lines. These lines hold the hooks and bait.
Some anglers attach a chum bucket to the terminal rig. A chum bucket
contains ground-up bait, called chum. Periodically chum is released to
attract fish.
On the bottom of the line is the sinker. The sinker must be heavy enough
to pull the line to the bottom.
The most important part of deep-sea fishing is the bait. It should be
fresh and securely attached to the hook. One method is to double-hook
the bait through two points with the hook, to prevent it from falling
off.
Types of Deep-Sea Fishing
There are three basic methods of deep-sea fishing - anchoring and chumming,
bottom trolling and trawling. Each way uses a different approach and requires
special skill.
Anchoring and Chumming
Anchoring and chumming relies on the use of a chum bucket. The chum bucket
is the main source of bait. The fisherman anchors in one spot and then
uses the periodic release of chum.
Bottom Trolling
Bottom trolling uses a cannon ball. The cannon ball is dragged around
the bottom, where it stirs up mud and makes noise. This stirs up the fish,
provoking them to bite the bait.
Trawling
Trawling is used to catch many fish at once. A net with weights and wheels
attached to it is used. The net rolls along the bottom and scoops up fish.
Whichever way fishing sounds good to you, I hope the fish you catch are
bigger and more delicious than 'the one that got away' – be sure
to bring your camera for either case.
|