Introduction To Fly Fishing

Copyright (c) 2008 Mark Inglispersonal preferences. Baitcasting reels: Baitcasting
Over the last 2000 years humans have employedreels have better accuracy and control of the lure than
numerous methods of archery, fishing and hunting inother reels. They are better equipped to handle lines
order to find food. Over that time, fly fishing hasthat are ten or more pounds in weight. The one thing
become seen by many anglers as the essentialto be aware of when using a baitcasting reel is that
method of fishing requiring skill, patience and stealth.they often have the tendency to snarl or fight back
Indeed trout fishing is by far the most rewarding fishingwhen the spool starts to spin faster than the line that is
whether boat fishing or bank fishing. When comparedbeing played out. This is particularly true if you are
to other forms of fishing and the fishing equipmentcasting into the wind.
required at the bank, fly fishing stands out above theTo prevent these backlashes, baitcasting reels have a
rest due to the limited fishing equipment that is needed;magnetic braking feature but you'll want to count more
allowing greater stretches of a river or lake to beon the control of the spool tension, which is a knob that
explored in a session. By employing what is essentiallyis usually located right beside the handles. You'll need to
a fishing lure presented in such a way as to convinceset the spool tension knob for each lure by holding the
the fish it is a living creature worth devouringrod straight and disengaging the spool. Loosen the
encompasses all that relates to the history of archery,tension just until the lure begins to drop down and then
fishing and hunting.tighten the spool just a bit. When you're casting the
Which Rod?reel you'll disengage the spool and then hold it tight with
There are several things that you need to think aboutyour thumb.
when choosing the right type of fly fishing. Every reelWhen you want the lure to move forward you'll simply
and fly fishing rod has a certain function and knowingloosen up on the pressure. After some practice you'll
the function is critical to its success. One of the firstlearn to control the speed of the spool so that you
things that you need to consider is comfort. Is the rodhave better accuracy. Spinning reels: Spinning reels are
that you're using comfortable for you to hold? If you'rereels that have a spool that is stationary. The line is
shorter than about 5'5" you won't want to use a rodspun onto the spool as a device called a "bail" rotates
that is seven feet. Choose a fly fishing rod length thataround it. Spinning reels can be used for any size of
is easy for you to hold and cast for a few hours at aline but more experienced fly fishers will use it for
time. Most of the fly fishing rods on the market todaylightweight lures with a weight less than ten pounds.
are designed to allow you to feel when a fish takesSpinning reels tend to perform a little better than
the bait. The shaft of the fly fishing rod is called abaitcasting reels when you're casting into the wind.
"blank" and when the rod is first manufactured theOne disadvantage of using a spinning reel is that there
blank is made from fiberglass, graphite, or otheris the inevitable twisting of the line which will create
materials. Each of these blanks has an action that istangles and knots. When your line becomes twisted
either: light, medium, medium/heavy, or heavy. Thethe best thing that you can do is replace the line with a
upper portion will also have an action that is either:new one. One way that you can prevent some of
extra light, light, or regular. Both ends of the blank arethese tangles from occurring is by putting the spool into
assembled and the final result is a fishing rod, completea glass of water for about 24 hours before you head
with a handle and guide. No matter what type of rodout to go fishing, giving it a chance to soak. To cast
that you're using, the "action" of the rod will refer to thethe spinning reel, hold the handle of the rod with one
"blank". The action of the rod will have a great deal tohand, making sure that the spinning reel is on the
do with the type of fishing that you're doing.bottom side with your middle finger placed in front of
Now go to your local tackle shop and ask to try out athe "foot" of the reel. Slowly open up the bail and pull
range of rods in order to decide which best suitsthe line behind the first knuckle of your index finger.
yourself. This will be an individual thing and the onlyRelease the line by pulling your index finger into a
way is to try the rods bearing in mind .straight position. You can control how far you cast the
Which Reel?line by letting the line move along your index finger as
Reels - There are three main types of reels that youclose to the spool as possible as the line unwinds.
can choose from when it comes to fly fishing: (1)When you want to stop the line you simply push your
baitcasting reels, (2) spinning reels, and (3) spincastfinger against the lip of the spool.
reels. The reel that you choose will depend your own