Posts Tagged ‘Fishes’
February 9th, 2010 | 
Author: 
You can lose a small fortune buying fly fishing equipment. Ask me how I know. I found that most of the things the experts tell you to buy you don’t really need. Here are the required basics to get started: fly rod, fly reel, floating fly line, pre-made leaders, forceps, nail clippers, flies, fly floatant, and polarized sun glasses. This is it, the bare minimum. No waders, fancy vest, or hardwood framed net is required. It is best to “try before you buy” and if you have a friend who fly fishes ask them if they will take you out some time. Some of the big sporting goods retailers offer beginner fly fishing kits and that can be a good way to go at first. These kits will give you most of the basics I listed above so you can get your line wet asap.
The hardest part about fly fishing instructions is the fly casting. It will take some time to get used to waving that stick on the front lawn before you are ready for the water. Notice I mentioned grass, you want to practice here so you don’t get your fly line all scuffed up. Don’t ask me how I know this. Learning to cast a fly is like swinging a tennis racket while cracking a whip at the same time. Confused yet? Its all about the timing, and after a while you learn the rhythm to the whole thing and it becomes second nature. Its all in the timing of the wrist, and a smooth stroke, that gets your “loop to turn over”. If you are doing this alone you will have to find some goods books or videos on fly casting. This is something you can learn on your own, but if you have friend who can help it will speed up this whole process.
You have your equipment, you know how to fly cast, now let’s start fishing. I am assuming you are stalking trout, as fly fishing is tailor made to catch and release this beautiful creature. Notice how I said release, I am a big fan of catch and release. Anyway, trout mostly eat bugs and other small fish. The most fun type of fly fishing for me is dry fly fishing. With this we will tie a “dry fly” on our leader, apply some floatant, and cast it too our prey. The two hardest skills to master while fishing are sneaking up on the critters so they don’t know you are there, and casting the fly so it looks as life-like as possible. To approach without the fish seeing you usually means fishing upstream, since the trout’s eyes are not on their backside! Walking upstream you will look for a “fishy” spot (you will learn what this mean, it’s easier felt than telt as they say). Then you must cast the fly so that there is no drag at all. Drag is when the leader pulls the fly unnaturally on top of the water, leaving a little wakes in it’s path. For your fly fishing instructions you must learn to cast the fly so that it floats and moves perfectly with the current.
If you’re the type of angler that I am, you where a fishing vest. And if you don’t…..you should. Fishing vests are much more convenient than lugging around a tackle box. Flea flickers have been using fishing vests for years, but my fishing mentor used a fishing vest and he was no flea flicker. I’ve been using a fishing vest for years and I wouldn’t go fly fishing if you paid me. My point is that fishing vests aren’t just for fly fishermen anymore. When you get out on the water, you need to have these 6 things at your disposal.
Hemostats – Hemostats are perfect for removing hooks from a fishes mouth. Especially small hooks. Needle nose pliers will suffice, but hemostats are great. One of the two are imperative for hook removal.
Pocket Lure Holders – I’m referring to the small tackle boxes that will fit in the pockets of the fishing vest. You must have one or two of these small boxes with your favorite lures in said boxes. They are a perfect way to carry lures, such as rooster tails and small spoons.
Extra Hooks and/or Lures – If you’re a bait fisherman, like me, you need to have extra gang hooks with you. And extra single hooks as well (in case you need to tie gang hooks on the fly). You should also have extra’s of your favorite lures and lure colors. You will invariably get snagged and lose whatever color is working best, so you need to have a back-up with you on the water.
Small Flashlight – You should have a small flash light in your fishing vest at all times. You never know when you may need it, and it’s great to have when you’re really in need.
Matches – The bottom line with this one is that you have a way to start a fire, if necessary. It could be a lighter or fire starter rather than matches; you just must have a way to start a fire if needed. Remember to put whatever form of fire starter you choose into a waterproof container.
Retractors – A retractor is used to hold things like nail clippers or hemostats. The item hangs on your vest and you use it as needed. When you are done using the item you simply let it go, and it zips right back into place. Retractors are one of the most convenient gifts that flea flickers have given us. If you’ve never used a retractor, it’s time to get out of the dark ages.
If you have these six things in or on your fishing vest, you should be safe and happy on your next fishing excursion. There are obviously many more items that you can and should have in your fishing vest, but these six, I think, are imperative. These six will definitely have you on your way.
