subject: Discovering All About Fly Fishing [print this page] Around the world, an angling renaissance is underway, and people are getting to know all about fly fishing through networks of passionate hobbyists. Throughout history, people from almost every culture have turned to the sport for entertainment, nourishment and excitement. Time has brought changes to fly fishing through technological development and practice.
The idea behind fly fishing is to attract fish by setting "flies" out. These flies mimic the movements an insect would make on the surface of the water. Feathers and animal fur were often employed to construct flies. Horse hair and silk are indicative of some of the earlier materials used for lines, while rods depended mostly on the vegetation available in a given region. The goal was to find light materials that would help create the illusion of the fly being a live insect.
Modern science has provided anglers with a larger set of tools, often made using synthetics like plastic and metal. The range of rods, reels, lines and flies can overwhelm a beginner, but the easiest way to begin is to start out cheaply. Once you have some experience under your belt, you will have a better idea of what equipment you value most, which will make the decision much simpler.
Movies and TV shows have given most of us the idea that fly fishing is restricted to casting onto the surface of a river. The fisherman moves his rod back and forth to maintain the fly on the surface, attracting fish. While these shows have helped popularize the sport to some extent, the reality is much more diverse.
This stereotype comes from people who use dry flies, which are meant to lightly flicker on the surface of the water. Over time, however, people developed wet flies as well, which attract fish swimming and foraging on the bottom of a body of water. As trout, one of the most commonly fished species, often feed deeper in a stream, wet flies have become popular in many parts of the world. Imitating leeches and other river creatures, these flies open up new possibilities for anglers.
Wet flies are also useful for saltwater fishing. This requires special equipment that can handle the generally larger fish found in the seas. More importantly, equipment for use in saltwater must be resistant to the effects of high salt content, which can corrode parts and impair proper functioning. Moreover, users have to properly maintain their gear, making sure to rinse everything thoroughly after use.
The internet has brought the whole world closer and opened up exotic locales for tourism and leisure activities. Online, a number of outfitters bring England, North America, New Zealand and Australia into the realm of the possible. Beginners and old hands alike will find tours to fit their needs and goals.
Learning all about fly fishing these days is easier than ever. Experienced veterans have a veritable library of knowledge about the sport and newcomers will find tips and advice easy to come by. Regardless of skill and experience, though, fly fishing gives everyone the chance to get out and enjoy nature.
