Fly Fishing Featured Article

Fly fishing: Catching Fish On The Water As Well As Underwater

Fly fishing has been known to fishermen from ancient times and, was used in angling mostly to catch trout as well as salmon; though now-a-days it is used in many different ways to catch gamefish species such as pike, bass, panfish as well as carp. Fly fishing is also used to catch saltwater marine species like the redfish, tarpon, bonefish, snook as also striped bass.

Different Methods

The fly fishing method used to catch fish requires artificial flies to be cast with a fly fishing rod along with a fly line that is heavy enough to let the fly reach its intended target and, it does not matter that the flies used are weightless. For fly fishing, the flies are tied with the help of artificial materials that match in size and color the local insects that help to attract fish. In addition, the fly fishing rods are much longer and lighter than other types of fishing rods and, the fly lines too are heavier than standard fishing lines and, there are some that need to float while others need to sink.

Fly fishing can be either wet or dry and, dry fishing requires the flies to float on the surface of the water and, flies used for this kind of fly fishing are known as dry flies and, they may look like a grasshopper or other insects that attract fish. Wet flies are used to lure fish beneath the surface of the water and are supposed to look like a submerged aquatic creature or an insect that has drowned.

In the US, freshwater fly fishing is very popular and the greatest number of fly fishermen can be found towards the northern parts of the country as well as in Canada. The method employed is to use a long rod that is also light in weight and try out one of several different casts that can be chosen according to the fish that one wishes to catch. The favorite cast would be the forward cast in which the angler whisks the fly into the air and behind and above the shoulder till the line is almost straight and, then forward with the help of the forearm, mostly.

Sometimes the cast may require that the fly not land on the water and this kind of cast is known as ‘false casting’ and, has different usages such as paying out lines, drying a soaked fly or, repositioning a cast. There are casts that include roll cast, the single as well as double haul cast, the tuck cast as also the side or curve cast. Depending on the type of fly and style of fishing, the fly may either float or sink and, presenting the fly is the most difficult aspect of fly fishing because anglers are attempting to cast in order to land the lines smoothly on the surface of the water and, the fly needs to look as natural as possible. Fly fishing is an interesting and novel method of catching different types of fish that has kept fishermen busy over the ages.


Filed under Alaska Fly Fishing, Canada Fly Fishing, Colorado Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing Equipment, Fly Fishing For Bass, Fly Fishing Guide, Fly Fishing Main, Fly Fishing Schools, Fly Fishing Shop, Fly Fishing Tackle, Fly Fishing Vacation, Montana Fly Fishing, Saltwater Fly Fishing, Trout Fly Fishing by Fly Fishing

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October 26, 2009

Saltwater Fly Fishing Gear – A Guide for Novices

Saltwater Fly Rod – Sage Xi2 Fly Rod

Saltwater fly fishing gear is heavier than freshwater fly fishing gear for two main reasons. Firstly, saltwater fish species are generally larger than freshwater fish species, and you will need stronger rods, reels and lines to catch these fish species. Secondly, saltwater fly fishing requires longer casting with larger flies, and normally there is some wind to deal with. You cannot cast very far in windy conditions with a light fly rod using a light fly line. This guide covers the essential saltwater fly fishing gear for saltwater fly fishing, which is the saltwater fly rod, fly reel and fly line.

Saltwater Fly Rod

Your most important item of saltwater fly fishing gear is the saltwater fly rod. Normally for freshwater fly fishing, a 3 weight to a 7 weight fly rod is used. A 7-weight fly rod is normally the lightest fly rod used for saltwater fly fishing, and the heaviest fly rod used for saltwater fly fishing is a 16-weight fly fishing rod. Your saltwater fly rod weight must be selected according to the saltwater species of fish that you want to catch. You might use a 8 weight rod to catch Bonefish, and use a 13 weight rod to catch sailfish such as Marlin. For saltwater fly fishing, look to buy a specialized saltwater fly rod, specifically designed for saltwater fly fishing.

A good saltwater fly rod will have a fast action, and will generally be quite stiff. A fast action rod allows you to cast further in windy conditions and makes it easier to land larger saltwater fish species. Saltwater fly rods should have guides that will not rust, normally stainless steel. Because of the additional punishment of saltwater fly fishing, the guides should be extra strong on s saltwater fly rod. A good saltwater fly rod will have a padded fighting butt which will provide more comfort when fishing for extended periods of time. The saltwater fly rod that is rated as one of the best all-around saltwater fly rods is the excellent Sage Xi2 saltwater fly rod.

Saltwater Fly Reel

A saltwater fly reel is an essential item of saltwater fly fishing gear, and is more important for saltwater fly fishing than for freshwater fly fishing. A saltwater fly reel needs to be better quality than a freshwater fly reel. It is important that you buy a saltwater fly reel made of components that are saltwater resistant, so the reel will not rust. It is also important that the saltwater fly reel has a very good drag system and sufficient line capacity for your backing, fly line, and your leader. As saltwater fish species normally run further with your line once caught, 100 to 300 yards of backing is normal.

Saltwater Fly Line

The saltwater fly line most commonly used for saltwater fly fishing is a floating line, which is used to catch fish near the water’s surface. Sometimes an intermediate line is used, which sinks slowly. A sinking line or a sink-tip line can also be used to catch fish at deeper levels. The preferred taper for a saltwater fly line is a weight forward line – this allows you to cast further in the windy conditions encountered at sea. The fly line weight used normally matches the fly rod weight, but sometimes a slightly heavier line weight is used, especially in windy conditions.

 

For more information about saltwater fly fishing gear, take a look at the Feedage.com” href=”http://www.feedage.com/feeds/3969972/fly-fishing-elite”>Fly Fishing Elite news feed at Feedage.com.

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October 11, 2009

The Challenge of Peacock Bass Fishing

a target=”_blank” href=”http://beginnerflyfishing.net/Peacock_Bass_Fishing.html”>Peacock bass fishing is quite possibly the most exciting freshwater fishing. The peacock bass, originally from South America, are well known for the fighting abilities and have desimated many a fisherman’s gear. 

The peacock bass fishing began when this species of bass was intentionally put into the freshwaters of Florida by fish and game officials to help rid their waters of fish such as the Oscar, Midas cichlid, and the spotted tilapia. Due to the warm water conditions in particular areas of Florida, the butterfly peacock bass have flourished. These tropical fish cannot survive in lower water temperatures.

After first being introduced into the freshwaters of Florida in 1984 by fish and game officials to help eradicate the waterways of other more invasive fish, they are now flourishing.  This is due to the warm water conditions in particular areas of Florida.  Being a tropical fish, the peacock bass, cannot tolerate lower water temperatures.

The exciting sport of peacock bass fishing can be done in several parts of the US, but many sport fisherman plan a once in a lifetime trip to the Amazon to catch the peacock bass in their natural habitat. This type of trip also offers a chance to experience the area’s unique culture and landscape. They can also be located in the waters of Columbia, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Panama, and tropical islands of the U.S.

The peacock bass can be hooked by fly fishing, artificial or live bait fishing.  They prefer live bait and can be located during daylight hours.   It is recommended to use a fly rod with 5 or 6 weight depending on where you are fishing.  Good reels, high quality line with fast action rods and sharp hooks to penetrate quickly are necessary.  Fly fishing equipment can be provided by the guide if preferred.  A good pair of Polaroid glasses will allow you to spot these beautiful fish as they hit. The fierce and powerful peacock bass guarantees the thrill of an exciting fishing battle. Each day will provide an angler with a chance hooking up to 10 or 20 of these fish and bagging at least one 15 pounder.  

To ensure a memorable and productive peacock bass fishing trip contact one of the many experienced local guides in Florida. Also consider a trip to the Amazon for a really unforgettable experience. There are many sites online, read the testimonials or get a referral from a friend or fellow fisherman.

To ensure a memorable and productive peacock bass fly fishing trip contact one of the many travel agencies specializing in international fishing vacations.  There are many fishing sites online with information and testimonials. The thrill of hooking up to the gladiator of sport fishing, the peacock bass, will provide memories to last a lifetime.

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