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What Makes Fly Fishing Special

from: Rob Lore

Fly fishing is a special approach to fishing. Fly fishing is different from bait casting or spin casting because fly fishing uses a weighted line to carry the nearly weightless bait forward when casting. Traditional fishing tackle is designed to have a nearly weightless line carried by weighted bait on the end. Because of this important difference fly fishing has its own gear, equipment and terminology.

Fly fishing also requires some different techniques than traditional fishing. Traditional fishing may involve casting a baited hook and waiting for a fish to bite or casting and retrieving a baited hook. However, fly fishing involves casting repeatedly with brief pauses to allow the fly to float in the current.

Fly fishing rods are different than traditional fishing rods in several ways. Fly fishing rods are longer than most fishing rods with their length frequently between six and nine feet. Some fly fishing rods are even longer than nine feet, particularly those fly fishing rods designed for salmon or steelhead fly fishing.

Fly fishing reels vary from traditional fishing reels as well. Fly fishing actually does not require much use of the reel. Early fly fishing reels were little more than storage space for the line. Fish are not reeled in when caught. The angler strips line with his or her free hand. Many fly fishing reels still are very primitive with designs very similar to those used in the 19th century.

Fly fishing line is quite different from traditional fishing line. While traditional fishing line is made of a clear, monofilament material, fly fishing line is comparatively heavy and translucent. Fly fishing line may be designed to float or to sink depending on the style of fishing it is intended for. Fly fishing line also may be tapered or level, again depending on the type of fishing that is planned and the preference of the angler.

Fly fishing line is available in different weights. Heavier fly fishing line can be cast further and has greater wind resistance than lighter fly fishing line. A lighter fly fishing line may provide for more precise casting by an experienced angler. Fly fishing line is normally around 90 feet long but may be attached to a backer to lengthen the overall line available for fish that like to fight.

A leader is attached to the end of the fly fishing line. The fly fishing fly is tied to the end of the leader. The leader is a clear, monofilament line normally between 6 and 15 feet in length. The leader is tapered to a narrower diameter an the end of the line.

Fly fishing is also special because of the variety of fishing opportunities it provides. Fly fishing techniques can be used on streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. Fly fishing works in salt water and fresh water, cold water and warm water. Fly fishing can open up many opportunities to fish new waters because the fly fishing techniques and fly fishing equipment are so adaptable.

The history of fly fishing extends back at least to the second century. Macedonian fishermen successfully used artificial flies on six foot poles to catch fish. Fly fishing popularity increased in 19th century England and Scotland before catching on in the United States.

Fly fishing is a historically interesting, challenging approach to fishing. Fly fishing offers many opportunities and variations to anglers. Fly fishing also includes a nostalgic element that may not be found with other fishing styles.