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Posts Tagged ‘Fly Fishing’

Difficulty Catching That First Trout? Don’t Give Up!

September 9th, 2010

I took up fly fishing some four years ago. I had always been a keen fisherman, mostly course fishing on rivers, but I wanted a change. I was getting bored for some reason, and as I get older feel less inclined to sit and wait for hours on end!

Fly fishing had always interested me, but I (wrongly) considered that it was a rich man’s game and that I couldn’t afford it. However, on visiting a local trout fishery which consists of two lakes, I found this was not the case.

I also found the lakes to be stunningly beautiful, and this, I believe, is important and the basis for my first tip:

1. Find somewhere that is pleasant to visit as a fishing venue.

Starting fly fishing can be frustrating at first as you master casting and the various types of flies etc. It may take a few visits before you make your first catch, but if you actually enjoy the venue it makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable, even if you spend some of your time untangling your line!

You can also get very frustrated if you are finding casting difficult.

Tip 2. Get yourself some lessons in casting.

Casting a fly line is completely different to any other type of casting. It’s not hard, but technique is everything. Bad casting can ruin your pleasure and even put you off altogether.

Once my casting had improved I found my general confidence improved too. After all, if you at least feel that you are casting correctly you won’t feel out of place amongst other fishers! Despite the improved level of my confidence, I still hadn’t caught a fish though.

Tip 3. Ask and listen!

One of the most important things you can do when learning to fly fish is to talk to other fishers. If you see someone catch a fish, go over to them and ask about their catch. Everyone is pleased when they catch, so just ask what sort of fly they were using and what sort of level in the water the fish seem to be lying.

This way you can learn what methods they use and try them for yourself.

This leads me to my fourth tip:

Tip 4. Persevere

Because I enjoyed the natural beauty of the fishery, I kept going which I might not have done if it was just a hole in the ground, which, let’s face it, some fisheries are.

By trying different things, changing fly, fishing depth or presentation, we increase our chances of catching, so:

Tip 5. Change the way you do things.

What I mean is this, by doing things differently you can reap big rewards. For example, most people think they have to cast out as far as possible to reach the fish, and a long cast is definitely an advantage for that reason. However, the opposite is also true. Instead of casting out to where everyone else casts, try fishing close in along the bank. This has paid dividends for me in the past as very few people fish close in.

My first trout was caught on a floating line with a short leader and a bright orange fritz fly. No problem with that, except that it was a freezing cold day, very overcast and dark, conditions which anyone will tell you suit a sinking line and long leader, and a dark fly!

Never be afraid to be different in your fly fishing methods, as this can pay huge dividends.

Zac has been a keen fly fisherman for many years, and enjoys passing on tips and techniques. When taking up fly fishing Zac recommends buying fly fishing combos. The great thing about fly fishing combos is that you get all the main elements, rod, line and reel at a discounted price.




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A Lesson In Fly Fishing For Trout

September 9th, 2010

Having fished all my life, I wanted to try something different, so a few years ago I took up fly fishing. Never the most patient person in the world, I wanted a version of fishing where I didn’t have to sit and wait for hours on end!

I visited a trout fishery to take a look. Larkwood in Suffolk, England is a very pretty private fishery with two 2 acre lakes. The water is quite deep, 18 feet in places and the banks have trees and undergrowth making fishing a bit of a challenge.

I also found the lakes to be stunningly beautiful, and this, I believe, is important and the basis for my first tip:

1. Fish somewhere pleasant.

When I started fly fishing, I never thought I’d catch anything. I had been several times and always enjoyed it, probably because of tip 1 above.

You can also get very frustrated if you are finding casting difficult.

Tip 2. Have some fly casting lessons.

Even if you have been a lifelong fisher, casting a fly is almost the opposite of any sort of casting you have done before. It’s fairly easy to get to grips with, but if you are serious about taking up this type of fishing it’s a very good idea to have some casting lessons. That way you know what you should be doing, even if it takes a little time to get it right!

I had some lessons, (2) and they were invaluable, so even though it took me some time to catch my first trout, all the time my casting was improving, which added to my confidence. I also recommend my third tip:

Tip 3. Talk to the other fishermen.

Most fly fishers are friendly sorts. If you see someone catching a fish, go and talk to them and ask them what sort of fly they are using and at what depth they caught the fish. People are only too happy to talk about their success!

Catching fish often depends on us just listening to others.

One thing you must never do though is:

Tip 4. Persevere

Perseverance is probably the single most important quality you need. Fish are fickle creatures. One day they will go mad for a certain type of fly, and the next day they are just not interested!

Once you have mastered the basics you can then:

Tip 5. Try something different.

Never be afraid to do things differently. Buy books and videos, increase your knowledge, then add your own twist if you can.

One of the biggest trout I have caught was caught when I was fishing close into the bank. I was also going against conventional wisdom in using a bright orange fly on a very dark and overcast day.

Never be afraid to be different in your fly fishing methods, as this can pay huge dividends.

You do not require large quantities of gear and kit to begin fly fishing, but you want to buy the best you can afford. A good way to save money is to have a look at fly fishing combos, where you can by the basics together at a reduced price. Visit www.flyfishingcombosdeals.com.

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Fly Fishing - Don’t Give Up!

September 6th, 2010

The night had been long, dark and cold. Morning broke a cold winter grey with a heavy overnight frost lighting up the dark depths of the trees. The wind blew cold against my face as I got out of the car and tackled up.

The water of the lake I was about to fish looked dark and cold, and there was no movement on the water whatsoever, just a gentle riffle form the light but icy northerly breeze.

Fly fishing was still new to me then, having come from course fishing, I had only taken it up some two months previously.

Fly fishing had always appealed to me, but I had been put off by its “elitist” image and high cost.

Sure, if you want to fish the premiere rivers and lakes of the world, it will cost you money, but I was surprised both by the charming people I met and the low entry cost of getting into the sport, typified by my first exploratory visit a couple of months previously.

I met the fishery manager and asked if it was ok to take a walk around. It was there that I met an elderly gentleman, George, whose enthusiasm for fly fishing was infectious.

Charlie was not rich, but had been fly fishing a long while.

He instantly blew my stereotype image of a typical, snobbish fly fisherman out of the water, as did the others I met.

The manager of the fishery was equally helpful, giving me the inside information on the best places to fish.

This is so important when visiting a new water. Just be polite and friendly and gain all the local knowledge you can.

Going back to the morning I arrived to fish I still had yet to catch my first fish. This was probably due to the fact that my casting was still improving, as was my understanding of the whole fly fishing sport.

I settled at the far end of the deeper of the two lakes, 18 feet in places, with the light breeze blowing into my face.

Not having much casting experience, I was using a floating line with an 8 foot leader and Bloody Butcher fly.

With no sign of any fish on the surface as you would expect on a dark winters day, I went with a “Bloody Butcher” fly, being dark but with a flash of silver and red colours.

To this day I still find an intermediate or sinking line more difficult to cast, so I use a floating line with a very long leader attached.

There were three of us fishing the lake that morning. After about an hour and a half I started to find casting difficult. The line just did not seem to want to shoot.

It was then I noticed that the water was turning to ice in the rings, and preventing the line from shooting!

By now I was also freezing cold and about to pack up, but I first decided to do something different. I broke the rules. I put on an orange fritz.

With my very first cast I caught my very first trout!

Trout can be very picky as to what fly they will take. Being a weekend, I returned the next day to the same spot full of hope, and duly cast out my orange fritz, but to no avail!

Trout are fickle!

Fly fishing is an exciting sport, and you do not need a lot of gear, which can be expensive. However, you can save money with fly fishing combos. This gives you all the basic gear at a discount, visit www.flyfishingcombosdeals.com. This article, Fly Fishing - Don’t Give Up! is available for free reprint.

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Fly Fishing Flies As Your Bait

September 5th, 2010

Fly fishing is really a well-liked activity not just in America as it truly is gaining popularity in other areas today. This is a various procedure of fishing due to the fact it makes use of angling and also a cast to catch a fish. This leisure activity is open for everyone to find out. No one is excluded but you just need to understand and study the skills nicely to turn out to be successful in catching fish.

The standard method of catching is with the use of a rod and also a reel. It truly is important to opt for the appropriate kind of rod for this type of fishing. Much better ask from a store that sells discount fly fishing rods so they could assist you in picking. Rods used are different in the regular types considering that they may be thinner and taller.

A reel is also important. It is best to inquire through the shop proprietor or sales associate on the kind that’s utilized in fly fishing. Buying cheap fly fishing gear, which involves the rod along with the reel is very best if you are still a newbie and would not want to spend a lot on your primary try out.

Flies may also be extremely important in fly fishing, hence, the name. As opposed to utilizing worms like in saltwater fishing, a fly is utilised as bait. It can be gently attached on the tackle. You can find certain tactics that one can learn fly fishing.

To make sure you’ve fine bait, buy fly fishing flies in shops that retailer them in the secure box due to the fact they are delicate creatures. It ought to also be dry because wet boxes might disrupt the typical look of the fly, so, making it less alluring towards fishes.

Unlike worms, flies are also really light. So if you attach them on the tackle, you must be extra watchful so they won’t lose their shape. To save your self from emergency circumstances such as accidentally crushing the flies, bring along extra flies which means you probably will not be restricted as you go on fly fishing. Stores that promote cheap fishing gear could also sell bait, so try to buy fly fishing flies there.

The rod, reel and bait are essential when it comes to fly fishing. Discount fly fishing rods might be ordered ahead of time in situations which you may possibly break your very first rod in your attempt at this activity. Even though it might not be simple through the initial attempt, when you get a hold of fly fishing, you might be addicted to it for sure.

Through practice and experience, you may turn into greater on this technique of fishing. Beyond finding out the fundamentals, you also have got to absorb and fully grasp the lessons that you just find out together while using the encounter. When you still have the need or wish to understand much more, you’ll be able to employ a guide with you or even test a fly fishing course. The subsequent factor you know, you might be previously an expert within this distinctive method of fishing.

To enjoy fly fishing, choose and buy fly fishing flies. Plus, discover useful facts about the equipment and discount fly fishing rods.

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Wet fly fishing

August 27th, 2010

The Post-Gazette’s Outdoors Editor John Hayes talks with Dave Allbaugh of Wet Fly Waterguides, about wet fly fishing.

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Some Tips For Fly Fishing Beginners

August 24th, 2010

Fishing is a sport that demands patience in all it’s various forms. I find that some more specialist areas, such as carp fishing, can reap huge rewards given the size these fish can grow to, but require a lot of patience.

It can be a long time until that buzzer starts screaming that you have a fish on the line, so I have not done very much of this type of fishing, preferring a more general approach.

This is because if I wasn’t catching fish, I would just move along the river until I did! That way I was always moving and never bored or sitting still.

Fly fishing is really what it’s all about, for me at least.

I had never fly fished before as I thought it was a bit complicated.

Tip 1. Fly fishing is not complicated nor the preserve of the rich.

I found that buying all the kit was no more expensive than if I wanted to take up general course fishing for example. Obviously one can spend a fortune in both forms of fishing, but for a good, solid kit to start wth I was surprised how inexpensive it was.

Tip 2. Buy a combo.

Fly fishing combos are usually a set of rod, line and reel, often with a few flies as well, and these often represent the best value when buying your first fly fishing outfit.

Tip 3. Don’t buy cheap.

Fly fishing combos come in a range from cheap to expensive. In fact most manufacturers at all price points offer some sort of combination at a discounted price.

However, don’t buy on price. Do some research, after all, you want a rod that you can cast well, and as it is the rod, and not you, that provides the power in the cast, the type of rod is very important.

Tip 4. Don’t complicate things!

After making your initial purpose of rod, reel and line, (and a few flies - a reasonable selection is often included), you will need a landing net, a priest, some monofilament and a pair of good quality nail clippers (for cutting lengths of monofilament). just about completes what you need.

Tip 5. Wear the correct clothing.

You don’t need to cover yourself with cammo clothing (although it is quite useful), but a simple fly fishing vest is a worthwhile investment. They generally have sufficient pockets to carry all you need without a cumbersome bag. Polarised glasses are also a good idea, some form of eye protection is essential, and often insisted on by fishery managers.

Tip 6. Don’t Stay In One Place.

Some people will fish in the same spot all day, even if they are not catching. With fly fishing, it’s important to “cover” the water in front of you by fishing to the left, right and centre, and at different depths, (you do that by counting off in seconds to give the fly time to sink, unless you are dry fly fishing). but if after, say half an hour, you have had no response at all, move to a different area.

Tip 7. It’s not just about distance.

I was once given a fantastic tip by someone I regarded (and still do) as an expert fly fisher. He told me never to ignore the margins. Indeed I have caught some of my bigger fish close into the bank. So if it takes time for you to cast a good distance, don’t worry, practice by casting along the bank - your cast will improve and you’ll be fishing water often left untouched by others, with a great chance of catching.

Tip 8. Get some teaching!

I have watched many people getting into all sorts of problems casting. If you don’t understand the principles and have someone show you how to do it properly, you may find that you get frustrated and give up. Casting a fly line is very satisfying - watching the line flow out effortlessly in front of you, but the line falling on the ground behind you, or getting in a tangle is very annoying. A couple of lessons is all it takes.

Zac has been a enthusiastic fly fisher for a few years, and understands the importance of having the proper gear, and at the same time enjoys fishing without having to take large amounts of kit. Atfly fishing combos you will find a great deal of information and fantastic deals on fly fishing combos.

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Understanding Basics Of Fly Fishing

August 22nd, 2010

One of the most commonly shared hobby among adults, especially in a region where there are abundant of water bed such as rivers and sea is fishing. It is also weird if you have not met anyone who is crazy about fishing; this just goes to show how prevalent this hobby really is. A variation of this fishing is called fly fishing, and they are fundamentally the same as fishing.

Some might pass on the chance of learning fly fishing, because the common perception is that it is just too difficult and too much of a hassle to learn, however fly fishing is deadly simple, and by understanding some basics of fly fishing, one is already equipped enough to actually head down to the water and start fishing. As such, this article will talk about some of the basics involved.

The very first thing you need to pay attention to is the fishing rods used in both these form of fishing, where normal fishing you can find lighter rod, fly fishing rods are usually heavier, taller and thinner. This is especially true if the rods are being used in seawater fishing as the fishes there are generally bigger.

You will also find a difference between a normal fishing reel and a fly fishing reel, as such when you are out purchasing your own fly fishing reel, be sure to understand the difference from the sales person before you pay for anything.

Fishing lines used in fly fishing are also different from your normal fishing; they are generally bigger and are more visible than those used in normal fishing. The weight of these lines can also vary and some are heavier, this is because different fishes require a different set of fishing lines. Some lines will float and some will sink, therefore you want to spend some time understanding what works best for certain type of fishes.

Majority of the people in fly fishing will agree that artificial lures are being favored over living lures, and these artificial lures are usually being tied to the end of a tippet, which is essentially just a monofilament line tied at the end of the fishing line. Try to understand what insects grow in that particular region before you decide on your lure, as that can help trick fishes into thinking that it is real food.

Looking to change the layout within your own office and home? Find out how to use glass pantry doors to do just that! Find more shopping tips on various types of commercial glass doors here!

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Atlantic Salmon Fishing on the St. Mary’s River

August 15th, 2010

This video contains underwater footage of Atlantic Salmon in the St. Mary’s River in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This footage was captured by Lake Superior State University’s Aquatic Research Lab (www.lssu.edu/arl) in September of 2008. For more information about the St. Mary’s River, Sault Ste. Marie, or the fishing opportunities on the St. Mary’s River, contact Captain Travis White at the St. Mary’s Guide Company (www.whitesguidedfishing.com).

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Northwest Wyoming Fly Fishing

August 12th, 2010

Jack’s Secret Wyoming Get a fresh look at secret spots on the waters throughout Wyoming with world renowned fly fishing guru Jack Dennis. The coach of the US Fly Fishing Team and famous Jackson Hole based outfitter is never at a loss for words and he’ll always keep your interest in these short video segments that are fast-paced and entertainingly vivid portraits of fishing Jack’s favorite place on earth.

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Casting The Fly Fishing Rod

July 30th, 2010

Fly fishing varies quite a bit from the other forms of fishing.

It’s important that you choose the right fly fishing rod, as this is the piece of equipment that is the most crucial to your success.

With the other forms of fishing, whilst technique is very important, it is a little different in that the more power you can physically put into the cast, the further your bait will go. When taking up fly fishing, this can be a problem.

Casting a fly line is all about technique. With no weights fitted to the line as in other forms of rod fishing, it is all about using the fky fishing rod in the correct manner to get the line to travel through the air.

The first stage of casting a fly line is the “back cast”. It is common for people when first starting to cast the line back and then cast the line forward almost immediately. This often results in the line going nowhere and landing on the ground beside them.

A correct back cast involves stopping the rod in the vertical position, whilst at the same time stopping the line with your free hand. What this does is “load” the rod. In other words, the line, when stopped, will pull the rod backwards. It is vital that one waits a second or so until one can feel the rod has loaded, before moving the rod forward and at the same time releasing the line.

This allows the line to flow freely through the rod rings, the impetus caused by the springing action of the rod. The temptation is to back cast violently and with the rod ending 90 degrees to the ground, then throwing the line forward as in a bait or spin fishing cast.

If the back cast is not done properly and the rod is allowed to travel back further than the vertical, there is then insufficient power stored in the rod for the forward cast, and the result is usually a tangle!

Casting also invloves what is termed “false casting”. This is where several casts are made without the line landing on the water.

The experts suggest that you do not want to use more than three false casts. This is really down to the individual, but putting too much line into the air can result in a loss of control.

Relaxing and casting smoothly, remembering to pause at the top of the back cast are the keys to successful fly line casting.

Zac has been a steady fly fisherman for many years, and loves to pass on tips and techniques. When taking up fly fishing Zac recommends buying fly fishing combos. The great thing about fly fishing combos is that you buy all the main elements, rod, line and reel at a discounted price.

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