10 Things You Need to Know About Fly Fishing
1. Although you can fly fish for just about any fish that swims, fly fishing is a particularly effective method for catching trout.
2. Fly fishing is as much about the relaxing beautiful experience of being close to nature as it is about catching fish.
3. Essential fly fishing gear includes: waterproof waders, wading boots, a good hat, polarized sunglasses, fly rod, leader and flies. You’ll also need clippers, zinger, hemostat, nail knot tool, fly floatant, extra leaders.
4. Spotting fish is easier when you look for their shadow, and when you wear polarized sunglasses that remove glare from the water.
5. Know a good fly shop. Snooty attitudes, judgmental questions, and seemingly intentional jargon designed to go over your head is NOT the name of the game. Lose these folks. A good shop will ask questions to help put you on fish as quick as possible with the right flies, at the right times, on the right water. They are friendly and can speak to all levels of skill....and want you to have fun. This can make the entire trip.
6. Know the weather. There’s nothing worse than expecting a warm afternoon only to leave covered in falling snow.
7. Leader size: a 5X leader is a good starting point because it will work for most trout and similar-size fish, and also works for most flies.
8. Leader length: Nine foot leaders are the standard.
9. Fly casting methods vary and change depending on the environment in which you're fishing. Saltwater often needs further casts than freshwater, and conditions can determine the cast since action of the fly in wind or current can attract/deter fish.
10. No amount of reading online can really teach you all you need to know about how to fly fish. Find a mentor or instructor to get out on the water with you.
Fish on!