Fly fishing is an ancient sport, with records of Romans in 200 AD making use of flies to catch trout and the complete history of fishing in Scotland and England started in the 17th century. The Japanese form of line casting, Tenkara, is traced to the 19th century, but Japanese anglers have been tying flies for many years. American fishing tackle production in the 19th century which evolved from primitive rods with horsehair line that is made by hand through the early line.
The roman historian and traveler who is known as Claudius Aelianus had recorded Macedonian fishermen by making use of the method of fly fishing during the 2nd century. But, historians believe that this technique was around much before that and it was just named by the Roman. The technique of using flies as lures to catch certain types of fish is what gives this technique its name.
What is Fly Fishing?
Fly fishing is a technique of fishing that involves making use of a six-foot fishing pole and a six-foot-long fishing line with a fly at the end of the line on a hook. It’s the fly at the end of the line that gives this technique its name.
The Fly
Fishermen typically make an artificial fly out of a hook with some clay and the wings of a flying insect. Nowadays, these men have learned to make more classy flies for their sport. The flies today can be from the most simple to the mechanical lures. Some fishermen have made flies out of the synthetic materials such as colored plastic and wool. The wings of the fly, made from colored plastic or wool to lure the fish while the way it is built allows the fly to spin in the water while the angler pulls in the reel. This is very successful in luring any fish in the area for a meal.
At first, the fly fishing line was made out of horse’s hair and then with the invention of silk, the fishing line was made from silk. Although, the line still needs to be opened and dried every time. Then nylon took the place of silk and is still used today. Although this was a profession in the 2nd century and it has become an elite and leading sport over the years. This sport of fly fishing is very popular in America and Europe. People invest very much in fly fishing equipment which includes boats and paying for fly fishing trips to distant parts of the world.
Things You Must Know About Fly Fishing
The popularity of fly fishing has been what many people like and it’s growing day by day. Anyone can now participate in fly fishing sports regardless of their abilities or differences, which is why there are many fly fishing lovers today. You also need to understand the techniques as well as equipment required.
A) Fly Fishing Basics
To improve your fly fishing skill, you must go for the proper fly fishing basics course. Once you have the basic skill, you can start to catch fish easily. One of the basic skills that the course will teach you is the reel and rod. The rod used by fly fishers is not the same with the regular rods. They are taller and thinner, each rod is an assured weight. Rods have different sizes and vary from small to large rods. The large rods are usually used in ocean fishing. Choosing the right rods will make your fishing easy.
B) Fishing Flies
For beginners knowing the type of flies and the time of the year they can be productive is very important in succeeding with fly fishing. The fly fishing comes in wide varieties of models and is available in many fishing shops. Once you get the whole thing correctly, you’ll experience greater pleasure as well as success from this amazing sport of fly fishing.
Fly Fishing Destinations
A fishing adventure offers the much-needed peace in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Fly fishing takes you into nature’s tour and helps you relax and revitalize. Location for a trip is not a problem, nature has gifted us many water bodies and fly-fishing can be undertaken in any of them, whether at the stream, river or the bay.
The Following Are Some of the Well-Known Locations for Fly Fishing
1. Chalk Streams of Hampshire, England
The modern fly fishing started at the chalk streams of Hampshire. Till today, the English continue to undertake fly-fishing in the chalk streams. However, since these streams are located on privately owned and managed land, access to the streams is scheduled. Fly fishing in the chalk streams will offer you the authentic fishing experience.
2. Labrador, Canada
The rivers in Labrador in the eastern parts of Canada are home to the native brook trout. The brook trout found in Labrador weigh from 3-8 pounds and are rarely seen in the United States.
3. North and South Islands of New Zealand
New Zealand is a great fly fishing destination and is known for its beautiful topography. The rainbow trout and the brown trout are found in abundance in the clear waters of the islands. New Zealand is known as the center of trout fishing as it offers great fly fishing opportunities to anglers.
4. Patagonia, Argentina
This location is in the southern hemisphere. Therefore, it is a reverse season fly fishing location. The rivers in Argentina are the natural habitat of brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout.
5. Alaska
Alaska is a lovely place and one could say it’s the best of Mother Nature gift to mankind. The waters in Alaska are chilly but full of rainbow trout, salmon and wide range of other prized fish. It’s definitely a preferred destination for fly fishing in America.
The locations given above are some of the fly fishing destinations that are popular and well-known. There are many other fly fishing destinations all around the world and the choice depends on the type of fly fishing you enjoy and your budget.
Celebrities Who Really Get Fly Fishing
Harrison Ford
Another fishing hobbyist is the American actor and film producer, Harrison Ford. Maybe the secret behinds his charming face is sports fishing which includes being out in the sun, loving the sea as well as being with his fishing gears.
Emma Watson
While her character, Hermione, cast some extraordinary spells, Watson cast her lot with Britain’s conversion to charity. This lady ties her always ties her own flies by herself and often donates them to auctions to help raise funds.
Brad Pitt
Hollywood actor Brad Pitt began to fall in love with fishing when he needed to learn the skill for his role as a fly-fisherman in 1992 in a movie called “A River Runs Through It’. From then on, he continues to fish leisurely, taking with him his wife and kids.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods always find time to go fishing whenever he’s not busy with his profession. Actually, he has even got a taste for spearfishing and loves fishing for largemouth bass. No doubt, he’s a sports enthusiast.
Ernest Hemingway
He adopted his father’s outdoor interest which includes hunting, fishing and camping in the wood and lake. But, it’s his personality and continuous pursuit of adventure that shaped him into the man he was. He started fishing when he was 3. He also ventured into sea fishing in his early 30s. He won many organized tournaments and he caught one of the largest Marlins of all times.
Roland Martin
With many years of fishing experience in the water. One of the most celebrated and a decorated fisherman in the history of bass fishing is Roland Martin. He is known as one of the founding fathers of modern bass fishing.
Zane Grey
Zane Grey popularized and contributed to the fly fishing game. He was inducted and received the IGFA’s Hall of Fame for his pursuits and contributions to the recreational fishing world. He has learned the techniques of catching elusive broadbill swordfish. He is a dedicated saltwater angler who spent most of his time in fishing which has made him to triumph and becomes a chain in fly fishing game.
Mike Laconelli
Mike Laconelli is an expert Bass fisherman who won the Bassmaster Classic in 2003. He started fishing at a very young age. In one of his tournaments, the Federation tournament, he broke a record of 19.58 pounds.
John Wilson
He began his show ‘Go Fishing’ in the year 1986 that ran for 18 years. Wilson was inspired by many of his readers and viewers to start and to reawaken their long lost love for fishing. He was recognized as the force behind the restoration of sports fishing in the United Kingdom and was honored with a title as the ‘’Greatest Angler of All Time’’.
5 Keys to Learning How to Fly Fish
1. Begin by Identifying a Particular Type of Fly Fishing
There is a bit of difference between the kinds of skills and gear you’ll need to acquire for fly fishing for saltwater species like bonefish and the type of fly fishing gear and skills you’ll need for brook trout fishing. Somewhere along the way, your interests may take you in several directions, but for now just choose one thing.
2. Adopt a Methodical Approach to Learning to Fly Cast
If you do not wish to spring for any lesson, start by consulting videos, books and internet resources that teach fly casting. Many fly fishermen have learned without taking a lesson. Start in an open area and get the feel for what you’re doing before going near water.
3. Learn all you can about the Species You will Fish
Fly fishing requires a thorough knowledge of the species you are fishing for, as well as what they feed on. This is where you will begin to learn about the flies you will use. It will be an ongoing process for as long as you fly fish. One of the amazing things about fly fishing is that there are several information out there, but you’ll likely observe wonders in ways no one ever has.
4. Keep a Journal
By keeping a journal with locations, dates fish caught, flies used and much more. You can start to observe patterns that are harder to see without a methodical approach. It’s a kind of the idea ‘’you cannot see the forest for the trees” except you occasionally take the time to step back and look.
5. Develop a Relationship with a Fly Shop
Common politeness dictates that when you visit a fly shop and they give you advice like making some kind of a purchase based on the advice. These folks make their living by making their customers happy. There are sometimes where you will make purchases from discount online retailers, but don’t leave your old partners at the fly shop completely out of the loop.
Hopefully, these tips will help you get started with this awesome sport.