How to Fly Fish

QUICK GUIDE

The fly angler uses a rod longer and lighter than those used for bait and spin fishing. Fly fishing rods can be 3 m (10 ft) long in freshwater fishing and 4 m (14 ft) long for saltwater fishing. The average freshwater rod is around 8 to 9 feet in length.

To cast a fly, the angler whisks the fly rod forward and back using the wrist, forearm and upper arm. Generally, the rod is moved from the 10 o'clock position to the 2 o'clock position without letting the line touch the water or ground. During this movement the angler pays out line. The movement continues until a considerable amount of line is airborne. The angler then casts the line to a specific spot with a sharp but smooth snap of the wrist.

Casts are made to likely fishing spots such as pools and pockets in streams. The fly is allowed to touch the water and either float or sink, depending on the type of fly. This presentation of the fly onto the water is one of fly-fishing's most difficult aspects, because the angler is attempting to cast in such a way that the line lands smoothly on the water's surface and the fly appears as natural as possible.

After several moments the angler withdraws the fly by pulling a small portion of line then lifting the tip of the rod. The angler then makes another presentation. If a fish strikes, the angler pulls in line while raising the rod tip. This sets the hook in the fish's mouth. Fly fishing in the U.K for trout is either in rivers or lakes. Although the basics are the same, methods and flies vary.