September 2008 - The Parklander Magazine

OUTDOORS
The Lure of Fly Fishing
By Robert Loewendick
CREDIT: ROBERT LOEWENDICK
Fly fishing has been regarded as the method for gentlemen to catch trout,
for decades. It is a way, of sorts, for the privileged to participate in the
outdoor world at a level above the rest. Books, movies and other publications
of old portrayed this idea to the public, and helped cement this image for the
uninformed. Of course, fly fishing may intimidate some, the casting of line
to and fro, an artful display of rod and reel control that appears to be only for
the highly skilled. Well that view of fly fishing has been wiped away for
many and many more will soon follow. The population of fly fishers
continues to grow, rich and poor, old and young, male and female, athletes
and physically challenged, the fly fishing nation is growing.
Young children are being taught to cast fly lines as are breast cancer
surviving women, who use fly casting as physical and mental therapy. As
with any form of angling, it’s all about presentation: the angler putting an
offering in front of the gamefish species he or she is pursuing. It doesn’t
matter if the end of the line has a hook smothered in worms or a feathercovered
hook representing an insect. They both take a bit of practice and
understanding.This is no more or less true for fly fishing.
At a recent fly fishing demonstration, I overheard a young father tell his
son, “That’s how you fish for trout.” Yes, trout can be caught on a fly and
trout will likely be thought of in the same thought as fly fishing forever.
But, fly fishing is the preferred angling method for many species of gamefish.
Panfish slurping up a fly floating on a pond surface can provide hours
of good, quality angling action. Panfishing with a fly is also the ideal
scenario to begin a fly fishing career. The basics of casting, fly selection,
and technique is easily learned on a quiet pond.The lessons learned will be
repeated for years to come, while pursuing a diverse range of gamefish
species, both fresh and salt water.
The primary difference between “regular” fishing and fly fishing is casting
the lure. With a spinning reel and matching rod, a weighted lure or weight
added to the line propels the lure to the target when casted. A fly rod is used
to cast the line, in many sizes and tapered shapes, with fly attached, to the
target instead of a heavy lure or added weight. The nearly weightless fly is
simply along for the ride as the fly line is the “weight” that carries the combo
to the target. A 5-weight rod and fly reel combo fits many fishing situations
– it’s also perfect for learning to fly cast.
Choosing which fly to use for which species can be confusing at first glance,
but they are only members of fly classes. These are the basics of fly design
and intents: dry flies – floats on
top of water; wet flies – fished
underwater; streamers – represents
baitfish and other aquatic
life such as crayfish; and, terrestrials
– imitations of spiders, bees,
ants, and other non-water
dwellers. Understand what the
gamefish species you’re fishing
for prefers to eat, and then simply
tie on a fly that imitates such.
Fly fishing welcomes all without any boundaries.
It’s a fun and affordable way to enjoy
fishing for many species of gamefish.
Many useful tools and gadgets dangle from a fly fisher’s vest, which
may appear like a doctor’s surgical kit. Again, keep it simple. A pair of
forceps will hold flies while tying, remove flies from a fish’s mouth, and
reshape bent hooks. The other tool to have is a clipper, similar to
fingernail clippers (which works) to cut lines and trim knots. A stroll
through the aisles of a fly shop will reveal thousands of goodies, but
inform the clerk your just starting and want only the necessities. Don’t be
bashful, ask plenty of questions. As with any sport, much money can be
spent on gear, but it’s not necessary. A nice, beginner’s outfit can be had
for less than $100.
After you get that new fly rod and reel home, tie on a small piece of
brightly colored yarn as a fly and practice casting. Attached to the end of
the fly line is a tapered leader, or there will be as soon as you tie a leader on
the line. Your equipment dealer will advise you what leader you need to
match your fly line. Begin casting without bending your wrist. Keep your
forearm and wrist as one and bend your elbow, forward and back. Looking
up at the fly rod tip, on the forward cast, stop at 11:00, and the back cast,
stop at 1:00. Wait in between each forward and back cast for the line to
straighten out before going the other way.
Learning to cast and other details can be had by talking with other fly fishers.
There are schools available, but they may be a bit pricey. Ask your local fly
shop manager if there are any fly fishing clubs in the area, which are a
goldmine of learning and camaraderie. Hundreds of new books are on
shelves each year that provide easy to understand instruction to the
wonderful world of fly fishing.As soon as you set foot in the fly fishing world,
you’ll soon realize the aged myths of fly fishing are only that, just myths.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to pick up a fly rod and join the fun.
100 SEPTEMBER 2008
Robert Loewendick is an award-winning freelance outdoor/sports writer. E-
mail him at loewendick@theparklander.com.