Before you start panicking, this is not as big an undertaking as you might think. They are certainly been an overwhelming amount of information published about saltwater fly fishing and accessories. This can be confusing to someone who has never picked up a fly rod. However, just as with any other type of fishing fly fishing can be simple, or it can be complicated. It really does depend on what you wish to make of it. Getting started does not have to involve huge amounts of knowledge or equipment. In fact, you will quickly discover that there is no need to spend your life savings on equipment that will help you put a fish in your boat. Here are some of the basic equipment needs that will help you get started.

Naturally, the first thing you will need is a decent fly rod. Anything lighter than the seven weight rod is not a good investment. In fact, it is typically recommended that eight or nine weight is the perfect place to start for your average saltwater fish. This includes Northeast fish like bluefish and striped bass. You will find that for the most part, rod lengths are about 9 feet. These offer the leverage that anglers need to cast the line with little effort and they are easy to handle. A good quality rod should not cost you more than $100 at most tackle shops.

The next most important piece of equipment that you will need is a good reel to match your rod. The good news is the confusion is easy to wade through. Since reels and fishing rods are rated the same, and an eight weight reel will match up with an eight weight rod. If you plan on using your fishing rod primarily in salt water settings, a large, arbor reel is typically a best choice. The benefits of these include wider deepest pools that allow you the room that you need for a couple of hundred yards a fly line backing, as well as your fly line. This additional line is necessary in the event that you hook a large fish that make a long run. This type of fly reel system can be purchased for well under $100.

The next part of your tackle should be fly line and backing. There is no need to use expensive lines in the beginning. Your line weight should match your fishing rod and reel, and it is preferable that you go with a floating weight forward line. You will not need sinking lines until much later. The majority of your spool should be filled with the fly line backing before the fly line is attached. The best fishing line for this is Dacron, typically weighted for 20 to 30 pound test. It would be prudent to ask a tackle shop that has line winding equipment to put the appropriate amount of backing onto your reel and then attach the fly line to the backing.

Finally, you will need leaders and flies. The best leaders are made from monofilament of fluorocarbon line. This piece of line should be the same length as your rod, and should be attached to your fly line before you tie on your fly. Your local retailer will be more than happy to make recommendations the leader sizes and this will depend on the type of fish that you are going after. Tapered leaders allow for unfurling at the end of the cast.

Talk to others who fish locally for deciding which type of flies to use. As a general rule of thumb, a small selection of surface flies and streamers are usually sufficient. For those just starting out, the employees in a local tackle shop can provide this information. After you have been fishing a few times, you will start to figure out what works best for you.

Brother-in-law Joe, taught me how to fly fish and gave me a few pointers when I was purchasing my first fly rod, reel and fly line. I think the most important thing he told me at that time was to match my rod and fly line weight.

I didn’t really understand why he wanted me to match the weights, I just did what he told me and soon understood why.

The fly rod I purchased was a 7 1/2 foot – 8 weight rod, which was 30 years ago and I am still using that same fly rod. As a matter of fact I was still using the same fly reel that I purchased at that time, even though I just bought a brand new fly reel.

Investing in a good, well matched fly fishing rod, reel and fly line will make for more enjoyable fly fishing.

I have always been able to out cast my fly fishing buddies and always thought it was because I was better at casting a fly when in reality it was due to matching my fly rod and fly line.

It wasn’t until I switched fly rods with one of my fishing buddies. Both of us noticed right away that my buddy made the best casts of his life using my old and worn fly rod and I was having trouble matching my normal cast.

That was when I started asking him about the fly line he used and what weight it was.

The next time we went fly fishing for Atlantic salmon I had already forgotten about switching rod, but he didn’t and had gone out to buy new fly line that matched the weight of his fly rod and my days of out casting him were pretty much over.

I am sure he went for at least 10 years without ever matching his fly line to his rod and I never thought about it either, I just did it because Joe told I needed to. I’ll guarantee that he will never made that mistake again.

Balance is where it’s at when it comes to fly fishing. I even have my fly reel matched to my fly rod so that when I hold it in my hand to cast and open my fingers that rod stays there, balanced perfectly on my fingers.

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My granddad worked for the railroad here and had a great edge on most fly fishers. He could just jump on a train and they would stop anywhere along their route to let him off for a day of fishing. All he had to do was stand by the tracks again when he wanted to be picked up to go home. Pretty cool fly fishing.

Formerly anglers and rod makers could draw fine distinctions between male and female Calcutta and Tonkin ” canes,” but under present conditions good Calcutta is very rare and the word ” Calcutta ” is becoming merely a trade term. Good bamboo of all kinds is more difficult to obtain and a good piece of Tonkin is better than an indifferent one of Calcutta. Male Calcutta, however, is supposed to be superior to either the female or Tonkin. The cheapest split cane is known as steel vine or African cane. It is light colored and makes up into good, inexpensive bamboo fly fishing rods.

Six Strip and 8 Strip Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods

We assume that you know that bamboo is split and then glued together in order to utilize the hard outer enamel and reduce the diameter of the pieces. Some rods are made of bamboo split into six sections and some in eight (octagonal) but the six strip construction is more often used. Some makers claim that the eight strip, being more nearly a true cylinder, possesses better action but this seems to be more theoretical than practical, while the tiny tips of an eight strip rod are likely to be ” soft” due to the comparative amount of glue necessary to hold the pieces together. Eight strip rods cost more than the six strip and if the angler wants a round bamboo fly fishing rod they are preferable to the six strip planed down as planing certainly must injure a rod. As a general rule a well-made six strip rod leaves little to be desired.

Special Feature Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods

A novelty in bamboo fly fishing rod making is what is known as the ” double built ” rods which are made of two layers of split and glued bamboo, one within the other. They are heavier and strong, and it is claimed, hold their shape better, than ordinary rods and are popular for sea and salmon fishing but unnecessary, I believe, in single hand fly rods. An English innovation is the steel center rod which consists of a fine piece of well-tempered steel running as a core through sections of regular split bamboo. The makers claim this construction gives a rod of superior casting power with only of an ounce added weight. Friends who possess rods of this kind are enthusiastic admirers of this construction for heavy fishing.

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A species generally encountered in the northern fresh waters of the globe, pike is a favorite catch for many hobbyists, myself included, although here in New Brunswick we have Chain Pickerel instead of the Northern pike, but they are still a lot of fun.

The maximum length one pike can reach is 1.83 meters and its weight can go up to 35 kilograms, whereas the chain pickerel is smaller it’s still a power house when it comes to fighting.

Many people who are taking up fly fishing as a sport and hobby just have to give pike fishing on the fly a try. Before concerning themselves about what flies and accessories to use, it is good to find out about the eating habits specific to the species so you can match the hatch as they say, or give them an artificial fly that looks like what they feed on.

Usually I use artificial flies inspired from this toothy monster of the shallows’ diet which covers just about anything that moves, above, on or below the water surface.

Pike feast on shoal fish and they sometimes prey on their smaller kin. They also love insects and amphibians and would not say no to mice or moles or even ducklings if they are really hungry. You could almost just tie a feather or two on a hook and they will still pounce on it.

Flies That Attract Pike

I love using top water flies. I tie them to look like mice, frogs  or small birds. It can make casting a little tougher but once you get that strike the almosts rips the fly rod from your hands it’s all worth the effort.

Of course I catch pike and pickerel on flies that are just regular trout flies but I enjoy using the big bad flies, even if my arm is worn out by noon.

I also use my Atlantic salmon flies. They look just like minnows and pike and pickerel just can’t seem to turn down a free meal or two.

What it really comes down to, when fly fishing pike, is to have something to throw at them and then look out because you’re in for some great fun.

The Atlantic salmon is the reason I live in New Brunswick Canada, but don’t tell my wife that please. Back in about 1974 I was introduced to fly fishing by my sister’s husband and from that moment on it was all about the fly rod and Atlantic salmon.

My wife doesn’t fish so she doesn’t really understand the draw fishing has on me but she is good about it and even goes with me sometimes, just to be with me. Isn’t that sweet.

The fish of 1000 casts is the nickname given to our Atlantic salmon and it’s so true. Yet I have gone a couple of times and hooked a salmon on the very first cast. You just never know what the day will present.

I have a few places I like to go. Into the Renous area when we are going for more than one day at a time and I really like the Cains when I am only able to go for a short fly fishing trip.

I usually have everything ready the night before so that once my work day is done I can hop in the car and be on the water in less than an hour and half. That usually gives me a few of the best fishing hours before a short trip back home again.

I had a great evening on the water with a new fishing buddy Tim, read about on ‘The Joy of Fly Fishing.

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Fishing can be an extremely enjoyable and relaxing adventure.  As long as you have the right tools, the fishing safety knowledge, and a little bit of support from friends or family, you could perform your fishing successfully.

However, the most important (and overlooked) factor is choosing the correct fishing tackle.  You should follow these simple guidelines in the selection of tackles.

You should choose the appropriate fishing flies that you would be using to catch the kind of fish you will be targeting to seize. The basic rule in choosing the kind of fly is to know which is abundant in that actual environment.

Once you have decided which fly you are going to use you can choose the appropriate line for the fly and type of fishing you are planning. The three commonly used tackles are fly-fishing, plug casting and spinning. The difference between the three is that spinning and plug-casting makes use of bait as weight to drag the line from its reel to the target point of your fishing.

Fly lines come in four different types – weight-forward, double taper, shooting-taper and level taper. Within the four different types are numerous variations. However, once you have decided what kind of fishing wish to accomplish and what kind of fish you wish to catch, you will be using only a particular fishing line.

The fishing lines have numbers that rank from one to fifteen. However, the most common among anglers are the lines numbered from three to twelve in weight. As a basic rule for optimum catching, the first thirty feet of your line should be weighted and matched to the rod.

The next thing you should purchase is the rod and reel. Spin-casting gears are the most suitable for beginners as it is easy to operate with the minimum of problems. For any kind of fishing, the recommended spin-casting reel is mounted on a light-action six-foot casting rod and spooled with an eight-pound test line. A good way to save money is to buy the rod and reel as a package. Most professional anglers prefer bait-casting and spinning tackle.

You would need sinkers, hooks and bobbers. A good idea is to buy sinkers and hooks in different styles and sizes, giving you more variety. When selecting bobbers, always keep in mind that the smaller the bobber, the better the performance. The struggling of the fish would depend on the size of your bobber.

Professional anglers prefer artificial lures. The recommended sizes of lures are 1/8 ounce up to ¼ ounce.

Remember that the kind of tackle would depend on the fish you prefer to catch. Avoid buying unnecessary fishing items and enjoy your affordable fishing experience.

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Fly fishing is a relaxing and entertaining sport. However, if you are new to the sport you may be looking for a fly fishing tip or two. You may have looked to a fly fishing video to find a fly fishing tip for your specific need. Even so, you can never read or see enough fly fishing tips before going on your trip.

Cast Into The Wind

Casting into the wind can be a difficult task to master. However, if you learn how to do this, you will be able to catch fish when others are simply blown off of the water. Here is a fly fishing tip on how to do this. If the wind is blowing in your face, many people end up driving the fly rod tip down to generate more energy and line speed. Don’t do this because all you are doing is widening the arc of casting the fly, which means that it will widen the loop and create extra resistance through the air.

You should concentrate to put more force into the cast and having a tighter loop rather than a wider loop that will drag through the air. Make sure that the angle of your loop is making it inches above the water instead of the usual feet above. That way the wind will not have enough time to blow it off of where you want it to go. Do this by rotating your arm ever so slightly at the shoulder, making your elbow move back and up just a little bit.

Lubricate Your Knots

The fly fishing knot is crucial to fly fishing. Without a properly tied knot, you will simply lose your fish. However, your knot will be a lot stronger if you lubricate it before you seat it. Tighten the knot just enough so it will not unravel on its own. Then lubricate the knot by dipping it into the water or with a little bit of saliva. Wrap the line around your finger a few times and keep pulling until you feel the stretch in the line stopping. Voila! You now have a perfectly tied, and perfectly tight, fly fishing knot.

Wear A Wading Belt

While the first two tips will improve your fly fishing, this third fly fishing tip may save your life. People die every year fly fishing when they slip and fall or get pulled into deeper waters and do not have a wading belt. This belt will prevent water from getting into your waders and dragging you down. So before you head out, make sure that you have belted your waders with a wading belt.

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As fly fishing rods today are made of many different types of material, and come in varying degrees of stiffness and in various rod lengths, choosing a fly fishing rod today can get quite confusing for the novice. The fly fishing rod is one of the most important items of fly fishing equipment, so buying the correct rod is essential. The oldest and most basic fly fishing rod is the traditional bamboo fly rod. A bamboo fly fishing rod may look aesthetically pleasing, but these bamboo rods are more expensive and heavier than the modern fly fishing rod.

1. Rod Materials

Fly fishing rod are manufactured using the following materials:

• Fiberglass – Commonly used in the less expensive fly rods. These rods are generally used more by beginners, and fiberglass rods are normally more durable than graphite rods. You can use these fly rods for most types of fishing.
• Graphite – More expensive than fiberglass rods. Rods made of graphite have greater fighting power than fiberglass. Graphite fly fishing rods are lighter than fiberglass rods, and are easier to cast more accurately. Beginner and expert anglers can use these fly fishing rods.

2. Rod Action

Rod action is the amount of stiffness in the rod, and how much the rod will flex when you are casting or are fighting a fish. The action of a fly rod can categorized as:

• Slow-Action – These rods have the most bend or flexibility. These fly rods can be difficult for beginner anglers to learn to control, but these rods have more accuracy when it comes to short-range casting. Use these fly fishing rods to catch light fish.
• Medium-Action -These rods bend in the middle of the rod and at the rod tip. Rods in this category are suitable for the novice angler. These fly fishing rods can be used for both short-range and long-range casting.
• Fast-Action – Beginners find these rods difficult to handle. These rods are quite stiff, and can only flex near the tip of the rod. You can cast longer distances with these rods, and can also handle the bigger fish. These rods do not have the casting accuracy of slow-action rods.

3. Rod Weight

The weight of the fly fishing rod you choose should match the weight of the fly line you intend using. This is not the actual weight of the fly rod itself, but an indication of the fly line weight that the rod has been designed to use most effectively. Fly line weights are categorized 1 to 15, and you choose your fly line weight according to the fish you intend catching:

• 1 to 3 Weight – Small trout and other small fish using small flies.
• 4 weight – Small to medium sized trout and other similar sized fish with small to medium flies.
• 5 or 6 Weight – Medium sized trout, small bass and other similar sized fish using small to large flies.
• 7 or 8 Weight – Large trout and bass. Large flies and streamers can be used.
• 9 Weight and Above – Steelhead, salmon, and saltwater fish with saltwater flies.

4. Rod Length

The length of a fly rod determines the action of the rod. Shorter fly fishing rods have a slower action than longer fly rods, but they are better suited to fly fishing in tight confined spaces than longer fly fishing rods. Fly fishing rod length can be categorized as:

• Short (less than 8 feet) – Use in tight fishing situations where bush, trees or stream size restrict your movement.
• Medium (8 feet – 9 feet) – Recommended rod length for trout and bass fly fishing. These rods allow you to handle more weight and to cast further.
• Long (longer than 9 feet) – Ideal choice for longer casting and fishing for big-game fish.

Take a look at the fly fishing rod guide for beginners for more information about fly rods, and how to choose a fly fishing rod.

For more information about the sport of fly fishing, take a look at the news feed for Fly Fishing Elite (Feedraider.com).

The correct use of a fly fishing rod is to make it build up momentum in the fly fishing line and in addition use a rod that helps to control the distance as well as direction of the fly line. The fly fishing rod is also used to fight off fish after they have been caught but are trying to escape and so you will do well to ensure that you pick a rod that is strong and also of the proper size, especially in relation to the kind of fish you plan on catching. Whether you plan on catching a nine inch brook trout or an eighty pound tarpon you have to pick the right fly fishing rod which in turn requires that you choose an appropriate size as well as stiffness in the rod.

Variety Of Lengths And Sizes Of Fly Fishing Rod

The modern fly fishing rod is characterized by the fact that it is available in a variety of lengths as well as sizes with the latter aspect being governed by the weight of the fly line. So, if you want to purchase a five weight fly fishing rod you will find that the ideal rod to be one that is designed to facilitate the right weight of the fly line which in this case means using a five weight fly line while a ten weight rod works best when a ten weight fly line is used.

In essence, varying fly line weights should match the fly fishing rod’s stiffness as well as load characteristics and as the size of the road increases the size too becomes larger so as to accommodate the bigger line weights. It is therefore safe to assume that a heavy fly line will require that the fly fishing rod is stiffer that in turn will ensure a better and more accurate cast. The only thing is that even with identical weight categories, the rod can have various ‘actions’ or flex profiles.

This ‘action’ will give you insights about the stiffness of rod as well as recovery speed and it indicates that rod will flex at certain points. It is quite common to find some rods having very stiff properties near the grip while the tips will be more flexible.

If you want to experience true relaxation when fly fishing then you will do well to pick up a bamboo fly fishing rod. Not only are such fly fishing rods old school and timeless beauties but you are also assured that with these kind of rods you are sure of enjoying the most laid back fishing experience ever.

Fly fishing is recognized as one of the oldest kinds of fishing ever to be used by man in order to earn his meal. Initially it applied mainly to catch trout or salmon, but nowadays, it is also a basic technique of catching marine fish as well as bass, carp, pike and lots of other types of fish species. The term actually is derived from the word fly that refers to the fisherman’s lure regularly made of a hook decorated to look like an insect for the purpose of getting fish to bite.

Fly Fishing Tackle

The gear necessary for fly fishing are referred to as tackle, only that, when you want to be as specific as possible about the type of tools you need to add the word fly; so there you have fly tackle. The structure includes the artificial flies, the fly line and the fly rod. For an improved cast, the line should be a bit heavier than other line varieties. Moreover, the artificial flies are produced in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors, for the purpose of luring one sort of fish in particular.  You can purchase wholesale fly fishing gear at many sporting goods stores online.

In general terms the materials the lures are made of include hair, feathers, fur and other fabrics that provides the insect look required for the fly to pass as bait. Each fishing location demands a certain type of artificial fly that will resemble insects living in the area where your desired types of fish inhabit. Hence, the fly fishing methods used in one region may not work in another.

Categories of Fly Fishing Lures

According to another fly classification, they can be attractive or imitative. The imitative artificial lures look like real insects while the attractive ones simply resort to color or reflection of light in order to attract fish without necessarily imitating fish prey. And yet another classification splits the artificial lures into dry models (imitating grasshoppers, dragonflies, etc. which float on-water), sub-surface designs that are just like pupae or larvae and wet kinds very much like leeches and minnows.   Whichever classification you use, learning the basic fly fishing knots will aid you in attaching your fly to the line.

The Distinction Between Fly Fishing And Other Fishing Types

The distinction between fly fishing and non-fly fishing is that the former relies on the use of the line weight and its cast range for the propulsion of the bait in the water. On the other hand the non-fly fishing types, rather uses the lure weight rather than the line; as this variable makes it possible for the fly to get into deeper waters when the line is pulled down from the reel.  These differences will necessitate the fly fisherman to master fly fishing casting tricks to make sure that the fly actually lands in the area of water that is desired.

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