Beginner’s Guide to Fly-Fishing: Must-Have Tips, Gear, and Safety Information
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To determine the best type of fly to use, consult with a local fishing shop or fishing expert. They’ll know what works best in your area, and for the type of fish you’re after. Flies can be purchased with either barbed or barbless hooks. We prefer barbless, but both have their sets of pros and cons. While inexpensive, we recommend you stay away from these.
Children under 12 should be exempt from this, but it’s always worth double-checking with your local fisheries department. They will also state the exact cost of a license and any exceptions such as times and areas when you would not need a license. For more information about the gear you will need when fly fishing, check out Redington’s useful guide. Last, but not least, chances are you will want to purchase a pair of waders if you don’t already have them.
It has to look as natural as possible, while still having the necessary force and balance to be propelled far. This is a real balancing act, and it is this fundamental process that forms much of the beginner’s essential practice in casting a line. A common mistake of the beginner is to point their rod where they want the fly to end up. If you ever have wondered where we like to go fly fishing check out our article on the top 25 places to go fly fishing in the US here. All that history is well and good, but you might well be wondering why you would want to go fly fishing in the first place.
Therefore, working with a local fly shop, guide service or lodge is always the most reliable way to set yourself up for success on the water. In summer months, tailwaters — rivers downstream of a dam — can continue to fish well, especially if the dam is a bottom-release dam. These structures release cold water from the bottom of the reservoir, keeping the water temperatures conducive to trout feeding regardless of season. Rivers like the White River in Arkansas, the Bighorn in Montana and the Farmington in Connecticut are treasured by anglers and produce record-challenging catches nearly every year. Matthew Bernhardt, a third-generation Coloradan, grew up at the forefront of the state’s fly-fishing revolution, enjoying time on the water, side by side with experienced guides and lifelong anglers.
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I would recommend going in that order of taking a class first before hiring a guide. I did not do that, and about half of our half-day together was spent teaching me the ropes and practicing in a pond, which likely could have all been accomplished beforehand. You don’t want to be wading into those waters on your own — literally or metaphorically. Once you can determine the right fly to use, there are a couple different acceptable knots for attaching that fly to your line, but the “improved clinch knot” seems to a favorite among a lot of experts.
Regardless, pack it with plenty of ice and at least a few Bell’s Two Hearted IPAs. As the beers get consumed there’ll be more room for your catch. They tend to hang out in calmer stretches of water where they can observe bugs drifting by and decide when and what to eat. Look for eddies , riffles, and deep banks where fish are protected but also have access to a snack. Obviously, if you spot feeding fish, that’s a good place to try.
If you’re setting out for colder waters, waders are helpful. A 9-foot rod in a weight of #5 to #8 will work for just about any type of fly fishing, outside of deep sea searches for swordfish. Getting started with fly fishing requires a beginner to procure some specialized tackle, gear, and clothing. In addition to all the “stuff,” there’s some important skills to acquire. You can get these from an experienced angler willing to teach you, or by taking classes. It will also require some home study; and backyard practice can certainly make the learning curve easier and more enjoyable.
And be mindful of your shadow while fishing — it can spook your potential catch. Essentially, flies are split between those that float and those that sink. The former, dry flies, resemble bugs that sit on top of the water, like mayflies and caddisflies.
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