When Fishing Is Fly …

For many, fishing means fly fishing. A serious fly fisherman spends years devoting himself or herself to “the art of presenting the fly” to the fish. Done well, casting the fly is a gracious and beautiful sport. The simplicity of the action belies the complexity of the process and, when it all comes together, fly fishing done well is a bit like the subtlety of an Oriental painting – less is more and the effort never shows.

If you ever saw A River Runs Through It, you’ll know what I mean. But this doesn’t mean you have to be a master to enjoy the art … or to teach it to a child. Here’s a few tips to keep in mind:

Cast Away – Casting is like cracking a bullwhip in slow motion. Use more of an arm motion, back and forth, and not so much wrist. Since the lure is almost weightless by comparison to the line, you cast the line, not the fly. If you’re a novice, practice casting in your back yard, using the line without a fly. Cast at various distances and be sure to cast to specific spots.

Gear Up – It is crucial to select a suitable fly rod because there are 12 different weights of rods: A No. 1 weight is very light and for small fish. Nos. 5 through 7 weights are medium rods, and 9 through 12 weights are for long casts, large flies and very large fish. Ask your local tackle shop about the best combination for the type of fishing you have in mind. Staff there can also be a good resource for places to fish, what type of flies to use, and all your other equipment questions.