FLY FISHING IS MORE THAN HOOK AND FEATHERS

Watching a line cut through the misty, predawn, this ground pounder enjoys the serenity becoming one with nature. The line snakes ever further out over the water landing on the surface. With a splash, a fish devours the small batch of glue, feathers, string and hook.

Time was when ground pounders looked askance at anyone who fished with a fly rod. They were seen as elitist snobs who more properly belonged in the northeastern states on a trout stream. There was a mystique attached to the sport. It had its own jargon. After all, what the heck is a "tippet"? What kind of self respecting ground pounder would call his lure a "woolly bugger"?

Fly fishing has become mainstream. Not only is it enjoyed by anglers across the country, it is used to catch all species of fish. Fly fishing is probably the fastest growing segment of angling. Specialty shops are springing up and classes are taught all year around in schools, ponds and tackle shops. They teach everything from fly tying to actual fishing techniques.

In a pro shop, one can find people anxious to teach the novice about the sport for two main reasons. One is that they love the sport and want others to enjoy it. The second is that they depend upon anglers purchasing tackle for their livelihood. Their future depends upon the continued growth of the sport.

The shop operator can explain and demonstrate equipment. He can cut through some of the jargon and tell you what a "tippet" really is and what is its use. He will even show you a "woolly bugger". It is the pro's job to take some of the intimidation out of beginning in a new sport.

Helpful in getting started are the kits marketed by some of the mainstream tackle manufacturers. A kit comes with rod, reel, line, etc. The tackle is usually matched to each other and to a particular species of fish.

There are four basic areas of tackle to be approached: the rod, the reel, lines, and lures. In addition, it would be a good idea to take some instruction, read books and magazines, or view a couple of videos. Check local tackle shops for a fly fishing section. With the right equipment and a little practice, one can quickly get into the sport.

Fly rods come in different weights and are marked on the rod with numbers from 1 to 13. They run in lengths from 6.5 feet to 9 feet. The longer ones are usually for casting large wind resistant lures with heavier line. Shorter rods are for fishing small streams. Beginners are probably better off with the middle size of 6 or 7 which are good for bass and bluegill. Most beginning anglers are well advised to stick to a rod that is made of fiberglass rather than some of the other materials that cost more. A glass rod will allow one to cast medium size bass bugs as well as small panfish lures.

Every rod needs a reel to go with it. The reel in fly fishing has nothing to do with the casting. It is a simple, single action, line holder. The spool is usually about 3/4 inches wide with a friction built in so that the line does not roll off without some pull by the angler. The weight of a reel should balance the rod. It should also match the species one plans to catch. For bass and panfish the reel will only help keep the kinks out of the fly line. For larger fish a different reel with drag is advisable. A quality reel is a lifetime investment that can be passed on to other generations. The angler should purchase the best reel that he can afford.

Modern fly lines are of many types and weights. They are matched to the fish the angler plans to pursue. The best all around line for the beginner is the floating line. It works for bass and bluegill as well as dry flies. Later one can graduate to the floating line with sinking tips, slow sinking and fast sinking liens which are used to put lies at different depths for fish such as northern pike, catfish, and walleye.

Fly lines are tapered toward the leader end and there is only about 30 yards on the average line. For bass bug casting, one uses weight forward line. The extra weight at the forward end of the line helps push bugs or flies. Most good rods will have the size and type of line that is recommended for that particular rod written on them.

At the end of the line is the leader which is usually about 6 to 7 feet in length. Most are tapered to a small size at the tippet. Knotless tapered leaders are easiest to handle. Tippet strength is marked by an "X" number. 2X or 3X are good numbers.

Then there is the lure to consider. Begin with small bass surface bugs in plastic, cork, or deer hair for panfishing. Little sinking bugs can be used for bluegills. Number 10 or 12 are good sizes in dry, wet or nymph flies. Number 6, 8, or 10 are good for streamers which are supposed to look like minnows to the fish. As for colors, choose black and browns or grays and white.

In addition to pro shops, there are numerous sporting goods stores that have fly fishing sections. Fly fishing equipment is also available from the major mail order companies such as Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops.

Finally, one can learn on his own by doing. There are many local lakes, rivers or ponds that lend themselves to fly fishing.


                                                        Don Gasaway - The Ground Pounder