You probably think that as a sport, fishing is extremely easy and it does not qualify as an activity you need training for before you actually do it. And you are right to some extent. Fishing is not as complex as diving or swimming, for example, but having basic knowledge in the equipment you need and the ways to use is definitely a must if you aim for a pleasant and successful fishing experience.
So, are you going fishing for the first time? Or maybe you have been fishing for some time now? Whichever it may be, a little more knowledge on the topic will definitely not hurt you. Fly fishing is a method of angling for catching fish using an artificial bait. As such, the equipment box for this type of fishing includes a lot more fly fishing products: tackle boxes, nets, waders and a lot of other small baits designed to mimic certain species. Make sure you include these basic fly fishing products in your fishing box and you are ready to hit the shore for some serious fish catching.
The Rod
Obviously, the element without which you cannot go fishing is the fishing rod. For fly fishing, you will need a fishing rod with a certain length which varies from 1.8 meters up to 4 meters and some 0.14 kilograms in weight. Bamboo and split cane are traditionally used for the base of these rods, whereas fiberglass and carbon fiber, as much lighter and stronger materials are the more modern options. Moreover, you can choose a fishing rod depending on the type of fish you plan on fishing; after all, you will need a lot more strength for fishing some types of fish than others, remember that.
Casting Reels
As a part of fly fishing products, casting reels are extremely important for the ultimate fly fishing experience. As opposed to ordinary casting reels, fly casting reels are a little more than just storage devices, especially the modern ones. The modern casting reels of this kind have a mechanical and adjustable drag system which allows fish to run with the bait by using light leader lines.
Fly Line
A fly fishing line would normally be designed to cast a light artificial bait. Modern fly lines are made of synthetic materials which provide some much needed positive characteristics such as buoyancy, weight and strength for the target species. Have in mind that fly fishing requires only short lengths of line.
Artificial Flies
Having artificial flies in your tackle box is what makes the difference between ordinary fishing and fly fishing. The range of artificial flies is very wide since one of their purpose is to mimic the looks of certain bait species in the fishing environment. You will normally find two categories of artificial baits: dry flies which float, and wet flies which are designed to sink. Plus, there are a lot of streamers, poppers and other terrestrial flies designed with perfect resemblance to aquatic insects. What you need to pay attention to here is that each type of fish requires a specific type of bait, so plan for what will you be catching before you actually go fishing.
Last and not least, a few words to conclude: if you want to be successful at this sport, you should definitely be familiar with the basics. Learn some angling tactics before you cast the first line. Study the places where you will be casting, especially the types of fish that can be found there. Prepare your tackle box with the suitable baits and other fly fishing products, and the most important thing: bring enthusiasm and patience with you. After all, fish are living creatures and you cannot expect them to simply serve themselves to you. Go for them.
