References to the techniques of Fly Fishing go back thousands of years. The first mentions
of using artificial flies to catch fish are attributed to at least the 2nd century AD, when
the technique was descibed by the Roman Claudius Aelianus, who described the practices of
Macedonian anglers on the Astraeus River.
Of course, in those times, Fly Fishing was used as a method of catching food. While that
can certainly still be said today, the primary emphasis has now turned to Fly Fishing as a
sport. As a sport, not only can Fly Fishing be addictive, but it is satisfying and
relaxing, and certainly enjoyable. It can also be a real test of your skills.
Fly Fishing is a form of angling that is quite distinct from other forms of fishing. In Fly
Fishing you use artifical flies for lures. These flies are made out of materials such as
hair, fur and feathers, and they are meant to mimic the natural food sources of the fish. A
significant part of the sport of Fly Fishing is in creating these lures, called Fly Tying. The
flys are usually made of natural materials, as opposed to the artificial materials normally
found in other types of fishing lures.
These lures (flies) are connected to a fishing rod and reel by an unusually heavy fishing
line. Unlike other forms of fishing, The weight of the line, not the lure, or a sinker, is what carries
the lure into the water. Then, by using specific, and often exacting, casting moves, the
line, and hence, the fly can be made to move in a fashion that mimics a bug on the water.
The rod and reel used are very lightweight in nature to further enhance the ability of the
fisherman to control the movements of the fly.
Much, if not Most Fly Fishing is done in rivers and streams. The angler will stand in the
water at the edges of the stream while constantly casting his lure into the water. Yes,
unlike some other forms of fishing, Fly Fishing is a participant sport. Unlike those other
forms of fishing, in Fly Fishing, the casting is constant. You put the fly out in the water
and then draw it back several times so that the fish thinks the fly is landing on the water
and then taking off again. By mimicing the movement of a fly or insect on top of the water,
the fish will think (hopefully) that it is biting on a real insect.
Traditionally, Fly Fishing was used to catch Trout and Salmon, however, the methods are now
employed to catch various other varieties of fish including Pike, Bass, panfish and carp.
In addition, the technique is now used for many Salt water fish varieties, including even
larger game such as Tuna, Marlin, and even Sharks. However, most Fly Fishing is still done
in fresh water. Fresh water fishing can be further broken down into cold water species,
such as Trout, Salmon and Steelhead, and warm water species, most notably Bass.
This website intends to offer as much information about Fly Fishing as it can. Many of the
specific topics that need to be addressed in the sport are the arts of fly tying, and
casting, the types of gear needed, and places to fish.
