Try These 5 Simple Fly Fishing Tips
By Debbie Hanson
May 13, 2016
Looking for a few fly fishing tips that will keep the learning process simple and fun? Find out what to remember and where to go for fly fishing success.
By applying a few simple fly fishing tips, you just might fall in love with fly fishing. Fly fishing is an extremely rewarding type of fishing that can be exciting and fun. While casting a nearly weightless fly does require casting techniques that are different from other forms of fishing, there are some simple fly fishing tips that can make it quicker and easier to learn.
2. Use only fly rods. If you really want to learn how to fly fish, and want to keep improving at it, you will learn much faster if you leave your spinning reels or baitcasters at home. This way, you won't be tempted to switch methods if the fish aren't taking your flies right away. One of the best parts of fly fishing is learning to have the patience and awareness it takes to figure out what you need to change about your presentation of the fly.
3. Keep your fly casting arm elbow tucked in. If you consider your fly rod angle and elbow position, you will find that the easiest way to achieve a longer and more fluid cast is to start with the elbow of your casting arm close to your body.
4. Pause firm and high. For those of you who are accustomed to fishing with spinning reels, it will be important for you to remember to make this firm stop so that the energy that is stored in the line is effectively released at the end of each stroke.
5. Start with small fish in small waters. One of the best ways to work on your technique and learn how to set the hook when you get a strike is to get practice by casting from shore into a local pond or stream for bass or panfish using a popping bug. Once you get enough experience catching small fish in small waterways using your new fly rod, you can "graduate" on up to larger rivers, lakes, or saltwater bays.
Still have more questions after reading these fly fishing tips? You can find the answers to the most common fly fishing questions, and learn basic fly fishing terminology by checking the Fly Fishing FAQ page.
Fly Fishing Tips
1. Invest in a few fly casting lessons from a professional instructor who can give you advice about the best type of equipment while teaching you about proper casting mechanics. It is much easier to learn how to cast using good form and technique from the beginning than it is to have to unlearn a bad habit or technique. Fly casting lessons are a simple, easy way to learn how to fly fish.2. Use only fly rods. If you really want to learn how to fly fish, and want to keep improving at it, you will learn much faster if you leave your spinning reels or baitcasters at home. This way, you won't be tempted to switch methods if the fish aren't taking your flies right away. One of the best parts of fly fishing is learning to have the patience and awareness it takes to figure out what you need to change about your presentation of the fly.
3. Keep your fly casting arm elbow tucked in. If you consider your fly rod angle and elbow position, you will find that the easiest way to achieve a longer and more fluid cast is to start with the elbow of your casting arm close to your body.
4. Pause firm and high. For those of you who are accustomed to fishing with spinning reels, it will be important for you to remember to make this firm stop so that the energy that is stored in the line is effectively released at the end of each stroke.
5. Start with small fish in small waters. One of the best ways to work on your technique and learn how to set the hook when you get a strike is to get practice by casting from shore into a local pond or stream for bass or panfish using a popping bug. Once you get enough experience catching small fish in small waterways using your new fly rod, you can "graduate" on up to larger rivers, lakes, or saltwater bays.
Still have more questions after reading these fly fishing tips? You can find the answers to the most common fly fishing questions, and learn basic fly fishing terminology by checking the Fly Fishing FAQ page.
Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.
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