How to Fly Fish – Fly Fishing Tips & Tricks

 How to Use a Fly

Let me now get into the details of how to use a fly.

The first step is to attach the reel to your rod. Remember to follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions. The bottom line is that the reel should slide onto the rod and lock in place.

Now get your fly backing and pull off some 100 feet or less, depending on your spool size and reel weight. The backing and the line should fill the arbor.

The next step is to pull off about 3 feet of the fly line, and then tie the fly line to the fly backing using an Albright knot. Extend the line to some 100 feet and clip it.

After that, tie the backing to the arbor using an arbor knot. Remember to keep the line taut as you spool the backing around the reel.

The end of the fly line should have a loop. Do this using the braid knot. The leader will be attached to the fly line using this loop. You will then find it easy to change leaders as you are busy fishing.

Use a surgeon’s knot to attach the tippet to the leader. The fly is finally attached to the tippet using an improved clinch knot. This completes your setup. Once done you will not have to replace the fly line and backing often. The only piece you may have to change is the leader, which depends on the type of fly you are using.

Fly Fishing Casting Techniques

You are now ready to cast the fly fishing rod and make your first catch. First, let out about three-rod lengths of your line. Firmly grip the handle of the rod with your hand above the reel. Your thumb should go on top while the rest of the fingers wrap around the rod.

Bend your elbow and bring your bass rod and reel combo to the 10 o’clock position. Make the motion swift and steady. Bring it to a stop just before the line completely straightens out.  Now move the rod forward again and let it land on the water surface. I usually repeat this 3-5 times to get more distance.

It’s as easy as that. Do not apply too much force as this may detach the fly from the snippet. While on the surface of the water, move the fly slowly with a pace equal to the water current. Your aim here is to mimic the natural vertebrates as close as possible.

You will now have to wait until a fish strikes. When you think you have a bite, jerk the rod in a quick and steady motion to secure the hook into the mouth of the fish. You can now start reeling the fly line in.

One thing to remember is that the fish are smart. Catching them may at times not be so straightforward. It is very normal to lose a couple of fish before you make the first catch. Continue practicing until you become familiar with the fly fishing casting techniques.