In this episode, of DIY's The Outdoor Zone, we take a look at the art and science of fly-fishing. It's been said that "if fishing is religion, then fly-fishing is high church." This highly refined branch of sport fishing relies on knowledge and precision, and at times seems to encompass an almost Zen-like mastery of craft. But there's no need to be intimidated by the sport of fly-fishing. With the right instruction and equipment, a novice can become a proficient angler in just a short time. This episode is aimed at beginners and teaches some of the fundamentals of the sport. It includes an introduction to fly-fishing equipment, casting basics, fly-tying and some basic fly-fishing techniques.
Fly-Fishing -- Equipment Basics In this segment, host Jeff Wilson learns the basics of fly-fishing equipment from Joe Shedlock, instructor with the Orvis School of Fly-Fishing. With fly-fishing tackle, you can fish for a number of different types of fish -- freshwater or saltwater -- including pike, barracuda, black bass, etc. The instruction in this program focuses on one of the most common types of fish pursued by fly-fishermen: trout. Trout feed mainly on aquatic insects and other invertebrates that can be found in freshwater streams and rivers. The artificial flies used in trout fishing (figure A) are made to resemble the natural sources of food on which trout feed. Here's a brief run-down on fly-fishing equipment and how it's used to attract and catch trout.
- Stream Dymamics: Think of the stream as analogous to a conveyor belt with materials -- including potential trout food -- moving along in one direction. Some of the materials float along the surface, some move along the bottom, and some drift just below the surface. The type of fly and, to some extent, the type of equipment you'll use should depend on what types of foods the trout are feeding upon at the time that you're fishing. You may use floating flies and floating line when fish are feeding at the surface, or sinking lures and sinking line when they are feeding down below.
- The basic tackle used in fly-fishing includes:
- Flies
- Line
- Leader
- Rod
- Reel
- The leader attaches to the end of the line, and tapers to an ultra-thin tip that is essentially invisible to the fish. The purpose of the leader (figure B) is to extend the presentation of the fly to the fish, allowing the artificial fly to mimic the way the natural food behaves.
- The rod you select will depend on the stream conditions and the size and type of flies you'll be using. When fishing in narrow streams or where there is overhanging vegetation, a shorter rod is more suitable. When fishing from a boat in open water, a longer rod might be preferred.
- Commercially made fly-rods today are typically constructed from graphite and are very lightweight.
- Traditional bamboo rods (figure C) are preferred by some anglers. These may be purchased pre-made or as "blanks" (i.e., bare shafts) that can be custom-fitted with guides and other features according to the preferences of the fisherman (figure D).
- The reel is what stores the line and allows the angler to manage and control the it (figure E). Unlike spin-casting and other forms of fishing in which the lure is thrown with a single cast, in fly-fishing the angler manually pulls the line from the reel -- gradually and incrementally -- as the fly is presented.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fly Fishing
ISBN: 0028629531
Author: Michael D. Shook
Fly Fishing & Fly Tying magazine
The online version of the fly-fishing magazine, Fly Fishing & Fly Tying .
Web site: www.flyfishing-and-flytying.co.uk
The American Museum of Fly Fishing
Web site: www.amff.com
The Complete Book of Fly Fishing
Author: Tom McNally and Tom Beecham
Catch and Release Association
The Catch & Release Association is an organization dedicated to promote the practice of Catch & Release fishing as a Sport, helping insure the future of the sport fishing industry.
Catch and Release Association
Website: www.thecatchandrelease.com/
Catch and Release Foundation
The Catch & Release Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of sport fishing throughout North America. The Foundation serves to advise, educate and develop support for the research and management of programs designed to conserve and improve our aquatic resources.
Web site: www.catchandreleasefound.org
Catch and Release Foundation
Website: www.catchandreleasefound.org/
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area
Web site:
www.smithgallwoods.com
-or-
ngeorgia.com/parks/smithgall.html
GUESTS :
Joe Shedlock
Orvis Company
1711 Blue Hills Drive
Roanoke, VA 24012-8613
Tollfree Phone: 888-235-9763
Website: www.orvis.com
Joe Shedlock is an instructor with the Orvis School of Fly-Fishing.
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