What I Like About Fly-Fishing

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By Justin Lee

Fly fishing is so peaceful and the thrill of catching a fish is exhilarating.  Fly fishing allows me to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of the water.   But when my fly is drifting peacefully along and the water explodes–that, primarily, is what I like about fly-fishing!

Fly fishermen can hit the steam with high hopes but at the end of the day even a small fish feels like an accomplishment. In fact, the fight after hooking a fish is an  epic battle between the fish and fisherman.  And many times the crafty fish are able to win.  So when I am able to net a fish my pride soars and I always want to take a picture of it before I release it.

Fly fishing vs. Traditional Fishing

I have spent my fair share of time fishing with traditional methods.  And I must confess it can be awesome too.  But catching a 14 ounce bluegill on 10 pound test line does not require a ton of skill.  What I like about fly-fishing is the the challenge of casting tiny flies and light lines. 

Nature itself can choose to work against you.  Sometimes the wind can wreak havoc on the best of casts.  Or the fish can break the line since the line is so light.  But that is the beauty.  It is nature vs anglers.  Either of which can win on any given day.

When fly-fishing a small fish can fight as hard as larger fish.  Seeing that fly rod bend over with any fish gets the heart pumping!  Learn to appreciate the catch no matter what.  Anytime a fish takes a fly it is a victory.

Fly rod set-up

The fly rod is such an essential part of fly fishing.  It’s lightweight and flexible, allowing for precise and delicate casts. Casting a fly rod is smooth and beautiful when executed correctly.  Another thing I like about fly-fishing is the feel of a perfectly balanced fly rod in my hands.  

I would love to tell you that my casting is worthy of being in the movie, “A River Runs Through It”.  Sometimes they are and then sometimes they aren’t.  But I try not to let it bother me.  I love to celebrate the good ones and still feel satisfied if my ugliest cast delivers a fly to the fish.  I have seen many inexperienced fly fishermen get frustrated.  

We all do.  But whenever I have the opportunity to visit with them I explain that casting is always evolving for all of us.  Do your best and if the fly is getting out there then fish it where it lands.  You never know what might happen.  The worst thing you can do is compare yourself to other fly fishermen because many of them aren’t doing it correctly either.  One thing is for sure though, you won’t catch a fish if you give up.  

Fly Line

Fly line is crucial in fly fishing and an often overlooked factor.  It’s what carries the fly to the fish and allows for accurate presentations.  The smoothness and control you get while casting a well-balanced fly line can make you feel like a maestro conducting an outdoor symphony.  

Fly line is the lifeline between you and the fish.  It helps you feel the subtlest of strikes.  I love to experiment with new fly lines.  However, my favorite is a weight-forward (triangle taper).  It seems to work the best for me for most situations.

Weight of the Line

Choose the right weight of the line for the rod you are casting.  For example if you are casting a 5 weight rod most generally you want to use a 5 weight line.  However more advanced anglers can up size the line and use size 6 line on a 5 weight rod to lengthen their casts.  But until you get dialed in with casting match rod and line weight.

Leader and Tippet

There are many opinions on leaders and tippets.  I recommend using whichever set up you prefer.    For example my wife likes a 6X tapered leader with no tippet for trout fishing most of the time.  While I like a furled leader with a 6X tippet.  We both catch fish.  So which is correct?  Hard to say definitively.

Then there is the question of monofilament or fluorocarbon.  This is a little easier.  For dry files we always use monofilament.  It floats better and weighs less so the fly sits higher on the surface of the water.  Fluorocarbon is better suited for underwater techniques like nymphing, streamers or suspending a fly under an indicator.

Flies

Finding the right fly is a quest.  But I love searching through fly shops to find the perfect offering.  There is an infinite variety of flies from which to choose.  Inquiring at local fly shops and local fishing reports is a good starting point.  Narrow your selection based on the type of fishing you prefer or are most skilled. 

For example if roll casting is your forte then select nymphs, wet flies or mop flies/micro jigs to fish under an indicator.  If you can cast overhead then you can add dry flies and streamers to your arsenal.

Just like a football running back whose best move is to fake left and cut right–stick with your strengths.  There is no need to carry 10 fly boxes with countless flies that will never see the water.  

Fly Fishermen

I have a special admiration for fly fishermen.  They are dedicated, precise and artistic.  They love the outdoors and the peacefulness of fly fishing.  I enjoy meeting fly fishermen on the stream.  Most are happy to visit and share a fish tale or two.  Fishing and having a conversation on the stream is a great way to relax.  What I like about fly-fishing is you can be social or solo.

Another thing that I have observed is that fly fishermen are conservation minded.  Many practice catch and release.  And many are protective of the stream and land around the stream as well. 

This is of utmost importance for us to be able to continue the sport we love.  I feel like we should set an example for others by carefully handling fish, cleaning up after ourselves and even picking up other garbage around the stream.  Leave it better than you found it. 

Part of the Fun

All of the above is part of the fun.  Spending time outdoors, with family, old friends or new friends, and appreciating nature is the ultimate goal.  The fishing gear, the challenges, the skill and beauty as well as the frustration are all part of the experience. 

Hopefully a balance can be achieved between catching fish and enjoying the resources.  

And on those days when we blank just chalk it up to experience.  Sometimes learning what not to do is as important as learning what to do. 

I hope you take some time to go fly fishing and enjoy all it has to offer.  The benefits are worth it.  And when you go you will find out exactly what I like about fly-fishing!