Which Fly Fishing Rod Should You Buy

Fly fishing is different from traditional fishing methods in several important ways. These important distinctions serve to make the fly fishing rod the most important piece of fly fishing equipment you buy.

Traditional fishing uses a rod equipped with nearly weightless, transparent, monofilament line to cast a weighted hook into the water. Fly fishing essentially reverses this process by using a weighted, translucent line to cast a nearly weightless hook into the water. The action of the fly fishing rod is essential to being able to cast the fly.

Fly fishing is also different from traditional fishing in that the fly fisher never puts their rod down. Fly fishers cast the entire time they are fishing. This makes the decision of which rod to buy very important. Anglers who are fly fishing will spend the entire fishing day with the rod in their hand making casts.

The method of bringing in a fish is also different when fly fishing. While the fishing reel is very important in traditional fishing it is not nearly so important in fly fishing. Fly fishing uses a technique of stripping line by hand. The fly fishing reel is largely used as a storage compartment for spare line.

The choice of which fly fishing rod to buy is indeed a very important decision that will impact your enjoyment of the sport a great deal. Nearly all modern fly fishing rods are made from some type of graphite compound. There are a few bamboo rods still made but they are quite expensive compared to a graphite rod. There are many choices of graphite fly fishing rods available though.

Fly fishing rods are categorized by weight (for instance, a 6-weight rod - also written as 6wt). The weight of the fly rod you buy will be determined by where you intend to fish. It is important to use line that matches the weight of the rod when fly fishing. Some rods are designed to be multi-weight rods and may safely be used with several different weights of line.

One general rule when shopping for a fly rod is to purchase the most expensive rod you can afford. This advice is based on the understanding that the rod is the most important piece of fly fishing equipment in your fly fishing outfit. You can always upgrade your reel later if you decide you want a better reel.

It is always a good idea to visit shops that sell fly fishing gear before making a final decision. Even if you plan to purchase your fly fishing rod through a shop on the Internet it will be helpful to actually handle several different rods before making a final decision. Remember too that while fly fishers tend to be an opinionated bunch, fly fishing rods are largely a personal preference. If a rod just does not feel comfortable in your hand it does not matter how many experts recommend that rod. Your choice will also be influenced largely by where you intend to fish. For instance, small mountain streams in New England will require a lighter rod than large rivers in the Rocky Mountains or Utah.

Fly Fishing Videos

When you start getting into the sport of fly fishing, there are lots of nuances that you will need to learn. Aside from taking a class, there are many fly fishing videos available to you that will help you learn. These videos are often made by experts in the field, so you know you’ll be learning from someone who’s qualified and able.

As a novice fly fisher, you may be a little confused about casting and which casting technique is the best to use. While it might seem simple, casting really isn’t. There are various ways you can cast your rod to catch the most fish. Unless you have someone who can physically show you how to cast, a fly fishing video can be the next best thing.

You can also find fly fishing videos that showcase different species of fish and how to recognize their natural food sources. Being able to tell the difference between a steelhead and a rainbow trout can be difficult for new fly fishermen. Fish videos can show you how to tell what is what as well as identify what they like to eat. This can help you so that you know what flies to use when you are fishing for specific fish.

Fly fishing videos are also great when you are considering a trip to a fishing destination. Many lodges and fly fishing resorts will be happy to provide you with a promotional video showcasing their location and what they have to offer. When you are looking at a specific fly fishing spot, having a video on hand to know what to expect can be a great help!

There are many companies that will offer you a complete series of videos showing you everything you’ve wanted to know about fly fishing. From how to tie flies to how to cast to where to find the fish, they will take you through the whole process step by step making you almost a pro before you even get on the water.

Another very interesting advantage to a fly fishing video is being able to watch the fish as they take the bait. It can be very beautiful when you watch a fish jump out of the water to grab a fly. When you can see a fish in action, it can make you a much better fly fisherman.

Fly fishing videos are not only great ways to learn, but they are excellent sources of enjoyment when you love the sport of fly fishing. You can find them in a variety of places, and you will not be sorry when you do. If you love the sport of fly fishing, videos are definitely the way to go to learn and to grow in the sport.

Top Fly Fishing Spots In The World

Fly fishing is a popular sport around the world with millions of men and women enjoying fly fishing each year. Where are the world's best fly fishing destinations for that dream vacation? A lot will depend on how much you want to spend and the type of fly fishing you enjoy but these are some of the world's best fly fishing locations.

No consideration of the world's best fly fishing locations would be complete without the chalk streams of Hampshire, England. This is where modern fly fishing really all began. Izaak Walton, author of The Compleat Angler published in 1653, fished these very waters. These waters are carefully managed with private, scheduled access only. But if you want a taste of authentic, English fly fishing, Hampshire might just be your destination.

The rivers of Labrador in eastern Canada are still home to native brook trout. Labrador's brook trout approach sizes seldom, if ever, seen in the United States. Brook trout of three to eight pounds are reportedly quite common with some being even larger.

New Zealand's North and South islands are well known for their fly fishing. Crystal clear waters are home to both brown trout and rainbow trout. New Zealand has opposite seasons to the United States so fishing New Zealand allows you to literally have the best of both worlds. New Zealand has been called a trout fishing mecca for the incredible fly fishing opportunities it provides anglers.

Patagonia, Argentina provides yet another reverse-season fly fishing paradise. Argentina's rivers are home to brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. The Rio Grande River in Tierra del Fuego is also home to sea-run brown trout reputed to be the largest anywhere in the world.

Belize is well known for its saltwater fly fishing. Fly fishing in Belize provides the opportunity to catch bonefish, permit and tarpon all in the same day. Once you have had your fill of fly fishing there is always scuba diving or just relaxing on an incredible beach. The variety of activities available during a Belize vacation can make this location the perfect destination if your spouse is less thrilled than you are with fly fishing.

Christmas Island in Kiribati is a world-renowned bonefish fly fishing location. Christmas Island's shallow flats provide some of the world's best bonefish and trevally fishing anywhere. Christmas Island has long been a popular, saltwater fly fishing destination.

Alaska offers some of the best fly fishing in the United States. The diversity of choices makes this an obvious consideration in the Americas. From streams to lakes and from rainbows to salmon Alaska is a dream fly fishing destination.

Where in the world should you pick for your next fly fishing vacation? Much will depend on your location, your budget and the style of fly fishing you want to experience. Fly fishing is a popular sport around the world with options for just about everyone. Whether you like saltwater or freshwater fly fishing, islands of mainland, there is a dream fly fishing destination for you.

Fly Fishing in Montana

Fly fishing for wild trout in a mountain river among beautiful scenery is the dream of many anglers. In Montana, that fly fishing dream can become a reality. Montana offers superb fly fishing for wild trout in dozens of beautiful rivers and countless alpine lakes. The scenery is spectacular, and while some waters are quite popular, fishing pressure on most of the rivers and lakes in Montana can be surprisingly low.

Unique among other western trout waters, Montana manages most of its rivers for wild trout; meaning hatchery born fish are not introduced into these rivers. Instead, protection of habitat along with catch and release restrictions are used to enhance fishing.

The result is that an angler who seeks to fly fish for wild trout cannot choose a better place to fish than Montana. Excellent fly fishing, beautiful scenery, along with many other outdoor recreational activities, makes a fishing trip to Montana like no other.

The Blackfoot River is located in Southwest Montana and was the setting for the award winning film, “A River Runs Through It” that featured fly fishing central to the plot line. Access to fishing spots is relatively easy to come by, and the scenery is absolutely spectacular. Most of the fish you will see on the Blackfoot will be brown trout.

South Montana is home to one of fly fishing’s most popular destinations: The Yellowstone River. This is the longest river in Montana beginning at Yellowstone National Park. This river is nationally known as one of the premier trout rivers in the entire United States. In the upper half of the river, you will find brown and rainbow trout as well as large whitefish. In the lower half of the river, you can find prize catfish, walleye, and sturgeon.

The Bighorn River is also in southern Montana and is also one of the best trout fishing waters in the United States. This is a very popular Montana river for fly fishing, so during the busy months (July through September), expect to see many other anglers out there vying for fish alongside you. Brown trout can measure up to 15 inches on the Bighorn with rainbow trout measuring 16 inches.

Fly fishing in Montana is an experience like no other. Not only will you find some of the best fishing waters in the country, you will also see some great wildlife right on the shoreline along with some spectacular scenery. It’s an experience like no other!

Fly Tying for Fly Fishing

One of the best parts of fly fishing is learning the art of fly tying. While you can buy pre-made flies, there’s nothing more satisfying than tying your own flies and being able to share with your friends the fact that you caught a 20 pound fish using a fly you made yourself. While it’s not complicated, fly tying for fly fishing can be a very delicate art.

The first piece of equipment you will need when undertaking fly tying is a fly vice. These hold your hook while you are tying it together. You’ll want a vice that can hold all sizes and shapes of hooks and that is easily adjustable.

Get a bobbin that will hold your thread. A bobbin will keep your thread tight and organized while you are tying your fly. Bobbins come in a variety of sizes, but they all basically do the same thing. Spend just a little bit more money on a bobbin and you won’t have to worry about cut threads before you are through.

You need to also splurge on a good pair of scissors. To start out with, one pair of scissors is enough, but as you get better at fly tying, you’ll want to have a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the needs of the flies you are tying. The loops should fit your fingers comfortably, and they should be kept sharp.

Hackle pliers are small pliers with enough constant tension designed to wrap hackle feathers around the hook. As with scissors, they come in all shapes and sizes, but they all do basically the same thing.

Find a good bodkin too. A bodkin is basically a needle in a handle. You can use a bodkin not only to tie the fly, but also for delicate work that requires a small, sharp point like separating out pieces of feather and fur.

Of course, you’ll also need a large selection of feathers and fur to match the different types of flies you want to match. Mink fur and pheasant feathers are good materials to work with as are peacock feathers.

There are several books and websites available that can teach you fly tying for fly fishing as it can’t really be explained in a few short paragraphs. The best way to learn how to tie your fly fishing ties is to experiment and keep doing it. You’ll eventually find techniques that work for you and be well on your way to becoming an expert on fly tying for your fly fishing needs!

Fly Fishing School

When you are learning how to do something new, it is always helpful to get some instruction. There are schools all over the country that teach people how to fly fish, and they can be a wonderful way to learn fly fishing from people who are experts in the field.

One of the most popular fly fishing schools is provided by the Orvis company who manufactures various fly fishing gear. They offer these schools in various locations throughout the country, usually in the springtime. The Orvis school will teach you proper casting techniques, tying the best knots, how to choose your gear and tackle, and much more!

Outdoor classes are held by The Fly Fishing School in various locations throughout the United States and Canada. This school goes to some of the most popular fly fishing spots and shows anglers the proper ways to enjoy the sport. This school is a very effective way for beginners to learn the fundamentals of fly fishing and is a great refresher course for more experienced anglers.

The Fly Fishing School also offers a self study course available for purchase. These courses come in book form as well as compact disc. You can even take the course online is that is more convenient for you.

When you choose a fly fishing school, you will get the benefit of experienced instructors who are eager to share their knowledge with you. They will guide you step by step through the process of tying your line, how to hold the rod, and being able to make the most effective casts. Many schools will also teach you where to look for the best fish as well as what bait to use for certain species.

Other fly fishing schools will teach you how to become a fly fishing guide for other people. If you have a love of the outdoors and a love of fly fishing as a sport, becoming a guide could be a great career move for you. You can learn along with your students and teach them what you know helping them become better anglers themselves.

Schools vary in price with the Orvis school running around $400 for two days of classes. Of course, you’ll have to worry about your own transportation and lodging when you get to the location of your class. Many people think this is a small investment when considering the amount of information and expertise you will be getting.

Fly fishing schools are great places to learn about this sport you are coming to love. When you employ the advice of experts, you will be well on your way to learning more about the sport of fly fishing. Of course, practice is the best teacher, but you sure have to start somewhere.

Top 10 Pieces Of Fly Fishing Gear

Fly fishing is an interesting and varied sport with a seemingly endless array of gadgets and gear. The number of options can be confusing to someone new to the sport. What are the most important pieces of gear for fly fishing? The top 10 pieces of fly fishing gear include a fly fishing rod, reel, line, leader, flies, waders, net, vest, clippers and sunglasses.

The fly fishing rod is the first piece of must-have gear for fly fishing. Fly fishing rods are different from traditional fishing rods and are uniquely designed to allow casting of the fly line and fly. Most rods today are constructed from some type of graphite compound; however, some rods are still made from fiberglass or bamboo. Fly rods are categorized based on the weight of the line they are designed to be used with.

Fly fishing reels are actually less important than rods. Unlike traditional fishing, with fly fishing you do not reel the fish in. Fly fishing techniques involve stripping line with the free hand. Many fly fishing reels are actually quite primitive designs and therefore not all that expensive. Anglers frequently "palm" the reel to create drag rather than relying on internal drag mechanisms in the reel.

Fly fishing line is specially designed for this style of fishing. The line is considerably heavier than traditional fishing line and is frequently tapered and designed to float. Some line is designed to sink, however. Many anglers attach a backer line between the fly fishing line and the reel to increase the available line.

The leader is a clear, monofilament line that attaches to the end of the fly fishing line. The fly is tied onto the end of the leader. The leader is tapered down to a very narrow diameter at the forward end. The leader looks a lot like traditional fishing line.

Flies are available in a wide assortment of styles and designs. Dry flies are designed to float on top of the water, wet flies and nymphs are designed to be submerged, and other flies are designed to be partially submerged. Flies may also be categorized as imitative or attractive. Imitative flies are designed to imitate or look like a particular insect. Attractive flies are designed to attract the fist without looking like any particular natural food source.

Waders may be optional if you are fishing in warm water. However, many anglers fly fish in cold water streams and find waders absolutely essential. Popular wader styles today include neoprene waders and waders with a waterproof lining. Neoprene waders work well in cold water and serve to keep the angler warm. Waders with a waterproof lining are breathable and convenient when hiking alongside a stream.

A net is another essential piece of fly fishing equipment. Since fly fishing is usually done while standing in the water it can be very difficult to land a fish without a good net. Nets frequently have a hook attached so that the net can be hooked onto the anglers waders or vest. A net is also particularly important if the angler is practicing catch and release fishing.

Since fly fishing is usually done in the water a fishing vest is a near-essential piece of equipment. Vests allow you to keep essential tools and gear neat and handy for when you need it.

Clippers are very useful for clipping line when changing flies. You will rarely see a fly fisherman without clippers in their vest or pocket.

Sunglasses are one piece of personal gear you will not want to forget. Sunglasses keep the sun out of your eyes as well as protecting your eyes from stray fishing hooks. Good quality, polarized sunglasses will also help you see much better while out on the stream. Many anglers would also add a hat and sunscreen to the list of essential personal gear.

There are many more pieces of gear and gadgets that are available for the fly fisherman. These ten items are perhaps the most essential for a fun and successful outing though.