Fly Fishing Around The World

Fly fishing is a popular sport around the world. With a history dating back nearly 2,000 years it should not be surprising that many of the world's cultures have adopted various styles of fly fishing for their sport fishing activities.

Fly fishing is a sport where the basics can be learned in a few hours with a guide but where the advanced techniques of the masters will take years of dedicated effort. This combination of factors helps to keep people interested in fly fishing for many years.

Fly fishing is also diverse enough that it works well for quite a variety of fishing conditions. Fly fishing will serve you well whether casting a fly into a small, mountain trout stream in North America and Europe or whether casting for bonefish in the Caribbean. The sports flexibility has served to make it a popular sport option around the world.

The earliest records of fishing with artificial flies record that Macedonian fishermen used six-foot rods with six-foot lines to fish. These fly fishermen crafted artificial flies using a hook decorated with red wool and insect wings.

Interest in fly fishing increased in England and Scotland throughout the years though little was written until 1496 with the publication of The Treatyse On Fysshynge With An Angle. The 1653 publication of The Compleat Angler by Isaaak Walton contained several chapters on fly fishing. The publication of these books, along with the information they contain, demonstrates that fly fishing was an established fishing sport by the time of their publication. The development of fly fishing clubs throughout England in the 1800s served to further develop and popularize the sport.

The chalk streams of Southern England were well suited to dry-fly fishing with their shallow waterways and weeds that grew in the water to just below the surface. Northern England and Scotland also saw the development of wet-fly fishing around the same time. However, anglers in Southern England strongly favored dry-fly fishing and tended to look down on wet-fly fishing as an inferior perversion of their sport. Fly fishing continues in England and the same chalk streams can still be fished today though most access is through privately owned and managed land.

American anglers in the Catskill Mountains area of New York began experimenting with dry-fly design in the late 1800s. These anglers began designing artificial flies to mimic the native insects that the trout naturally fed on. Like Isaac Walton, some of these anglers wrote about their adventures. These publications served to further interest in the sport. The American fly fishers were also more open than their English counterparts to experimenting with wet-fly fishing.

Fly fishing interest has continued and grown considerably in the United States and in Canada, The development of fiberglass manufactured fly rods following World War II, along with synthetic line and leaders, made the sport more affordable for many anglers. Inland fishing is frequently done with dry flies on streams and rivers. Coastal fishing often involves wet-fly fishing in bays or surf. Fly fishing has also been adapted by bass anglers.

Many Caribbean and southern-hemisphere locations are popular saltwater fly fishing destinations. Fly fishers travel great distances to fish for bonefish and tarpon. Other southern-hemisphere locations like Belize offer both freshwater and saltwater fly fishing

Fly fishing is a growing sport around the world. There has probably never been a better time to start fly fishing than today. The basic equipment to start fly fishing is more affordable than ever and the worldwide opportunities for fly fishing are just about limitless.

North Carolina Fly Fishing Guide

Fly fishing for trout is plentiful in the beautiful state of North Carolina. This is a brief guide to get you started with your fly fishing expedition “down south”!

The mountains of North Carolina have many streams running through them and provide some great trout fly fishing in a beautiful setting. In most of these trout streams and rivers you can catch all three types of trout; brook, rainbow and brown.

The wild fish tend to be smaller in North Carolina, more so than the stocked ones, but it takes more stealth to catch the wild trout when fly fishing. The stocked trout are easy to catch at first, but harder as the season progresses.

Overall fly fishing in the North Carolina mountains is an exceptional trout fishing haven with over 3,000 miles of trout streams open to fishing through out the western part of the state. All these streams are enjoyed by many beginners and old timers alike. You can hire a tour guide to help you find the best spots, or you can go it alone. Either way, you’ll enjoy your trip!

A great place to go fly fishing in North Carolina is the Shenandoah National Park. Here you will find some of the finest brook trout streams in the eastern United States. The park is over 200,000 acres and is one of the largest wilderness preserves in the area. It has been called a paradise for back country anglers who enjoy solitude and don’t mind stretching their legs as they search for some great waters to fish in.

Spring is usually the best time to fish the streams in Shenandoah Park. It’s during this time that the water turns warmer and “wakes the fish up” from their winter dormancy feeding on some of the heaviest mayfly hatches of the year. According to the North Carolina fly fishing guide, this is one of the best streams in the state for catching trout.

There are other popular spots for fly fishermen in North Carolina. Big Helton Creek is located just outside of Boone, North Carolina, and is a great river for beginners. The Watagua River is also around Boone. It can bring some pretty big fish to the experienced fly fisherman and has many popular sites along the river to fish.

Stone Mountain State Park is located near Elkin, North Carolina, and hosts some of the area’s finest fishing streams. This park has a “Fish for Fun” section that allows fly fishers to pay a set amount for one of eight sections of the river allowing them to fish the same spot for the entire day.

North Carolina has some of the best fly fishing streams in the eastern part of the United States. You can use this guide as a start toward your fly fishing adventures in this great southern state!

The Etiquette of Fly Fishing a Stream

Fly fishing can be enjoyed by everyone. It transcends all the boundaries associated with age, status, or wealth. Stream fly fishing is known as a gentle sport and that should be reflected in our stream manner and etiquette. For the most part, the rules of stream etiquette are nothing more then good old common sense. However, they might entail things that have been forgotten, or that a beginner might not think of while fly fishing.

One of the most important things to remember is not to crowd another fisherman. Sometimes the temptation is very strong to fish the same water where someone is catching a lot of fish, but that is as rude and inconsiderate as someone cutting into a serving line at a restaurant buffet. If you come upon a spot where someone is fly fishing and having a good catch, the proper thing to do is stop far back from the edge so the fish don't stop eating. You may watch for awhile, both because fly fishing is a beautiful sport to watch and perhaps you will learn something. If the person that was fishing moves further along the stream, it is acceptable to slowly and quietly enter the water where he had been fishing. Otherwise, move well beyond the fisherman to another point of the stream

Fly fishing casts a common bond amongst all people that love and appreciate the sport. It is important to be friendly to other fishermen that you may come across. If you meet another fly fisherman who is outside the stream, take a moment to be friendly. Sometimes a little chat will give you insight as to what patterns are working best that day, or you could give some tip that will help him to have a better day. If you come upon a fly fisherman that is in the stream a friendly nod or wave is sufficient. Be friendly to all fishermen not just those fly fishing. You never know, sometimes a few minutes spent talking with a non-fly fisherman, could result in his wanted to give the sport a try.

Taking care of the environment is essential in stream etiquette. Stream fly fishing is done in some of the most beautiful areas of the country. It is essential that we do everything we can to keep it that way. No one should ever litter. The environment should look exactly like it did when you have finished fishing for the day as it did when you started. It is not uncommon to see someone who is fly fishing picking up any litter that they come across on the stream banks, or in the water, and carrying it out with them. It only takes a moment to clean up after yourself and that will keep the area beautiful.

While fly fishing a stream, always remember to respect the trout. Trout have been blessed with the natural instinct and temperament to make them a real challenge to a fly fisherman. Only keep what you intend to eat, release any others.

The basics of stream etiquette for fly fishing are very simple. By following them you will ensure that you are doing your best for the environment and you will always be a welcome stream companion.

Fly Fishing for Bass

When you mention fly fishing to people, many times they think you are fishing exclusively for trout. However, there are some amazing spots you can fly fish for trophy sized bass as well. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass abound in rivers and lakes, so why not try your hand fly fishing for bass?

Many experienced fly fishermen report that bass fly fishing can be extremely challenging as well as extremely satisfying. Bass have larger mouths than trout, so your choice of lures is much more diverse. They strike hard and fight strong, so when you are fly fishing for bass, expect to be exhilarated by the fight in these guys!

Experts suggest that you use a 6-7 weight rod, but if you are especially experienced, you can use a 4-5 weight rod. If you choose the smaller rod, you may have trouble casting the larger flies, so be aware of that. You can use a floating or a sinking line with a weight forward taper. You should have a 7 ½ to 9 foot leader tapered down to a 10 pound test.

Most bass are opportunistic feeders and will bite at anything. In general, however, flies for bass fishing are usually larger and influence a bigger bite. Try big muddler minnows, clousy minnows, wooly buggers, poppers, leech patterns, and crayfish patterns. Size 8 or 10 would be a little on the small side while size 2 or 1/0 would be a little too large, so opt for something in between.

Largemouth bass live in shallow water habitats among reeds, water lilies, and other vegetation naturally found in the water. They are adapted to warm waters in the 80 degree range and are seldom found deeper than twenty feet down. They prefer clear waters with little or no current. They stay fairly active year-round, but tend to stay near the bottom in the winter months.

Great bass fly fishing can be found in various locations throughout the United States. In the northeastern United States, try the rivers and streams in the Adirondack Mountains such as the Mohawk or Black Rivers. There are also some prized bass in the Great Lakes region. Southern Ontario in Canada can also provide some great opportunities to catch trophy sized bass.

Bass fly fishing can be a great experience for both the beginning fly fisherman as well as those with a little more experience. Fly fishing for bass requires a little bit of finesse and some tenacity when they bite. Stay with the fish and pull a whopper out of the water you can be proud of!

Fly Fishing Calendar

What are the best times to try and schedule a fly fishing expedition? When we talk about a fly fishing calendar, we aren’t referring to a printed date book that you can hang on your wall. We are talking about targeting and specifying the right times to fish and the right places to fish at.

The things you need to look at most when considering a fly fishing calendar is when the water will be at the right temperature that is prime for catching fish. Depending on the area you are looking at for your fly fishing trip will depend on the right time to go.

In some places like California, the fishing is pretty good year-round. While in other places such as Washington, you’ll want to avoid the water in the winter as the cold temperatures will stress the fish and they won’t be as plentiful.

Generally, the fly fishing calendar shows the best fishing in the spring and summer months. Early fall will also find some places showing good fishing as well. Almanacs can be helpful guides to guide you towards the best fishing times as can constant updating through Internet web sites.

Most places will give weekly, and sometimes daily, fishing reports on their websites. They can tell you where the fish are biting and where the best places are to cast your line. They generally keep these areas of their sites updated pretty regularly, so you can get quality reports just by looking at what others have to say.

Fish like warmer waters, although, there are other species that thrive in cold water such as salmon or steelhead. In general, warm water will attract more fish. However, if the water is too warm, the fish will be sluggish and will navigate to places where the water is cooler.

The fly fishing calendar used most often by experienced fishermen has been compiled over a period of time. They spend a considerable amount of effort to estimate where and when the best fishing will occur. Then they share it with others. That’s one of the best parts of fly fishing – the camaraderie and sharing that can come about with a love of the sport.

You can compile your own fly fishing calendar with a little time and effort. Just do your homework and keep copious notes. When you see a trend, you’ll know it’s time to fish! Then be sure to help your fellow fishermen as they try to figure out what you already know. They’d do it for you!

Fly Fishing Vacations

When you think of a vacation, what do you see in your mind? If you love fly fishing, the perfect vacation would include some prime fishing in some beautiful spots all over the world. A fly fishing vacation doesn’t have to be just for the fisherman. The entire family can have a great time on a fly fishing vacation.

What should you look for when planning a vacation that involves fly fishing? Of course, it depends a lot on who is coming with you. If you are just going with “the guys”, and they are all interested in little else on this vacation but fly fishing, you just need a place to stay. But if you are bringing along the family, you will want to find a place that has things for everyone to do.

A fly fishing vacations can be both exciting and productive. Choose a spot where you can easily get to within your budget. Some fly fishing spots are located in remote wilderness country and you can only get there by plane or train. This can be an added expense.

When you are planning a fly fishing vacation, you can often come across packages that will cover all necessary expenses – sort of like an all-inclusive resort. However, many lodges don’t have restaurants so you’ll want to bring your own food. Be sure that your package covers transportation to the fishing spots you’ll want to go to. Some lodges even provide you with guides to show you where the best fishing is.

If the family is coming along, you may want to consider a location that is family friendly. Northern California has some beautiful spots for fly fishing plus there are ample entertainment options nearby for your non-fishing family. Many lodges have activities for children plus places for mom to relax as well. Some lodges even have spas so she can get pampered while you are out catching the big one!

If you’re going on a fly fishing vacation, why not try and get the family interested in this great sport? Children are always eager to learn about new things, and there are plenty of women who think the sport of fly fishing is a terrific challenge to master. Share with them your own love of the sport and get them excited. Then you can truly have a family vacation!

Whether you want to take a fly fishing vacation with your friends or with your family, careful planning can make all the difference in an enjoyable trip. You can have a great time while you do what you love – fishing!

Fly Fishing Trips

So you’ve decided that it’s time for you to take your very first fly fishing trip. You’ve been practicing your casting and you’ve got all your flies ready to land a big fish. What do you need to think about when planning this fly fishing trip?

The first thing to decide is where to go. There are many, many excellent places to hone your fly fishing skills at. Some great locations to consider are Washington state, Oregon, Northern California, Texas, and the Great Lakes region. Pick a place that is readily accessible for you and that won’t break the bank when it comes time to pay for it.

If adventure is your game, look into taking a Canadian fly fishing trip. Most of the best fishing in Canada can be found in remote mountain lakes and streams with lodges only accessible by air or train. Most of the lodges will offer you trained guides to lead you to the fishing spots and transportation is included in the price of your stay. We’ve even seen one lodge that will give you use of its cabin and you are left on your own in the wilderness. This can be an amazingly liberating adventure!

Be sure and find a lodge where everything is included in the cost of your stay. This means transportation to and from the fishing spots, guided tours, along with your rooms. Many places have restaurants in their establishments, but you might want to find a cabin with full kitchen facilities where you can cook your own food when you come back from the river or lake.

Fly fishing trips are much more fun when you have a group of people who share your same interests. It’s a good idea to join a group who share the interest and try to plan a trip with them. Many organizations plan and launch trips on a regular basis. The friendship and camaraderie you will find can be a wonderful experience.

You can also combine your fly fishing with other things while on a trip. Think about where friends and family live. Can you spend a little time fishing and then, in your downtime, do a little visiting? Is there someplace you’ve always wanted to visit but never really had a reason why? Try taking a fly fishing trip there.

There are so many beautiful destinations you can go to when you want to take a trip to do some fly fishing. Pick one, plan well, and then just enjoy. You’ll be opening up a whole new world to yourself on a trip like this. And, you might just bring home some prized fish as proof of your prowess. Then you can start planning another trip!

The Importance of Setting the Hook When Fly Fishing

The sport of fly fishing consists of many specialized skills that come together in a delicate balance of rhythm and precision. Setting the hook is one of those specialized skills. Many times the techniques for setting the hook are neglected by fly fishermen who spend many hours practicing and reading about casting and fly tying skills. Unlike many of the skills of fly fishing, it is almost impossible to practice setting the hook without a live fish on the end of your fly line.

The first step in a successful hook actually begins when you tie your fly, either at home or on the river bank. It is very important to make sure that your hooks are razor-sharp. A dull hook doesn't have a good chance of finding its mark in the mouth of the trout.

In most fly fishing techniques it is important to set the hook as quickly as possible. If the water is fast, the trout usually strikes the fly very quickly and with a lot of force. It won't take long for the trout to realize that he has an artificial fly in his mouth, and he can, and will spit it out in a split second.

Fly fishing in slow moving water is the one exception to setting the hook as quickly as possible. When the water is slow trout feed in a more leisurely fashion. They may require a second or two in order to take the fly. If you set the hook too soon, you'll most likely pull the fly away from the trout. However, if you set the hook too late the trout may have already spit it out. There again is the delicate balance so often seen in fly fishing.

Sometimes while fly fishing the fishermen becomes so excited when he hooks a trout that he sets the hook with too much force. This usually results in broken tippits. Setting the hook quickly, doesn't mean pulling on it with great force. One way to avoid broken tippits is to use a slip strike which cushions the tippit.

If you are fly fishing using an upstream presentation, strip in the line with your line hand at the moment that you set the hook. This will remove most of the slack in the line and improve your chances for a good hook set.

When setting the hook using surface techniques of fly fishing, it is very important that you are able to see your fly in order to get a good hook set. If you are fly fishing using an underwater technique, it is essential that you can see your indicator when setting the hook. In both instances timing is very important.

Many experienced fly fishermen spend a lot of time imagining the strike and thinking about how they will move when they set the hook. They do this because they know that in fly fishing, the more imaginary trout you hook and land in your mind, the better your chances of taking an actual fish.

The Best Fly Fishing Trip Money Can Buy

When money is no object, you have so many options when planning a fly fishing trip. Maybe you’ve saved up your money and now are ready to experience the ultimate fly fishing trip. You don’t even have to leave the country to get the best fly fishing trip money can buy. But if you want an amazing experience, you will want to consider an international fly fishing trip.

There is a great book on the market right now titled The Best Fly Fishing Trips Money Can Buy. It was written by a world renowned fly fisherman named Pat Ford who has achieved sixteen fly rod world records. He has been fly fishing for years and was eager to share his expertise about world-class fly fishing destinations.

Mr. Ford enlisted the help of other fly fisherman to tell YOU about the best fly fishing trips that money can buy. They have reviewed and recommended fly fishing in destinations all over the world. Some of these places include: Katmai, Alaska; Bermuda; Costa Rica, and Guatemala among others.

You can find this book online at amazon.com for $26.37 or at other outlets like Wal Mart, Barnes & Noble, and overstock.com at various other prices. Some of the most exotic fly fishing destinations are covered in this amazing book, and it is recommended by fly fishermen all over the world.

When you are able to travel to beautiful locations and not worry about money, you can get a fly fishing trip that you will never forget. Consider the waters of the Amazon, the beautiful landscape of Bolivia, or the clear waters of the Galapagos Islands. The choices abound, and when you have the guidance of someone like Pat Ford to help you toward the best destinations, you’re sure to be a winner on your trip.

This book, The Best Fly Fishing Trips Money Can Buy, covers both saltwater and freshwater species of fish. You can learn the nuances of catching these fish and where you can find them in plenty. Some of the fish you can learn how to catch include: bonefish, tarpon, sailfish, salmon, and tiger fish among others. This book gives you tips on how to find world-class catches in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Make your next fly fishing trip one you will never forget. Invest just a little money in the book The Best Fly Fishing Trips Money Can Buy and let the experts guide you towards places that perhaps you’ve only dreamed of.