An Introduction to Fly Fishing Flies

Traditionally, fly fishing has been used to catch salmon and trout, but today fly fishing can catch a variety of other fish species from smallmouth and largemouth bass, to your larger saltwater fish species, such as marlin and tarpon. As artificial fly fishing flies are used for fly fishing, fly fishing is different from bait fishing where live bait is used. The equipment used for fly fishing also differs from fishing equipment used for bait fishing. Besides selecting the correct fly rod, fly reel, and fly line for fly fishing, it is of paramount importance to select the correct fly fishing flies for the fish species you intend to catch.

An Introduction to Fly Fishing Flies

Artificial fly fishing flies are commonly used in fly fishing. There are many companies that make them, and they are widely available all over the world. There are a large variety of fly flies available today, which differ greatly in color, size and shape. Fly fishing flies are made from materials such as fur, feathers, hairs and other materials. These materials can either be natural or synthetic. Some fly fishing flies don’t imitate anything in nature, whilst other fly fishing flies imitate the food that a fish may eat.

Fly fishing flies are made with the aquatic appearance of local fish and insects in mind. The artificial fly fishing flies that you use must normally match the food that the fish species eat for the specific location that you are fishing in. You can also change the patterns and colors of fly fishing flies that you purchase so that these flies are a more suitable match for the particular location you are fishing in. Many fly fishermen make their own fly fishing flies for fishing or as a hobby. Creating fly fishing flies is an art and in different parts of the world, gifted fly making experts are employed to create flies that suit different specifications. It is actually quite a fun and rewarding hobby to create your own artificial fly fishing flies. Synthetic materials are more popular when it comes to creating flies.

If you are looking to purchase a quality fly fishing rod, check out the guide to Sage fly rod models.

Categories of Fly Fishing Flies

There is an incredible variety of fly fishing flies that are available. Fly fishing flies can be broken down into the following categories:

• Dry Flies – Designed to float on the water surface and imitate the adult stage of aquatic insects, or land-based insects that have fallen into the water (such as ants or beetles).
• Wet Flies – Designed to float just below the surface of the water and imitate immature aquatic insects, or drowned insects.
• Nymphs – A type of wet fly that imitates the larval form of aquatic insects.
• Streamers – A type of wet fly that imitates minnows or small fish which are the prey of larger fish.
• Surface Lures – Surface lures are designed to look like mice or frogs. Surface lures are normally extremely colorful, and are used to create a disturbance on the surface of the water to attract the larger predatory fish species.

If you are looking to purchase a fly fishing float tube, check out the Outcast float tube guide.

For more information about saltwater fly fishing gear, take a look at the news feed for Fly Fishing Elite (Feedest.com).

Essential Beginner Fly Fishing Gear

Besides having you fly fishing rod, fly fishing reel, and fly fishing line, there are other beginner fly fishing gear that you should get before you can start fly fishing. This article gives an overview on the essential fly fishing tools and gear for the novice angler.

Fly Fishing Flies

An essential part of fly fishing – you won’t catch any fish with the wrong fly fishing flies. The species of fish you intend to catch determines the types of flies that you should buy. When starting out, a fly selection package is a cost-effective way of building up your fly collection. A fly selection package is a selection of flies packaged for a specific region or fish species. Its also a good idea to get a fly box to store all your flies in. A fly box consists of various compartments so that you can organize you fly collection.

Leader and Tippet Spool

A leader is a length of tapered nylon line that sits between the fly line and the tippet. A leader does not create a disturbance in the water nearby your fly fishing fly when the line is cast. Your your fly is separated from your fly line by the leader. As the leader is made from clear see-through material, it is invisible to the fish. Leader line normally tapers, and you tie the thick end of the leader to your fly fishing line. Leaders come in different break strengths and lengths (normally between 7 to 9 feet), and you normally buy a specific leader to match the type of fish you intend to catch.

A tippet is tied onto the leader, and is used so that whenever you replace a fly on your line, you don’t have to cut your leader line down. The species and size of fish you intend to catch will determine what tippet line you need to buy – tippet line is available in different diameters and breaking strengths. Your tippet length is normally between one to three feet in length, and you attach your fly to the end of this tippet. Your tippet line must match the tippet (thin end) diameter of your leader. For example, you will need a 5X tippet line if your leader has a 5x tippet diameter.

Fly Fishing Waders

Waders are waterproof gear that allow anglers to stand in deep water without getting wet. You get hip-height, waist-height, and chest-height waders depending on the depth of water you are fishing in. When fishing in warmer climates, where you do not mind getting wet, waders are not really essential. Fishing in colder climates will normally require that you wear waders. Stockingfoot and bootfoot are the two main types of fly fishing waders. Bootfoot waders come with the boot built into the wader, and stockingfoot will require that you buy separate wading boots or sandals. The Gore-Tex Simms waders are reputed to be the best waders available today.

Fly Fishing Accessories

There are essential fly fishing accessories that all anglers should have. To be able to cut your fishing line, a pair of clippers is essential – you can also use nail clippers. A hemostat, or a pair of fishing pliers is extremely useful when trying to get a hook out of a fish’s mouth or when you want to mash down the barbs on a fishing hook. Another useful item is a hook file, which is used to keep your hooks sharp.

Sun Protection

You will be in the sun for extended periods, so its essential to wear a hat and sunglasses to reduce the glare you get off the water. In order to see clearly what is going on under the water, and on the water’s surface, a pair of Polarized sunglasses are very useful.

Fly Fishing Vest

A fly fishing vest is recommended, and is extremely useful to keep all your fly fishing accessories and tools organized without losing items. Vests can also be used to keep you warm and dry. Here is a guide to help you buy the best fly fishing vest to suit your requirements.

That covers the essential beginner fly fishing gear that you will require in order to get started with fly fishing.

For more information about the sport of fly fishing, take a look at the Feedest.com news feed for Fly Fishing Elite.