Fly Fishing For All Ages

by Phil Thomson

For many centuries the method called "fly fishing" has been a popular method, of catching fish, employed by anglers worldwide. Today the sport continues to grow in popularity globally with numerous fly fishing resorts in Europe (Scotland, Norway etc) and the USA (Alaska, Colorado etc.). The sports popularity expands due, in part, to the unique skills required and incredible challenges offered in order to catch a fish.

Most important in fly fishing is the piece of equipment known as the fly (hence the name!). Flies are artificial lures which have been created using various materials but usually following a well known fly pattern. Different fly patterns are often used in different locations and weathers and if one fails to work then it is likely that a change to another pattern will lead to success. Some fly patterns have been used in fly fishing for a great many years and are widely known to anglers.

The design of the fly pattern proves so effective as the creator made it to appear to the fish as though it was it's natural food. The shape also helps the fly to move in such a way as it further enhances the lures natural appearance to the fish.

The appearance of the fly is further enhanced by other pieces of fly fishing equipment such as the fly fishing rod, line and reel. All of the equipment has to be finely balanced to ensure that it creates the perfect conditions for the perfect cast while remaining sufficiently strong reel in your quarry.

It is incredibly important that every item of fly fishing equipment is of the highest quality. All items should be both extremely strong and yet also as light in weight as possible. With fly fishing rods it is also important that the rod is also flexible and springy to ensure that a good cast can be made in the vast majority of situations. Fly fishing rods are commonly available in lengths from seven foot to around nine foot.

As well as the fly fishing equipment which is attached to the rod there is also a very wide choice in other fly fishing accessories available to the angler. Keen anglers can spend small fortunes on such things as rugged or waterproof GPS devices and the likes while others place more importance in a pair of high quality waders. One of the most popular items of clothing today which appears on the wanted lists of many an angler is a set of breathable waders which utilize modern materials to create waders which keep the angler dry and cool but are also lightweight.

One of the beauties of the sport of fly fishing is that it can be relatively cheap to get started. It is possible to buy a cheap fly fishing kit from most sports shops and it is also possible to hire equipment in some places reducing the initial outlay considerably. However it is strongly advised that you have at least a couple of fly fishing lessons before you go on your first trip, just to get to grips with the basics.

Fly fishing can prove addictive and, after only a few trips, you may well find yourself looking to make opportunities for yourself to go fishing. This is great if you live near suitable waters but for most of use we have to plan well in advance as getting to the best fly fishing spots often involves a fair bit of travel, especially if visiting far off places such as Scotland or Norway (or if you live in that part of the world, Alaska or Colorado).

Whether you indulge in the sport at a local stream, small river or lake you can be sure that a days fishing will be thoroughly enjoyed. Even when the fish aren't biting so much a group of folk fishing will, most likely, produce a couple of fish with the aid of a fly. Even if you fail to catch a fish yourself you will still gain a great deal of enjoyment.

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