Of the various types of fishing, fly fishing is a somewhat different.
It’s important that you choose the right fly fishing rod, as this is the piece of equipment that is the most crucial to your success.
One of the problems people first have when the take this variation of the sport up, particularly if they have spun or bait fished before, is adjusting to the fact that the more effort you put into the cast is not, unlike the other forms, the determining factor in how much distance is achieved.
In fly fishing, no weights are attached to the fly line, unlike other branches of fishing. There is therefore nothing pulling the line through the air when casting. Successful fly fishing casting is therefore dependant on the technique of the person fishing.
The most important part of the cast is what is called the “back cast”, where the line is cast backwards over your shoulder. This “loads” the rod. The great temptation is to cast the line back, and then immediately throw the line forward on the forward cast. This is incorrect.
A correct back cast involves stopping the rod in the vertical position, whilst at the same time stopping the line with your free hand. What this does is “load” the rod. In other words, the line, when stopped, will pull the rod backwards. It is vital that one waits a second or so until one can feel the rod has loaded, before moving the rod forward and at the same time releasing the line.
This allows the line to flow freely through the rod rings, the impetus caused by the springing action of the rod. The temptation is to back cast violently and with the rod ending 90 degrees to the ground, then throwing the line forward as in a bait or spin fishing cast.
This is because without the rod loading as a result of a correct back cast, there is no power built up in the rod for the forward cast, which often results in the line falling around ones ears!
Casting also invloves what is termed “false casting”. This is where several casts are made without the line landing on the water.
The experts suggest that you do not want to use more than three false casts. This is really down to the individual, but putting too much line into the air can result in a loss of control.
Casting a fly line is dependant on being calm and collected, with a smooth rod action and proper back cast.
Zac has been a steady fly fisherman for many years, and loves to pass on tips and techniques. When beginning the sport Zac recommends buying fly fishing combos. The great thing about fly fishing combos is that you buy all the main elements, rod, line and reel at a discounted price.