Quick Hits

Summary

Fly fishing has many facets, but it doesn’t need to be daunting either.  Getting started fly fishing doesn’t take a lot.  Once you have the basic gear, and initial skills, you’ll be amazed at how much you enjoy the sport.  You’ll be able to look forward to a lifetime of enjoyment and conservation!

FAQs

What is the purpose of fly fishing?

The intent of fly fishing is to catch fish using “flies” that simulate natural insects, minnows, and other foods fish eat.  Often called “matching the hatch,” flies are made with a natural (like feathers, hair) and synthetic (rubber, plastic) materials to look like what fish like to feed on.

Is fly fishing hard to learn?

Starting to fly fish is easy, while mastering the sport can take a while. Fly fishing skills can be learned, with casting the first thing to focus on.  Millions fly fish, the community likes to share and welcome newcomers.  Embrace the learning experience, be patient, and you’ll love it!

What’s the difference between fly fishing and regular fishing?
Fly fishing and spin or bait fishing differ in casting and what lures are used.  Fly casting uses the line weight line to carry artificial flies (to “match the hatch”), while spin and bait fishing use the weight of lures, sinkers, or live bait to cast.

What do you need to get started fly fishing?
Getting started fly fishing doesn’t take a lot.  New anglers need a fly rod, reel, line, leader and box of flies.  Someone to show you the ropes doesn’t hurt.  You also may also want polarized sunglasses, waders for colder water, and a lucky hat!

What is the advantage of fly fishing?

Fly fishing lets you customize how you present a lightweight fly to the fish, which simulates exactly what they want and how they want it. Plus, using the weight of the fly line allows you to cast out tiny flies, like midges, accurately right to feeding fish.

Do you catch more fish fly fishing?

Yes, especially when fish such as trout are focused on eating a particular hatching fly, and you present to them what they want, how they want it.  You’ll catch fish left and right!  But fish can also be picky, and sometimes spin and bait fishing will out-fish fly fishing.

How much does fly fishing cost?

For basic introductory gear expect to spend around $200 for a rod, reel, line and a dozen flies. Add in waders with boots and some other accessories like dry fly floatant and a net, and the cost can reach about $400 or $500.

Is fly fishing expensive?

Like most sports, you can start with basic, inexpensive gear, or go top of the line.  Today a multitude of brands offer a full range of gear, from practical to high-end.  We rate gear using a “Value Meter” so you know exactly what you’re getting for the money you spend.

How much does fly fishing gear cost?

The initial cost of a basic fly rod, reel, line, and fly will usually be around $150 – 250.  If your setup requires waders, boots, a vest, and a license are added, the total can run you $300 – 500 for basic gear and accessories.

How much does a good fly rod cost?
Fly rods come in a huge range of cost and quality, from less than $50 for a starter rod to over $1200 for a specialty or custom rod.  You actually don’t need to spend more than $150 – 300 for a rod that will cover most fly fishing.

Does an expensive fly rod make a difference?

The good news is, most basic rods are well made these days and will serve you well for most fly fishing situations.  The higher performance rods are designed and made with materials that help with distance, land larger fish, accuracy, and are less tiring to fish all day.

Does fly tying save money?
Actually, you’ll need to tie quite a few flies to come out ahead, strictly money speaking.  In fact, over 100-250 to cover the cost of basic tools and materials.  But note the other benefits, such as understanding the insects much better, and matching the hatch more closely.

Why are fishing reels so expensive?
As it turns out, there are many reasonably priced reels that will serve you well. More expensive reels are needed for larger fish, to hold more fly line and backing, and have a quality drag to withstand the power surges when they take your fly, run, and jump!

Can you catch bass on a fly rod?

Fly rods are ideal for catching bass!  Bass love poppers on the surface, minnow and crawfish imitations, leach and worm imitations, and smaller wet flies. They are accessible from shore or boat.  Bass usually hug close to cover in the surface-to-seven-foot depth range.

For More About Fly Fishing

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