So, You Want to Be a Fly Fisherman?

People who have discovered the joys of fly fishing are drawn to it for many different reasons. Some enjoy the solitude of being out in backwoods, others like the simplicity of a rod and a fishing lure with no other gear to lug around. Some like the challenge and everyone loves the thrill of landing a big one.

There are many reasons to be drawn to this type of outdoor activity and there is no doubt it can be very relaxing.

To get started, you need to find a rod. The main purpose of the rod is to help cast your line. The weight and size of the rod will depend on the weight of the line that you are going to be using. For beginners, a five weight rod and line will do very well. This will be perfect for fishing most small streams and rivers. After selecting a rod, you must choose a reel and this can be more difficult. There is a great deal of variety in style and price when it comes to selecting the proper reel. Some of the less expensive models come with no drag which means that there is no give when a fish gets on your line. To improve your chances of landing a fish, pick a more expensive reel with drag that will open up a little bit when the fish starts to try and get-a-way.

It is absolutely essential that you practice learning to cast your rod and reel before hitting the water. In most areas where fly fishing is popular, classes are offered to get down the technique. It isn't difficult to learn but it is critical that you know how to do it properly. Being able to hit spots is a big part of finding the fish and it is very important that the fly goes into the water in a natural way without a huge splash. You want it to look like exactly like a real insect that has hit the water enticing the fish to strike. There are a number of free videos on the Internet showing the proper way to cast your line, watch them and learn.