I’ve been fishing for as long as I can remember but I have only recently taken up fly fishing. Before I started, I often wondered how different it was from regular fishing and what it takes to become good at fly fishing. So I thought I’d put together this article to help answer some of these questions.
Is fly fishing hard to learn? Fly fishing can be somewhat difficult compared to other types of fishing, but it can be very rewarding. The casting motion and techniques in fly fishing can be a bit unnatural and will require you to consistently practice. You’ll need to learn how leverage the rod and line to be able to effectively present flies to the fish. However, with a little practice you’ll pick it up in no time.
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of fly fishing, how long it will take to learn, the differences between fly fishing and spin fishing and some general fly fishing tips, then continue reading below.
How Long Does It Take to Learn How to Fly Fish?
Answering the question of how long it takes to learn how to fly fish can be difficult. Everyone is different and there are so many variables. With that being said. If you have a good teacher, most people can learn the basics of fly fishing in a couple times out on the water and will be able to catch fish on the fly rod.
However, it can take years to master the art of fly fishing. There is so much that goes into becoming a great fly fisherman. You’ll need to learn all of the insects, hatches, the different fly patterns and which insects they imitate, how to read rivers and much more. The best fly fishermen are constantly learning and developing their craft.
Tips on Learning How to Fly Fish
When you are just getting into fly fishing it can sometimes seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Even the best anglers had to start somewhere. Some have friends or family that help get them started others learn this skill on their own.
For those that are just getting started or are looking to improve their fly fishing skills. I have compiled a list of 8 fly fishing tips that will help you learn how to fly fish and become a better fisherman.
Learn from a Guide or Mentor – Hiring a guide or fishing with someone with experience is a huge advantage to everyone but especially for those that are just trying to learn. You’ll not only learn a lot faster but they’ll show you the proper techniques and best tactics and methods.
Use Online Resources – If you don’t have the opportunity to fish with someone with experience there are some great books and online resources that can help get you started. There are online classes, tutorials, articles and other content that will help you learn the basics of fly fishing. Although nothing beats physically practicing, you can learn a lot from these resources.
Master Knots – Being able to tie the basic fly fishing knots is a must. There are a ton of different knots out there but in reality you really only need to know a few. Check out some YouTube knot tying tutorials and get practicing.
Practice Casting – Being able to make the right cast can be the difference between having a great day and not catching anything. Spend time early on practicing and perfecting your cast you’ll catch so more fish with a well presented fly.
Start Small – If you are just getting started in the sport of fly fishing start small and stick with the basics. I would start by fishing in ponds, small rivers and streams and then once you feel comfortable you can fish the bigger rivers and use different tactics and techniques.
Learn How to Read the Water -Another key component in fly fishing is being able to read the water. Fish live in a variety of different places on a river or lake. Learning how to read the water and determine how your fly will drift is critical.
Learn Basic Entomology – One of the most important aspects of fly fishing is being able to learn and understand how to choose the right fly. This will require learning the basics of fly fishing entomology. Knowing what flies to use by matching the hatch will pay huge dividends down the road.
Learn the Basics of Catch and Release – Learning and practicing the basic techniques of catch and release is something every angler needs to know. If you plan on releasing your fish, make sure to do all that you can to help take care of the fish.
Why Fly Fishing
Most anglers that aren’t familiar with fly fishing often wonder what are the advantages of fly fishing and is it more effective than regular fishing? This can be a controversial topic, however through my experience there are some advantages and disadvantages to fly fishing.
Advantages of Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is one of the most challenging and rewarding methods of fishing. There are many people that will argue that it’s also the most effective way to catch fish. Here are some of the reasons fly fishing can be so effective. Here are the main advantages of fly fishing:
- Effectively imitate flies and insects
- Trout primarily eat insects
- Can cast light weight fly’s long distances
- Can present a subtle quite lure presentation
- More effective in rivers and streams
Disadvantages of Fly Fishing
Although fly fishing has been branded as the more “pure” way to catch fish it’s not for everyone. It can be expensive, tough to learn and in some cases not as effective as other angling methods. Here are the main disadvantages of fly fishing:
- Casting takes more skill and practice
- Need a lot of room to cast
- More expensive
- Difficult to fish deep
Fly Fishing Gear Every Angler Needs
There are certain things that every fly fisherman will need to take with them on their fly fishing adventures or have when they first get started. Some equipment and gear are critical and others are things you can get away with not having, but will make your life that much easier.
Here are some of the most important items you’ll want to have with you on the water:
- Fly Rod & Reel
- Fly Line and Backing
- Leader and Tippet
- Flies
- Weights
- Nippers
- Forceps
- Wading Boots
- Waders
- Landing Net
- Sunglasses
- Camera
Where to go Fly Fishing
Although fly fishing is a popular fishing technique that can be used on pretty much any body of water its most popular and effective in rivers and streams.
If you are first getting into fly fishing, I’d recommend going to a local pond or somewhere with plenty of space so that you can easily practice your casting. It’s also important to become comfortable with tying the right knots and rigging up your rod before heading to a big river.
Once you feel comfortable with your casting and rigging skills I’d recommend researching and fishing at some local rivers and streams and expanding the places your fish as you gain confidence.
Great fly fishing spots can be found all over the world. If you are looking for some awesome places to fly fish in the United State here are some of the top places.
Best Places to Fly Fish
- Bristol Bay in Alaska
- Jupiter Inlet in Florida
- Green River in Utah
- Glenwood Springs in Colorado
- Devils Lake in North Dakota
- Bighorn River in Montana
- Fryingpan River in Colorado
- Henry’s Fork in Idaho
Do You Catch More Fish Fly Fishing or Regular Fishing?
Can you catch more fish by fly fishing? The answer to this question depends. Generally, you will catch more fish while using a normal fishing rod. Fishing with a spinning rod is easier to learn and anglers are more likely to catch more fish with them.
However, there are many seasoned fly fisherman that will disagree and say that you can catch more fish fly fishing. It all depends on your skill level, the kind of fish you are targeting and what they are eating.
What Is the Difference Between Fly Fishing and Spin Fishing?
The main difference between fly fishing and spin fishing is the rods, reels and line that is used. In fly fishing it’s the weight of a tapered fly line and leader that propels flies to their intended targets. Flies are often very light and the weight of the line helps cast these small flies. On the other hand, in spin fishing the weight of lure along with the rod is what allows lures to be casted with distance.
Here are some of the other difference between fly fishing and spin fishing:
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a fishing technique where anglers will attempt to fool fish into thinking their artificial flies are food. Fly fishing can be a great fishing technique because it allows anglers to represent a more exact imitation of food sources, thus being able to catch more fish. Fly fishing is ideal in rivers, streams and can be also effective in lakes with the right setup.
Spin Fishing
Spin fishing is an angling technique where a spinning rod is used to cast lures and baits to entice fish into biting. Spin fishing is a common technique that is used in both freshwater and saltwater to target a variety of species. Spin fishing is ideal if you want to use light line, cover a lot of water and depths and fish with heavier baits and lures.
Final Thoughts
Like anything else one wishes to learn, fly fishing can take some time and effort. However, if you are willing to learn and you have a good tutor you’ll pick up fly fishing pretty quick.
If you can’t find someone that will be willing to teach you there are plenty of great online resources and tutorials that will help get you started. Before you know it you’ll become a fly fishing master. Best of luck out there.
Tight Lines!
