Common Sense Tips For Fly Fishing
You’ve probably read a lot of articles about how to select a rod, what reel is best, how heavy the fishing line should be, and which flies catch the most fish. All of that is important information, but there are a few common sense things you need to know as well. Listed below are some tips every fly fisher should know.
Stay Safe
The point of fishing is to have a good time, so pay attention to a few safety rules, especially when you’re wading.
• Never fish alone in remote areas.
• Never wade in an unfamiliar area.
• Always wear good wading boots.
• Use your wading staff.
Choose Quality Wading Shoes
Wearing wading shoes is obvious, but be sure you buy quality. You’ll need to be able to grip the bottom as you walk, so buy shoes that have rubber cleats on the soles. These are ideal for gripping bottoms of gravel, mud or sand.
Bring Your Wading Staff
Don’t rely on your natural sure-footing. Carry a wading strong but flexible staff to help with rough terrain, and to help keep your feet under you.
Give Other Anglers Space
When another angler has snagged a fish, take your line out of the water, especially if you’re fishing down river. It’s common courtesy to give other fishers space to land their fish.
Silence is Golden
Don’t make noise. It’s a simple matter of etiquette. :
• Noise could scare the fish away.
• Noise could disturb other fly fishers.
Be respectful of other anglers. Many people fish to enjoy the calm serenity of being in nature. So, leave your dog and your radio at home.
Help Each Other
This is another matter of simple etiquette. Things go wrong. You drop things. You forget things. The point is to have a fun day of fly fish rod, so if your neighbor loses something in the water, help him or her retrieve it. Lend them something they need, such as extra line.
Organize Your Fishing Vest
Before you begin your trip, organize your vest so you can grab things easily. Bring only what you need.
Protect Your Skin
Bring sun block and use it. Standing in a stream with the sun on your face for eight hours will be relaxing and fun, but could be painful later. Consider sun block a necessary part of your fishing equipment.
Protect and Aid Your Vision
Always wear a pair of polarized glasses. They will protect your eyes from the sun and from glare, and allow you to more easily see fish underwater. A hat is a good idea, too.
Don’t Get Bit
No matter where you are or what you do, insects are going to be buzzing around while you’re fishing. There are some steps to take, though, to make yourself unappealing to the bugs. Insect repellant is an obvious tool, but you can help the situation if you avoid wearing certain colors. Gnat, mosquitoes, deerflies and black flies
