A fly fishing introduction

Fly Fishing is an angling method that aims to catch fish using artificial flies. Traditionally, salmon and trout are the types of fish caught using this method. But in recent times, a wide variety of fish have been added to the list like pike, carp and striped bass.

As an angling method , fly fishing differs from other procedures in its technique for casting. Other procedures rely on the weight of the lure to pull the line.

But in fly fishing, the line is cast rather than the lure since the lures employed in this technique are too light to be cast.

Casting in fly fishing can be compared towards the way a whip unfurls when it can be being cracked. It is said that a good angler can unfurl his/her line even prior to he/she does the return motion when casting.

This angling technique has been around as early as 200 AD. It was first mentioned in a book entitled ‘Natural History’, written by a Roman author named Aelian.

One chapter of his book mentioned in passing the Macedonians’ way of catching their fish. It talked about how they tried to lure fish using imitation flies that they made themselves.

Based on Aelian’s description, the methods that they used are closely similar towards the techniques and purpose of the modern-day fly fisher in catching fish.

While it has been around for two millennia, fly fishing remains a relevant and exciting technique of angling until this day and will remain so in generations to come.

Probably the best way for fly fishing novices and experienced fly fishermen to improve their technique is through fly fishing books. There is a gigantic selection of books available online which teach great fly fishing technique along with other skills such as those found within fly tying books.