INTRODUCTION
To enjoy a fly fishing trip properly and safely, you need to learn about fly fishing gear. There are so many fishing communities and forums available online to learn basic fishing skills. Join some of them that are suitable for you. These forums and authorities arrange many online and physical workshops and events for beginners. Attending these events helps you a lot to learn about everything you need to get started fishing smoothly. Try to participate in physical workshops. Also, do some online research on your own about the fishing spots near you, basic fishing skills, and required fly fishing gear according to the local fishing spot environment. Before going to any fishing spot, get updated information about the fishing season, the species of fish, and the laws and regulations.
FISHING LICENSE
A license is a very basic and essential item that you need to get right away. Get a short-term fishing license to start with. It will be enough for your vacation or weekly trips. You can also get an annual or long-term license when you start fishing regularly. The cost of obtaining a license depends on your age, skills, area, and time.
FISHING REGULATIONS
It is very important to have a good knowledge of the rules and regulations of fishing. If you do not follow the rules, you can be fined, and your license can also be revoked. Along with this, your ignorance can also harm the community and atmosphere. Therefore, it is essential to have all the information about local laws, bag limits, size limits, open and closed seasons, types of baits, and fishing methods. You will easily find this information online or from local fishing communities and authorities.
FISHING SPOT
A great fishing spot can make your fishing trip memorable, so choose the right place carefully. Choose a place that suits your fishing skills, where you can fish properly and also enjoy nature. Try to select a place that is easy to reach and has proper fishing facilities. The water should be clear and calm, where you can further strengthen your fishing skills.
Keep an eye on the weather because the supply of fish depends on the weather, as the fish’s diet, habitat, and breeding season depends on the season. Your fly fishing gear should also be aligned with the fishing spot.
TACKLE BOX
Before going fishing, prepare your tackle box in which you keep the essentials that are very important to make your fishing successful. For example, different types of hooks, including circle hooks and j-hooks, etc. Along with this, different weights can be used to cast the reel for long distances, improving the quality of casting. Types of lures according to the species available at the fishing spot. Further to this, add jig heads, cutters, scissors, and a good bug spray.
BOAT SELECTION
A good and productive boat makes your fishing trip safe and enjoyable. You should choose a boat that is easy to navigate and has enough space to store your fishing equipment and fish stocks. Aluminum boats can be the best for a better fishing experience. These boats are stronger and more maneuverable. They provide a wide and stable place for casting and retrieving. They are easily available and cost-effective.
Pontoon boats are also a good choice. Fishermen like them because they are wide and stable. They can be easily navigated in all types of water. Skiffs can also make your fishing easier if you choose a deep-water fishing spot. Whatever boat you choose, it should be easy to operate, easy to maintain, easy to transport, easy to handle, and inexpensive.
WATER READING SKILL
If you want to be a good and productive fisherman, learn to read and interpret the water. You will need to know what the color of the water, the bubbles, and the waves indicate. This way you can predict the activities taking place under the water. Fish choose different places in the water according to their needs and safety. Their basic needs include food, oxygen, and safety. You will also need to know which parts of the river or stream are the best places for fish to find their needs. The parts of the water where the waves are slow or where fresh water joins the river or stream are the best places for fish to find their food. Fish often find their food on the windward side because the waves carry the food to that side. If you can identify these areas well, your fly fishing trip will be more productive and amazing
FISHING ROD AND REEL SETUP
The fishing rod is the primary equipment in your fly fishing gear, it should be according to your skill and the fish you want to catch. If you are a new angler, then a medium-power and fast-action spinning reel and rod are the best for you. A rod up to 7 feet long that provides you with medium power is the best choice. The fishing rod should give you easy handling with balance in all kinds of water. It should have a good drag system that helps you in hook setting, reeling, and retrieving. The rod and reel setup is the basic tool. So for choosing the right rod, Special care and research are also necessary. Good online research can make your choice correct and easy.
CASTING
The basic skill of fishing is casting a reel. Give proper time to master this skill, attend workshops, do your online search, and watch online videos for different techniques of casting. Practice regularly in an open area.At the start, try to cast the reel without a hook. Set a target, hold the rod firmly, aim at the target, and cast the line. Try to remain steady and focused while casting. After some attempts, when you become able enough to cast the reel up to your set target at a reasonable distance, attach the hook and practice. Use a proper fishing knot to attach the hook. Regular practice before your first fishing trip is essential for your and others’ safety at the fishing spot.
RETRIEVING
After casting your line, you can use different methods to attract your prey. Which method you use depends on what type of fish you want to catch and where you are fishing. The method that is usually used for each type of environment is the steady retrieve method. The reel maintains a constant speed. Another method is to move the reel in and out at intervals of a few seconds, which is called a stop-and-go method. The fish may mistake your bait for wounded prey. If you want to catch predatory fish, jerk your reel, and the movements of the reel will attract the predatory fish. You can also leave your bait free.
SETTING THE HOOK
It is very important to set the hook in a short time, as soon as the fish bites the hook. A little bit of time will give the fish a chance to free itself. As soon as you feel the fish bite your bait and you feel a little weight, pull the front rod back strongly and quickly towards the top; this will set the hook well. Start pulling after this too. With time, your hook-setting ability and timing will continue to improve.
FIGHT AND LAND THE FISH
As you set the hook, a tug-of-war begins between you and the fish. To win This tug-of-war is as patient and skillful as you can be. Keep the pressure on the fish without being too harsh. Let the fish wander around for a while to get tired, then pull back as needed. Slowly and patiently pull the reel back. When the fish is on the surface, use the net to catch it. If you want to release the fish again, first grab it with wet hands. Slowly and carefully remove the hook. Taking pictures can be a pleasant experience while holding the fish. Then hold the fish straight and put it in the water. Hold it until it swims straight into the water.
ESSENTIALS
Choose your fly fishing gear according to the weather and landscape of the fishing spot. Layered clothing is best for your fishing day. If you plan to fishing in the morning or till late at night. Also, consider your additional outdoor activities on fishing day. A fishing hat with a brim must be with you. A fishing hat protects your face and neck from the harmful rays of the sun during the day and also keeps you cool. Your clothes and shoes must be waterproof. Your footwear must be made of a material that protects you from slipping. Always wear a life jacket. Keep plenty of water and food with you so that you stay energetic and refreshed. Keep a first aid box and all necessary medicines in your bag so that you can get them when needed.
Always remember that fishing is a very enjoyable outdoor activity; these skills and the best fly fishing gear can make it more beautiful and rewarding. Don’t just focus on the number of fish, but enjoy the moments and sights of nature while fishing.