Mike Fandal After reading many local articles on fly fishing and the high interest in the sport and a considerable amount of folks asking about the sport after they read articles, I feel the need to step back and start from square one with some basic information about Fly Fishing. Experienced fly fishermen and women, you may want to stop here. For the beginners please read on. Let’s start with some simple definitions.
Weight - Example 2 wt. little number light rod. 9 wt. big number bigger rod... Let’s keep it simple for now.
Fly rod - Long flexible rod, can be of any length. Most common is 8 to 9 feet. Comes in many different weights for different size fish. Also comes in many actions. Most common in this area is 5 wt., 8.5 to 9 feet. For the beginner a mid-flex 5 wt. to 6 wt. rods is best.
Fly line - Comes in many different weights and lengths. Most common lengths are 30 thru 90 feet. Fly line also comes floating, sinking, tapered, and straight and many other varieties. For the beginner only use Weight Forward Tapered Floating Fly Line matched to the weight of the rod. Warning!!!!Use of any other fly lines for the beginner can be hazardous to your emotional health along with the health of loved ones, fishing partners and pets.
Fly line backing - Extends the length of your fly line for larger fish. Remember; fly line is short and large fish can run further than 30 to 90 feet.
Fly Reel - Match your reel to your rod . For the beginner this is the easy part. Reel is a line holder and does not need to cost a lot to work just fine.
Leader - Most fly line leaders are tapered. This adds a little weight to the leader and makes it easier to cast. Leaders can come in all lengths and sizes. Stick with a 7 to 9 foot leader.
Tippet - Attaches to leader. Easily can drop from the leader to a tippet size to match fish size.
Flies - Lure that catches the fish. Easily snags on any tree, dock, arm or head. The hooks on most flies are thin and sharp and extremely hard to remove from your fishing buddy’s scalp. Remember the fish does not catch the fly in the air. Just like any other lure it must be on the water to catch fish.
The Cast - This can be overwhelming for the first time. Start with an overhand cast. Start in the back yard with a short cast. Very important reminder… During the first practice casts leave the fly off and stay away from power lines and any overhead obstruction.
Knots - Only start with two in the beginning. Nail Knot and Surgeon knot.
YouTube - You can find anything you need about fly fishing on YouTube including how to tie these knots.
These are the simple definitions for the beginner on some of the equipment used to catch a fish on a fly.
At this time I will add a WARNING about fly fishing
Fly Fishing can be very exciting and stressful along with a lifelong addiction and could present health concerns. Think about a five to eight pound Bass or Red crashing a big popping bug as soon as it hits the water for the first time fly fishing. Fly Fishing increases blood pressure, can also cause pounding heart syndrome. So please before proceeding to Fly Fish ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to fly fish. With that let’s move forward.
Time now to go find some equipment to use. Go out and hit the stores and find some sales or if you like garage sales this is also a great place to find some gear. The local fly shops can also a great place to find some used equipment. My suggestions are to find a 5 wt. to 6 wt. outfit and start in freshwater for Bass and Bluegill. Caution if the equipment is used and you do not know what type fly line is installed on the reel, you need to remove the line and purchase weight forward tapered floating fly line matching the weight of the rod. This will be the most important decision you will make as a beginner, your choice of the fly line will depend on your success at casting and catching fish.
Now let’s assume you have the tools and it’s time to fish. The great thing in this area is there are lots of water and fish that are easily accessible to any angler on any budget even without a boat. Small boats are great including kayaks, pirogues, paddle boards, flat boats and inflatable boats. Bigger boats work well as long as there are no T tops. These tops are extremely hard on fly rods, the experienced fly fishing angler will tell you this. They are the ones that usually make this mistake but never admit it. Next it’s time to go out and purchase some flies. Start with top water poppers or spiders in bright colors in different sizes. This type of fly is easy to cast and very visible on the water. My suggestion would be start with a popper or spider with size 10 hooks and then work my way up to a popper with a size 6 hook and fish with these for the first couple of trips. Start in some areas where there are fewer trees and have some solid bulkheads. Good area is behind the Slidell Train Station on Bayou Bonfuca. There are places to cast without a boat and if you do have a small boat there is no need for a motor and there are plenty fish to keep you interested. Cast the fly close to the bank, move it to make the popping motion and then let it sit very still on the water for 10 to 30 seconds. If there is no response, bump it again, this second bump will normally get the response. What you are not seeing is the Bream under the bug, as soon as that bug hits the water there are several pair of eyes looking up. Each are waiting on the other to make a move, sort of like you and partner or loved one at a hot dog stand, each trying to decide what you want to eat. Sooner or later one of you will order!! This is the way Bream approach a fly most days; they all have to take a look before someone decides to eat. This is also why you never pull the bug away after the first strike if the fish misses. Once one decides and misses there is usually a second strike with many times the second strike producing the bigger fish. If you decide Bream fishing is beneath your standards, jump to the bigger Bass poppers. Before you do this let me tell you there are many advanced closet bream fly fishing anglers out there. You read all the magazines about the big reds and big bass caught on a fly but pound for pound these little guys (bream / bluegill) put up a fight unequaled to any other fish around here and never give up until they are cold in the ice chest and also are great table food. I know of no local guides or advanced fly fishing anglers around here that would ever pass on a good day of fishing for bream on a fly rod, along with the fact I have caught some very large bass on the same fly while fishing for bream.
Recap
Start with less expensive gear. Make sure the fly line is correct. Use YouTube for some great info. Talk to the folks at your local Fly Shop. Look for some local areas without lots of trees. Leave the conventional gear at home. Get your best buddy and try some fly fishing. Bald fishing buddies make great fishing partners, no reason to shave the head at the ER when its time to remove a fly from a wild cast. Keeping the boat parallel to the bank will avoid expensive trips to the ER!! Do expect a lifetime of fun and excitement on the fly ..
Weight - Example 2 wt. little number light rod. 9 wt. big number bigger rod... Let’s keep it simple for now.
Fly rod - Long flexible rod, can be of any length. Most common is 8 to 9 feet. Comes in many different weights for different size fish. Also comes in many actions. Most common in this area is 5 wt., 8.5 to 9 feet. For the beginner a mid-flex 5 wt. to 6 wt. rods is best.
Fly line - Comes in many different weights and lengths. Most common lengths are 30 thru 90 feet. Fly line also comes floating, sinking, tapered, and straight and many other varieties. For the beginner only use Weight Forward Tapered Floating Fly Line matched to the weight of the rod. Warning!!!!Use of any other fly lines for the beginner can be hazardous to your emotional health along with the health of loved ones, fishing partners and pets.
Fly line backing - Extends the length of your fly line for larger fish. Remember; fly line is short and large fish can run further than 30 to 90 feet.
Fly Reel - Match your reel to your rod . For the beginner this is the easy part. Reel is a line holder and does not need to cost a lot to work just fine.
Leader - Most fly line leaders are tapered. This adds a little weight to the leader and makes it easier to cast. Leaders can come in all lengths and sizes. Stick with a 7 to 9 foot leader.
Tippet - Attaches to leader. Easily can drop from the leader to a tippet size to match fish size.
Flies - Lure that catches the fish. Easily snags on any tree, dock, arm or head. The hooks on most flies are thin and sharp and extremely hard to remove from your fishing buddy’s scalp. Remember the fish does not catch the fly in the air. Just like any other lure it must be on the water to catch fish.
The Cast - This can be overwhelming for the first time. Start with an overhand cast. Start in the back yard with a short cast. Very important reminder… During the first practice casts leave the fly off and stay away from power lines and any overhead obstruction.
Knots - Only start with two in the beginning. Nail Knot and Surgeon knot.
YouTube - You can find anything you need about fly fishing on YouTube including how to tie these knots.
These are the simple definitions for the beginner on some of the equipment used to catch a fish on a fly.
At this time I will add a WARNING about fly fishing
Fly Fishing can be very exciting and stressful along with a lifelong addiction and could present health concerns. Think about a five to eight pound Bass or Red crashing a big popping bug as soon as it hits the water for the first time fly fishing. Fly Fishing increases blood pressure, can also cause pounding heart syndrome. So please before proceeding to Fly Fish ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to fly fish. With that let’s move forward.
Time now to go find some equipment to use. Go out and hit the stores and find some sales or if you like garage sales this is also a great place to find some gear. The local fly shops can also a great place to find some used equipment. My suggestions are to find a 5 wt. to 6 wt. outfit and start in freshwater for Bass and Bluegill. Caution if the equipment is used and you do not know what type fly line is installed on the reel, you need to remove the line and purchase weight forward tapered floating fly line matching the weight of the rod. This will be the most important decision you will make as a beginner, your choice of the fly line will depend on your success at casting and catching fish.
Now let’s assume you have the tools and it’s time to fish. The great thing in this area is there are lots of water and fish that are easily accessible to any angler on any budget even without a boat. Small boats are great including kayaks, pirogues, paddle boards, flat boats and inflatable boats. Bigger boats work well as long as there are no T tops. These tops are extremely hard on fly rods, the experienced fly fishing angler will tell you this. They are the ones that usually make this mistake but never admit it. Next it’s time to go out and purchase some flies. Start with top water poppers or spiders in bright colors in different sizes. This type of fly is easy to cast and very visible on the water. My suggestion would be start with a popper or spider with size 10 hooks and then work my way up to a popper with a size 6 hook and fish with these for the first couple of trips. Start in some areas where there are fewer trees and have some solid bulkheads. Good area is behind the Slidell Train Station on Bayou Bonfuca. There are places to cast without a boat and if you do have a small boat there is no need for a motor and there are plenty fish to keep you interested. Cast the fly close to the bank, move it to make the popping motion and then let it sit very still on the water for 10 to 30 seconds. If there is no response, bump it again, this second bump will normally get the response. What you are not seeing is the Bream under the bug, as soon as that bug hits the water there are several pair of eyes looking up. Each are waiting on the other to make a move, sort of like you and partner or loved one at a hot dog stand, each trying to decide what you want to eat. Sooner or later one of you will order!! This is the way Bream approach a fly most days; they all have to take a look before someone decides to eat. This is also why you never pull the bug away after the first strike if the fish misses. Once one decides and misses there is usually a second strike with many times the second strike producing the bigger fish. If you decide Bream fishing is beneath your standards, jump to the bigger Bass poppers. Before you do this let me tell you there are many advanced closet bream fly fishing anglers out there. You read all the magazines about the big reds and big bass caught on a fly but pound for pound these little guys (bream / bluegill) put up a fight unequaled to any other fish around here and never give up until they are cold in the ice chest and also are great table food. I know of no local guides or advanced fly fishing anglers around here that would ever pass on a good day of fishing for bream on a fly rod, along with the fact I have caught some very large bass on the same fly while fishing for bream.
Recap
Start with less expensive gear. Make sure the fly line is correct. Use YouTube for some great info. Talk to the folks at your local Fly Shop. Look for some local areas without lots of trees. Leave the conventional gear at home. Get your best buddy and try some fly fishing. Bald fishing buddies make great fishing partners, no reason to shave the head at the ER when its time to remove a fly from a wild cast. Keeping the boat parallel to the bank will avoid expensive trips to the ER!! Do expect a lifetime of fun and excitement on the fly ..
