Fly fishing is all about imitating
small insects or baitfish well enough to get a species of fish to
take your offering. Flies are merely dressed up hooks that
resemble anything from a Mayfly to an injured baitfish.
There are two main categories of
flies: the flies that rest on the surface (dry flies, poppers) and
the flies that go beneath the surface (nymphs, wet flies,
streamers). Either type of fly you choose to fish with will be
a rewarding experience but there could be different circumstances to
using one over the other.
Dry Flies
Having the ability to present a well
tied dry fly to a fish in crystal clear water is the most
challenging and most rewarding form of fly fishing. It requires stealth, a very well tied fly that will
imitate what the fish are feeding on, good vision, slow movements
and a very delicate presentation. Typical flies that are
presented in this scenario are very small dry flies that resemble
small bugs that live their adult life on the surface film of the
water.
Poppers
Poppers on the other hand do not need
quite a delicate presentation but can be a very rewarding lure as
well. Poppers are usually made of deer hair, cork, or other
buoyant materials that can imitate anything from a frog to a
mouse. Some look like nothing at all but a predatory fish will
attack them anyway. These dry flies are typically presented to
Bass and other very aggressive species that don't mind a little
commotion on the waters surface.
Nymphs
Nymph fishing is
probably the most popular form of fly fishing. Nymphs
represent wingless insects in their larval or pupa stage on or near
the bottom. These types of insects make up a large part of a
freshwater fishes main diet.
Wet Flies
Wet flies are
similar to nymphs in that they are submerged flies. The main
difference between the two is the fact that wet flies are usually
found near the top of the water preparing to emerge as adults before
they fly away. This stage in an insects life is very exciting
for fly fishermen. At one time, hundreds and thousands of
insects will make a break for the surface creating a feeding frenzy
for the fish and of course giving you a great opportunity to present
a wet fly.
Streamers
Streamers
are usually tied to resemble a bait fish or in some cases leaches,
snakes or other larger creatures. They are long, sinking flies
that behave like prey to a predatory fish. Larger fish are
usually sought out by the streamer because of its size and
resemblance to what they eat.
Consider
the following
Always pinch down the barb and sharpen
your hooks. Using sharpened barbless hooks will enable you to
hook more fish and are easier to remove from the fish or yourself if
an accident should occur.
