Fly Fishing

It was in the late 1990’s when I was invited to go fishing with some friends.  It didn’t sound too appealing at first, because the plan was to catch and release, and I didn’t like the idea of hurting fish as a form of entertainment. 

But then I began to consider fly fishing.  Modern lures are colorful and plentiful and some are even guaranteed to attract fish to your line.  I felt that made it less of a challenge, but the idea of being able to make my own lure, as a survival skill, was very attractive. Or should I say alluring? 

Traditional fly fishing is for Trout or Salmon, but I wanted to catch any kind of fish.  The only way to test the quality of my homemade fly’s. 

So, I set out to catch a fish using lures of my own creation, figuring that if I could do that, I would have a better chance of survival in the wilderness if it ever came down to that (knock on wood). 

I searched the internet and found enough information to get started.  I also visited several sporting goods stores and bought supplies.  Feathers and sparkly do-dads, and special string, and a device used for tying knots called a bobbin.  Once you’ve mastered the bobbin, you’re halfway there. 

For more on Bobbins: 

http://www.midcurrent.com/articles/gear/dumaine_toolbox.aspx 

http://www.flyfishusa.com/fly-tying/bobbins.htm 

Here is a YouTube video showing how to use the Bobbin and it may lead you to other such content. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDxSe2t1l28

 

It took a while, and a lot of practice, but I made 10 decent ‘flies’ and we drove from the Chicago suburbs way up north to lake Superior. 

We spent a week fishing and did as well as my friends with their store bought lures. 

I used a conventional rod and reel, and I didn't use the usual casting technique, but I enjoyed the experience. Now I could MacGyver up a shiny lure at the drop of a hat.

You may find that you want to pursue an all out initial gear up, but I suggest starting out by learning to tie fly's.

Here is a nice evaluation page on traditional fly tackle that ebay put together: 

http://pages.ebay.com/buy/guides/fly-fishing-rods-buying-guide/#1

 

So, either I am a natural fly maker, or maybe it was just that the fish were biting that day. 

It made me feel more confident having acquired even the lowest level of proficiency at tying fly’s.  

My conclusion is that taking up fly fishing can be rewarding even at the most basic level.

If your fly’s fall apart in the water, then you might consider finding a different Hobby.  

Please check out my Hobby Page.