Rainbow trout flyfishing on Colombia

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Pro bass fishing: A Different Way of Fishing

Fishing is much known as a profession or a form of occupation. People do catches fishes and other aqua marine products to have something to eat and to have something for their living.

They spend money for fishing for they can earn from this. They spend for equipments and gears. They spend for improvements of their fishing for the make this as a business.

For some people, especially those outgoing and adventurous, fishing is a matter of sport and game. They do fishing for their enjoyment and relaxation. They entertain their selves through fishing because they can get peace of mind and calmness in the said activity.

Bass fly fishing is a type of fishing that involves using an artificial fly. It is different from traditional fishing methods in that fly anglers cast a hook that generally has bits of feather, fur, foam, yarn, or other similar material attached using thread to form what is referred to as a ‘fly', as opposed to using worms or other bait.

Pro bass fishing is just like the ordinary fly fishing that we know. The only difference is that it entails the presence of professionals in fishing. These professionals are those that are well respected in the line of fishing. They were considered professionals because of their dedication and love in fishing including their contributions.

As seen on : Pro Bass Fishing Video - How to Fish the Best Lake in Texas (part 2)

There are the types of fly fishing. The best known and the most classic is he dry fly fishing. The fisherman uses an artificial fly, which he casts so that it will float on the water. The fly will pass over the fish, which will hopefully rise up and bite it. The fisherman then tries to control the fish's attempts to escape, tiring it enough to bring it in to be retrieved from the water with a landing net.

Many anglers prefer this type of fly fishing because everything can be seen - the angler casts at a fish he can see, the fly is easily visible on the surface of the water, and he can see the fish take the fly. The only drawback to this is that trout and other fish tend to feed underwater, and therefore are not as likely to come up to take a dry fly.

The second form of fly fishing is what is known as nymph fishing. When the flies lay eggs in the river or lake, the eggs hatch out as nymphs, make their way to the surface and they hatch into a fly. Therefore, nymph fishing utilizes imitations of different nymphs that are weighted to stay below the surface of the water. This type of fishing is often considered more challenging, as all the action takes place beneath the surface.

Bass fly fishing has become an increasingly popular sport, and most anglers will agree that it's not just about catching fish. Some anglers would even regard fly fishing as a kind of religion, and most consider it a relaxing pastime that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. It also appeals to the more environmentally conscious, as it is less harmful to the fish than many other techniques, and most anglers return their catch.

Pro bass fly fishing requires gears and equipments that will aide the fisher to a more productive and fruitful fishing. There are gears that are widely used and there are also some that especially used by pro bass fishers.

The rod is the fisherman's most important piece of equipment, and should be chosen with care. For beginners, a basic rod-and-reel set is enough; the features and materials aren't necessarily important. It is more important that the beginning fisherman learn how to use the rod, and become comfortable with it before moving on to more complex pieces of equipment.

Pro bass fishing gives not only relaxation and much of enjoyment, but it also give way to amateur fishers to prove something into their selves that they have the talents in fishing because of the challenges being offered by the sport.

The fishing sport not just offer things fishing, it also provides things that are in with nature. In fishing, the enthusiast used to learn how to love the environment because of the settings and locations of the activities which are always beyond the beauty of the nature.

Pro bass fishing not only entertains, it also provides a whole new world of adventures.

5 Ways to Catch a Fish

As seen on : Bass fishing 5 tips to catch more bass on a jig and pig

 

It makes little sense to ask someone whether they like to fish, when there are so many different ways to do it. Some atyles are tranquil and relaxing like fly fishing. Fly fishing is a solitary activity that allows man to be out in nature, in a quiet space where he can clear his head. Others are athletically demanding and very aggressive, like free-diving spear fishing.

1. Coarse:

Coarse fishing is a popular sport in the United Kingdom. The term was coined in the early 19th century, when people in the UK started fishing for coarse fish, as opposed to freshwater or game fish. The techniques used to catch coarse fish also differ from those used for recreational fishing. There are many different species of coarse fish, including barbell, bream, common corp, chub, crucian carp, dace, eel, goldfish, red fin perch, pike, roach, rudd, tench, and zander.

2. Game:

Game fish can be freshwater or marine fish and are caught recreationally or for sport. Most often, after they are caught, anglers will release the slippery little buggers back into the water. Although, some game fish are caught for commercial distribution like salmon. Each fishing region has species that are considered valuable, either because they are difficult to catch or because they are a good or rare source of food. Mainly the thrill of game fishing comes from catching the biggest one!

3. Fly:

Izaak Walton once wrote that fly fishing was the contemplative man's recreation. Artificial lures, unlike live (or dead) bait are used to attract the fish. They are dangled on long lines far away from the rod itself. It is the weight of the line that carries the hook through the air. While the sport is known for catching trout and salmon, the development of stronger rods and reels has made catching larger fish, such as wahoo, tuna, and sharks, possible.

4. Ice:

You got it, ice fishers actually sit (sometimes sleep) on the ice while hosting a line through a hole, deep into freezing cold water. The sport is most popular in Canada, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Iceland, Ukraine, and Germany. Modern ice fishers drill as many as 110 holes in a single day, so if the fish stop biting around one hole, fishermen can move on to the next.

5. Spear:

This ancient style of fishing would utilize sharpened sticks to catch their prey from rivers and streams. Nowadays, spear fishers use powered spear guns and slings. Moreover, new techniques have been developed for the various types of spear fishing, including free-diving, snorkelling, or scuba diving.

Seychelles Charters is a UK based luxury yacht and fishing charter agent offering charters in the Seychelles. The company prides itself in providing its clients with a 'once-in-a-lifetime' sailing and fishing experience around the world's best vacation destination. For more on fishing in the Seychelles visit www.seychellescharters.co.uk/seychelles-fishing

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Prentice

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Fly Fishing Catch and Release

Once you make the decision that you want to become part off the world of fly fishing, you have to then decide if you are going to keep your catches or release them back into the water safe and sound. Some fishermen keep all the fish they catch, others release all that they catch, and some choose to use a combination of the two.

These fly fishermen keep only what they are going to eat, or give to other people to eat, and release all of the other fish they catch.

If you decide to practice fly fishing using the catch and release method, it is very important  that you crush the barb of the hook you are going to use. The other choice is to use a  hook without barbs. This is done to avoid any unnecessary injuries to the fish. It is also important to keep the fight as short as possible so the fish does not become overtired. At the first opportunity, bring the fish to hand but do not take it out of the water. While holding it under the water, remove the hook using a pair of fishing pliers.

If the fish seems to be too tired to swim away,  hold it gently just under the surface of  the water with one hand around its caudal wrist, which is just ahead of the tail. With the other hand, support the fish under its belly. Rock the fish gently back and forth making sure that the water enters its mouth and flows over its gills. Using this method, the fish should gain its energy back quickly. When you feel the fish try to pull away,  gently release your hold on it. Using the catch and release method of fly fishing can be very rewarding.

Often fishermen believe they should release the smaller fish that they catch and keep the larger ones. They might not be aware that the larger fish usually represent the more genetically suitable spawners. They are the ones that are the most valuable fish for keeping a healthy species. It is wiser to keep the smaller fish to eat and release the larger ones back into the water.

Some people while fly fishing,  feel that it is all right to catch as many fish as possible as long as they release them all. However, catch and release is not foolproof. Many fish are injured during the process and some even die. At times, even though the fisherman doesn't keep any of the fish he catches, the overall fish mortality rate for that day is higher then if he had caught and kept the legal limit. Most fish, even if they are not physically injured, will sulk for a while after they have been released because of the trauma of being caught and released.

Catch and release fly fishing can be a wonderful way to experience the sport. Every release of a fish contributes to the conservation efforts that ensures the future of having future stocks of fish.

As seen on : Let Them Live - Catch and Release Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Clubs

Fly fishing clubs are a great place to learn, apply, and share knowledge of a great outdoor sport. Fly fishing clubs are the best "hands on" resource if you are thinking of entering the fly fishing experience.  If you want to learn more about casting a fly rod, how to tie fly's, how to make fly rods from blanks, or just have a great outdoor experience, check out a club in your area.

If you don’t have a fly fishing club in your area, you might want to access some of the resources available to you on the Internet.  There are many places you can go to online where you will find camaraderie, advice, and tips about fly fishing.

Fly fishing clubs are often regional in nature.  You can usually find a club that caters exclusively to residents of the state of Michigan or Washington.  You can also find a fly fishing club that is geared toward beginning fly fishers or one that gives tips and advice about how to tie flies or the best casting techniques to use.

One of the greatest advantages of a supportive fly fishing club is the opportunity to go on fishing vacations with people you meet.  When you get to know people who share your love of fly fishing, they are eager to co-mingle with other people who share their passion.

If you are a member of an Internet club for fly fishers, it can be fun to make plans to meet at a designated spot to get together for some well deserved R & R while fly fishing.  You can find camaraderie and friendship by joining a fly fishing club plus, you can learn a lot about the sport from fellow club members.

When joining a fly fishing club, you can further your fly fishing education, practice conservation, and enjoy the company of some interesting people who share your interest in the sport.  You can draw on each other’s knowledge and learn new things just by talking and participating in club activities.

Not only are there local clubs, but there are also national fly fishing clubs that you can become a part of.  The Federation of Fly Fishers is dedicated to enhancing the sport of fly fishing for all species of fish.  International Women Fly Fishers aims to educate women in the sport of fly fishing.  Trout Unlimited is committed to the preservation of all cold water species and habitats.

Many people join more than one fly fishing club as the choices can be endless.  If you are truly dedicated to the sport of fly fishing, joining a fly fishing club can truly enhance your enjoyment of this exciting and diverse sport!

Fly Fishing Equipment

Image via WikipediaImage via WikipediaJust as with any other sport, the equipment you use when fly fishing can be very important.  There are various types of equipment that you need when you undertake fly fishing, and be prepared because some of it can get quite expensive!

Of course, you’ll need a rod and reel.  What type of rod you choose depends on the type of fish you will be angling for.  Fly rods are ranked according to their net weight capabilities (nwt).  The nwt number will tell you what type of fish you will be able to catch.  Fish that weigh 8 pounds will require at least an 8 nwt rod, etc.   The larger the nwt number, the larger fish you can catch.

Some rods are multi-rated (e.g. 7-9 nwt).  These rods are good to use because they can accommodate a variety of fish, but multi-rated rods tend to be less flexible than single rated rods. 

Rods are made of fiberglass, graphite, or bamboo.  Fiberglass rods are durable and less expensive.  Fiberglass rods are best for beginning fly fishermen because they can be used in a variety of situations.  Graphite rods are lighter and will give you more fighting weight when it comes to landing a fish.  Bamboo rods can be expensive, but they are extremely strong and are suited to a more laid-back casting style.

Your fly line will need to match the nwt of your rod.  If you have an 8 nwt rod, you’ll need to use an 8 nwt line.  It is acceptable to go one or two sizes above or below your rod weight (i.e. 9 nwt or 7 nwt).  Buy line that is strong and durable.  Some lines are specially designed for freshwater, saltwater, etc.

You will also need to have a durable net that you can carry with you.  After the fish has lost its will to fight, a good net is used to scoop them out of the water.  This can be a big part of your fly fishing equipment because without a good net, you won’t be able to get your fish out of the water!

Having the right fly fishing equipment is important for both the beginner as well as the experienced angler.  As you get better and better at the sport, you will begin to see how important having good equipment can be.  You can always upgrade, so it’s good to start out small and work your way up to the more expensive stuff.  Your fly fishing equipment can make a world of difference between landing that big fish or catching an ordinary one.

Fly Tying for Fly Fishing

Steve Brocco Tri-Color (steelhead fly) (Photo credit: andrewb823)Image via WikipediaImage via WikipediaImage via WikipediaImage by TenkaraAshley via FlickrOne of the best parts of fly fishing is learning the art of fly tying.  While you can buy pre-made flies, there’s nothing more satisfying than tying your own flies and being able to share with your friends the fact that you caught a 20 pound fish using a fly you made yourself.  While it’s not complicated, fly tying for fly fishing can be a very delicate art.

The first piece of equipment you will need when undertaking fly tying is a fly vice.  These hold your hook while you are tying it together.  You’ll want a vice that can hold all sizes and shapes of hooks and that is easily adjustable.

Get a bobbin that will hold your thread.  A bobbin will keep your thread tight and organized while you are tying your fly.  Bobbins come in a variety of sizes, but they all basically do the same thing.  Spend just a little bit more money on a bobbin and you won’t have to worry about cut threads before you are through.

You need to also splurge on a good pair of scissors.  To start out with, one pair of scissors is enough, but as you get better at fly tying, you’ll want to have a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the needs of the flies you are tying.  The loops should fit your fingers comfortably, and they should be kept sharp.

Hackle pliers are small pliers with enough constant tension designed to wrap hackle feathers around the hook.  As with scissors, they come in all shapes and sizes, but they all do basically the same thing. 

Find a good bodkin too.  A bodkin is basically a needle in a handle.  You can use a bodkin not only to tie the fly, but also for delicate work that requires a small, sharp point like separating out pieces of feather and fur.

Of course, you’ll also need a large selection of feathers and fur to match the different types of flies you want to match.  Mink fur and pheasant feathers are good materials to work with as are peacock feathers.

There are several books and websites available that can teach you fly tying for fly fishing as it can’t really be explained in a few short paragraphs.  The best way to learn how to tie your fly fishing ties is to experiment and keep doing it.  You’ll eventually find techniques that work for you and be well on your way to becoming an expert on fly tying for your fly fishing needs!

How Are Dry Flies Made

Image via WikipediaImage via WikipediaFly fishing is an interesting sport with a growing number of people participating. When people start out fly fishing they usually just buy all of the gear that they need, including their artificial flies. Once people get hooked on fly fishing though they often start thinking about making their own artificial flies as a way to stay involved with the sport during the off-season months. While some artificial flies can be tricky to make others are actually well within the abilities of the average fly fisher. Even children can learn to tie artificial flies and this is an excellent way to get them involved in the sport.

The earliest description of tying artificial flies dates back to the 2nd century. Macedonian anglers, fishing on the Astraeus River, had devised a method of fly fishing using artificial flies. These Macedonian fly fishermen started with a hook and then tied red-dyed wool around the hook. They would then tie small feathers onto the red wool to complete the artificial fly. Apparently these fishermen were quite successful with their primitive artificial flies.

18th century American fly fishermen took the design of artificial flies to a new level while studying the trout streams of the New York Catskill Mountains. These fishermen discovered that their success with fly fishing could be greatly improved by designing artificial flies that mimicked the native insects around the stream. These artificial flies successfully fooled the trout into thinking that a real insect had landed on the water. This knowledge gave rise to studying insect hatches to determine which artificial fly would be most successful. Different artificial flies are successful on different water at different times.

Artificial flies were originally made using natural materials like feathers, fur, wool and similar materials. Most artificial flies are now made using synthetic materials. Another recent development in artificial fly design has been the use of the barbless hook. Many fly fishers practice "catch and release" and extracting a barbed hook from a fish after landing it can be quite difficult. While barbless hooks make it somewhat more challenging to keep the fish on the hook they are easier to extract - from the fish or the angler!

Artificial flies are now made in thousands of designs and styles. The number of choices can be quite overwhelming to new fly fishers. All artificial flies have certain basic characteristics though and, despite newer materials and more choices, the basics of artificial fly manufacturing has not changed much in two thousand years of fly fishing. All artificial flies start with a hook. The hook is then disguised to resemble an actual insect that the target fish eat or to attract the target fish with color, motion, etc.

The materials that the hook is decorated with have changed over the years but some of the classic designs have not. Wool, fur and feathers were once common choices for artificial flies. Newer materials include plastic, mylar, foam and metals. These materials are either tied or glued onto the hook in special patterns to attract fish.

Fly Tying Tips and Tools

Image via WikipediaImage via WikipediaImage via WikipediaTying your own flies can be very rewarding and relaxing. It also has another benefit in giving you something to do if you are unfortunate to live where the rivers are frozen in winter, or fly fishing is closed for some months each year.

The tools are simple. You could make most of them yourself, however it would be best for beginners to buy at least a fly tying vice. There have been over the years quite a number of different vice types manufacturered. In my opinion, the cam type of vice is the easiest to use. This is a vice that has a cam lever to open and close the jaws. It's adjustable to various angles and hook sizes. Quick and easy to open and close.

The next thing to get your hands on are some hackle pliers. These are also a cheap spend, but really worthwhile. They are a little difficult to make a pair yourself.

Apart from these items, you'll need a pair of curved scissors with sharp points and another set with small straight blades. You probably could also do with a needle that is pushed into a stick. This is for fixing hakkles that have been inadvertantly wound under. You can also use it for putting laquer onto the finished head.

What sort of hooks should you use? My advice is to not fall for the trap of using any old hook. Buy proper fly hooks. These have a tapered shank and are usually hollow ground. These are lighter than normal hooks, a real advantage in dry flies.

The tapered shank lets the head, especially the eye of the fly be tied tighter and smaller. When you consider the work involved in tying a fly, why waste effort on the wrong hook. If you make a mistake, all you need to do is cut the fly off the hook and start again.

Something you could consider these days is the opportunity of actually buying a complete fly tying set. These sets cost only around $50 or so. They have vices, scissors, pliers, hooks and all the feathers and fur you need to get started. Some even come with videos or DVD's.

Whichever way you go, it is a cheap way to spend many an hour, in preparation of catching your next bag of fish. The satisfaction of catching your next trout on a fly you tied yourself is imeasureable.

History Of Fly Fishing

Image via WikipediaFly fishing has been around in various forms for many years. Early historical records indicate that Macedonian fishermen were using artificial flies to catch fish as early as the second century. The Roman Claudius Aelianus described the Macedonian anglers as using six-foot rods with six-foot line. Aelianus detailed how the Macedonian fishermen would craft artificial flies from a hook with red wool and insect wings tied on. These Macedonian fishermen were apparently quite successful with their technique. There is also some evidence that fishing with artificial flies may even predate the second-century Macedonian techniques.

Unfortunately, little else was written about ancient fly fishing methods. It was 1496 before any major work was published describing fly fishing.

It is thought that modern fly fishing probably developed in England and Scotland. Fly fishing techniques similar to modern techniques began to be developed in England in the 19th century. Around this time fly fishing clubs were also formed in England to accommodate a growing interest in the sport. Part of the interest in fly fishing in southern England was because of the prevalence of shallow, weedy rivers. Fly fishing proved to be well-adapted to this type of water course.

Fly fishing quickly became something of an elitist sport in England. Fly fishing purists insisted on fishing with dry flies only and looked down on wet fly fishing as being inferior. Wet fly fishing continued to be developed around the same time, however. The US and Scandinavia also saw fly fishing popularity increase during the 19th century. However, anglers in the US and Scandinavia did not share the English view concerning the superiority of dry fly fishing. US and Scandinavian anglers fished both dry and wet flies.

Fly fishing materials have continued to develop over the years. Significant advances have been made in fly fishing equipment, including rods, line and flies.

Early fly fishing rods were made from a tropical wood known as greenheart. Bamboo replaced greenheart as fly fishing popularity spread. Bamboo rods were further refined as American rod builders developed advanced rod building techniques that involved cutting the bamboo into strips before gluing the bamboo back together around a solid core. Following World War II fiberglass became a popular material for fly rod construction. The fiberglass rods were more affordable than their bamboo predecessors since bamboo rods may take as much as 100 hours to build. Modern fly fishing rods are usually made from a graphite compound. Modern rods are less expensive than earlier rods and perform exceptionally well.

Artificial flies were originally made from natural materials like feathers and fur. Most modern flies are made from synthetic materials.

Fly line has also been improved quite a bit. Fly fishing line used to be made of horse hair. Horse hair line was replaced by silk line. The silk line was an improvement over horse hair but  the line still had to be removed from the reel periodically to allow it to dry.

US interest in fly fishing peaked in the 1920s with Maine, Vermont and Wisconsin being the most popular areas for fly fishing. Interest increased again in the 1950s with the development of affordable, fiberglass fly fishing rods, synthetic fly line and monofilament leaders. These developments served to make fly fishing a more affordable sport for many people.

Sage Fly Fishing Gear

The Sage company has been producing quality fly fishing gear for many years.  They offer quality, top of the line fly fishing rods, reels, and lines to the beginning and experienced fly fisher.  They take pride in the quality of their equipment producing rods and reels that many fly fishermen use exclusively.

They design and test their hand built gear with one thought in mind:  maximum fishability.  That term was coined by the company to represent the type of performance that will help you cast better, fish more effectively, and have more fun while fly fishing.

Their company offers the fly fisherman all sorts of advice and tips on how to select the right rod for you and what is important to look for in your fly fishing equipment.  Sage rods and reels have long been the choice of many fly fishermen all over the world.

When you are just beginning to get interested in fly fishing, it’s easy to get frustrated at the amount of information you need to know.  However, those same frustrations are also felt by experienced fly fishers that provides them with the challenge and excitement that makes the sport so compelling.

As we’ve said, Sage rods are hand built which makes them quality products.  They manufacture nine different series of rods in a variety of models and sizes for every fishing situation.  They have medium to ultra fast action rods to suit many types of fly fishers.

Their website, which can be found at www.sageflyfish.com also boasts many new product lines and accessories that all fly fishermen can use.  They carry hats, t-shirts, rod and reel cases, fly lines, and much, much more. 

Their new Z-Axis series of rods has breakthrough technology that is significantly stronger, lighter, and easier to cast.  That makes this new line of rods great for beginners, and also experienced fly fishermen.  They implement their exclusive Generation 5 technology that makes their rods unique and high end.

When you buy a Sage fly fishing rod, you are getting a quality piece of fishing gear.  But that quality doesn’t come cheap.  Rods range in price from $400 to $700, but they do come with a guarantee.  Plus, if anything happens to your rod, they offer a rod repair service.

Many sporting goods stores and specialty fishing shops carry Sage fly fishing rods as do many online retailers.  You can go to their website and click on the “Buy” link to find a retailer near you that carries their equipment.

Sage fly fishing equipment is well known in the fly fishing world as a trusted manufacturer of valuable fly fishing gear.  Check them out for the best in the sport!

Northern California Fly Fishing

One of the best things about California is the nice weather.  For people who love to fly fish, Northern California is a paradise on the West Coast.  Many streams in Northern California stay open year-round offering great options for fishing trips.  There are some great options for the avid fly fisher when in Northern California.

The lower part of the Sacramento River is a prime place to catch California’s largest rainbow trout.  The river provides amazing year-round fishing opportunities.  You can catch some amazing fish in both winter and spring, but spring brings a huge caddis fly hatch that brings the fish out in droves.  You can also find some great salmon catches on the river – especially in the fall and winter.

Feather River is a great place to catch steelheads.  Fishing on this river is exciting, productive, and challenging all at the same time.  The best fishing is in the fall where adult steelheads weighing over four pounds can be found quite easily.  In the spring, you will also find some great opportunities to fly fish for some record catches.

If you’re looking for a challenging fly fishing experience in Northern California, you may want to look at the East Fork of the Carson River.  This stream provides trout anglers with many different experiences - access being one. The narrow, fast-flowing upper reaches, above Wolf Creek, are accessible only by a rough four wheel drive trail, on horseback, or by foot.

This is a classic freestone stream with lots of riffles, rapids, deep runs, and pools. These conditions create excellent habitat for stoneflies, caddis flies, and some species of mayflies throughout the Carson drainage.  Large fish are consistent on the Carson, especially around the Nevada border where the river branches off providing a great place to find the fish.

The Truckee River is the largest of three major river systems in the Northern California/Reno area.  The good weather provides year-round fly fishing with easy access, beautiful canyon scenery, and feisty wild trout.  Experts rate the Truckee as one of the best fly fishing rivers in Northern California.  It is, however, a tough river to fish because of the current where it flows into the Nevada area.

These are only a few of the myriad of choices you have available to you for fly fishing in Northern California.  You have a lot of options to catch some amazing fish plus, you can enjoy fly fishing year-round in the balmy Northern California weather.  It can be a great opportunity for you to hone your fly fishing skills and plan a wonderful fly fishing getaway.

North Carolina Fly Fishing Guide

Fly fishing for trout is plentiful in the beautiful state of North Carolina.  This is a brief guide to get you started with your fly fishing expedition “down south”!

The mountains of North Carolina have many streams running through them and provide some great trout fly fishing in a beautiful setting.  In most of these trout streams and rivers you can catch all three types of trout; brook, rainbow and brown.

The wild fish tend to be smaller in North Carolina, more so than the stocked ones, but it takes more stealth to catch the wild trout when fly fishing. The stocked trout are easy to catch at first, but harder as the season progresses.

Overall fly fishing in the North Carolina mountains is an exceptional trout fishing haven with over 3,000 miles of trout streams open to fishing through out the western part of the state. All these streams are enjoyed by many beginners and old timers alike.  You can hire a tour guide to help you find the best spots, or you can go it alone.  Either way, you’ll enjoy your trip!

A great place to go fly fishing in North Carolina is the Shenandoah National Park.  Here you will find some of the finest brook trout streams in the eastern United States.  The park is over 200,000 acres and is one of the largest wilderness preserves in the area.  It has been called a paradise for back country anglers who enjoy solitude and don’t mind stretching their legs as they search for some great waters to fish in.

Spring is usually the best time to fish the streams in Shenandoah Park.  It’s during this time that the water turns warmer and “wakes the fish up” from their winter dormancy feeding on some of the heaviest mayfly hatches of the year.  According to the North Carolina fly fishing guide, this is one of the best streams in the state for catching trout.

There are other popular spots for fly fishermen in North Carolina.  Big Helton Creek is located just outside of Boone, North Carolina, and is a great river for beginners.  The Watagua River is also around Boone.  It can bring some pretty big fish to the experienced fly fisherman and has many popular sites along the river to fish.

Stone Mountain State Park is located near Elkin, North Carolina, and hosts some of the area’s finest fishing streams.  This park has a “Fish for Fun” section that allows fly fishers to pay a set amount for one of eight sections of the river allowing them to fish the same spot for the entire day.

North Carolina has some of the best fly fishing streams in the eastern part of the United States.  You can use this guide as a start toward your fly fishing adventures in this great southern state!

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Colorado Fly Fishing

Image via WikipediaImage by cbruno via FlickrSome of the most spectacular fly fishing in the United States can be found in the state of Colorado.  In fact, when many people think of fly fishing, they automatically think of Colorado before anyplace else.  It is true that Colorado has some amazing fly fishing places that have some trophy-sized fish in them.

The Frying Pan River is well-known as one of the best fly fishing rivers in the entire state.  This is a beautiful river with easy access.  Located just outside of Aspen, the Frying Pan is host to a variety of trout including rainbow, brown and cutthroat.  There are year-round hatches making fly fishing in any season possible for the avid fisherman.

Another great river in the Aspen area is the Roaring Fork.  This diverse river varies from small and calm to large and mighty in places.  The river is classified as wild trout waters and is easily accessible down the Rio Grande Trail.  As with the “Pan”, year-round fishing is available.  You will find mostly wild rainbow trout in the Fork with an occasional wild brook trout.

The North Platte River was once used by pioneers to traverse portions of the West.  Indians hunted buffalo along its shores, and its fish population has made it a legend among fly fishers.  It is located in Northwestern Colorado and has been rated a gold medal river by experts.  You will find many trout in the waters of the Platte and be able to enjoy some beautiful scenery at the same time!

In the Vail area, you can fish the Colorado River which is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park.  This is a river that is mostly wide and deep with a gently moving current.  Cottonwood trees line the shore providing many hiding spaces for the brown trout that are abundant in this water.

The Arkansas River is located in the southwestern portion of the state and provides some great trout fishing for anglers.  Mid-winter is a great time to fish the Arkansas for trout as is the spring time.  Around Mother’s Day every year, many fishermen descend on the Arkansas for the annual caddis hatch which is huge.  Brown trout feed on caddis and they come “out of the woodwork” for this hatch.

These are only a few of the places where fly fishing in Colorado is plentiful.  The countryside is gorgeous and the fish plentiful.  There are also lots of great lodges that accommodate fly fishermen on a year-round basis.  Fly fishing in Colorado might be the piece de resistance for many fishermen.  Check out this great state and enjoy your adventure!

Fly Fishing Calendar

Image via WikipediaImage by David Ascher via FlickrWhat are the best times to try and schedule a fly fishing expedition?  When we talk about a fly fishing calendar, we aren’t referring to a printed date book that you can hang on your wall.  We are talking about targeting and specifying the right times to fish and the right places to fish at.

The things you need to look at most when considering a fly fishing calendar is when the water will be at the right temperature that is prime for catching fish.  Depending on the area you are looking at for your fly fishing trip will depend on the right time to go.

In some places like California, the fishing is pretty good year-round.  While in other places such as Washington, you’ll want to avoid the water in the winter as the cold temperatures will stress the fish and they won’t be as plentiful.

Generally, the fly fishing calendar shows the best fishing in the spring and summer months.  Early fall will also find some places showing good fishing as well.  Almanacs can be helpful guides to guide you towards the best fishing times as can constant updating through Internet web sites.

Most places will give weekly, and sometimes daily, fishing reports on their websites.  They can tell you where the fish are biting and where the best places are to cast your line.  They generally keep these areas of their sites updated pretty regularly, so you can get quality reports just by looking at what others have to say.

Fish like warmer waters, although, there are other species that thrive in cold water such as salmon or steelhead.  In general, warm water will attract more fish.  However, if the water is too warm, the fish will be sluggish and will navigate to places where the water is cooler.

The fly fishing calendar used most often by experienced fishermen has been compiled over a period of time.  They spend a considerable amount of effort to estimate where and when the best fishing will occur.  Then they share it with others.  That’s one of the best parts of fly fishing – the camaraderie and sharing that can come about with a love of the sport.

You can compile your own fly fishing calendar with a little time and effort.  Just do your homework and keep copious notes.  When you see a trend, you’ll know it’s time to fish!  Then be sure to help your fellow fishermen as they try to figure out what you already know.  They’d do it for you!

California Fly Fishing

There’s no doubt about it that some of the best fly fishing in California is located in the northern part of the state.  The Sierra Mountains provide some great scenery as well as some great rivers and streams where the fish are plentiful and the weather is great.  Because the California weather is quite static, year-round fly fishing is available to the fisherman.

Located above Crowley Lake, the Owens River is one of the best places to fish for trout in California.  The river is one of a kind with a gentle current that flows through a glacial valley between mountains that are 9,000 feet tall or more.  At one time, the Owens River provided water and power to Los Angeles.  When they converted the gorge, much of the fish died out.  With a restoration of the river back to a fly fishing destination, you can now find some beautiful brown or rainbow trout at any time of the year.

The McCloud River is one of California’s premier trout fisheries.  This River feeds Lake Shasta and was the breeding ground for rainbow trout that was shipped all over the country to stock other rivers and streams.  You can find big brown trout as well as rainbow trout in plentiful supply on the McCloud.

In Northern California, the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River provides some great fly fishing for some excellent trout.  This river is one of the few places designated as wild trout waters by the state.  This area receives a lot of fishing, so it’s a good idea to get there early in the morning to stake out your spot.  Besides the normal species of trout, this river also boasts a hybrid variety of rainbow and golden trout with bright orange sides.

Hat Creek is another great place to fly fish in California.  These, too, have been designated trophy wild trout waters, and you will find plenty here.  This creek is very well-suited to both beginning as well as experienced fly fishers.  The banks are laden with heavy brush that provides some great hiding places for brown and rainbow trout.  Much of the creek is heavily stocked, but there is some natural reproduction that takes place making Hat Creek a very easy place to fish.

If you are looking to go fly fishing in California, you have a lot of options available to you.  Much of the best fly fishing would be in the northern part of the state, but you can also find many other places where fish are plentiful and challenges about.  You can’t go wrong with a fly fishing vacation in California.

Different Types of Fly Fishing Casts

The art of casting is a very important skill in fly fishing. It requires gradual,  synchronized movements. It helps to think of each movement, both the back cast in the forward cast, is divided into three steps.  The first is loading, the second is the momentum of projection, and the third is the pause.  It takes a lot of practice to master the art of casting in fly fishing.

There are several types of casts. The most common of these include the basic cast, false cast, side and reverse casts, roll cast, and double haul cast.

In fly fishing the easiest cast, called the basic cast, is simply casting the line straight back and then directly forward. Anyone new to fly fishing should master the basic cast before going on to other techniques.  Use a short length of line to begin with if you are new to fly fishing.  This will help you gain sufficient control of the line, while practicing short gentle movements.

The false cast is a variation of the basic cast.  It consists of the same backward and forward movements as the basic cast, and is immediately followed by another set of the same movements.  The fly line actually travels backward and forward repeatedly without touching the water.  Practicing this type of cast helps to build precise timing that is required in fly fishing.

In fly fishing the side and reverse casts are generally used when wind is a problem.  They are also used if there are obstacles that can make a regular cast difficult.

A roll  cast is generally used if the fisherman finds himself with his back to such obstacles
 as a high riverbank or a wall of vegetation.  When these conditions exist, a basic cast is almost impossible.  You need to let out a good length of line in front of you; it's best to let the current take it a short distance.  The drag of the water on the line will load the rod, and you can cast forward without needing to execute the back cast.

Using a double haul cast in fly fishing will enable you to cast a much longer line than is possible with a basic cast.  In order to do this you need to have a much faster line speed.  This is done by making much larger casting movements, applying more strength, and loading the rod more before the forward cast.  During this cast both hands of the fisherman must work independently.

The above five types of fly fishing casts are the ones used most often.  There are many other types of casts also, including the S-cast, the parachute cast, and the mend cast.

Casting is the basic physical skill involved in fly fishing.  Its purpose is to place the fly exactly where you want it to be, just like any other skill it takes practice.  Accuracy and the delicacy of the presentation are very important when fly fishing. Mastering the basics of fly casting first will make it easier to move on to the more difficult casts.

Finding Solitude While Fly Fishing in Montana

One of the best parts about the sport of fly fishing is experiencing the scenery and calmness around you as you are trying to land your big fish.  Montana is a great place to find some solitude while fly fishing.  In fact, the vast expanses that surround the rivers and streams in Montana can provide you with some of the most relaxing solitude anywhere.

Montana fly fishing is legendary. Anglers from all over the world travel to Montana to experience fly fishing the blue ribbon trout rivers and pristine mountain lakes. Whether an angler seeks to battle trophy sized wild rainbow trout on the Yellowstone River or to experience the solitude of a high mountain lake, Montana provides fly fishing experiences like no other place can.

Montana provides such an abundance of opportunities that visiting anglers frequently have difficulty in deciding where to start their fly fishing adventure.  There are so many beautiful places in the hills of Montana that can provide both solitude and great fishing, many people might be overwhelmed.  But so many choices provide for some amazing chances at bagging that championship fish!

For example, Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park is a beautiful spot for fly fishing.  Flanked by mountains, this lake is not only a beautiful place to catch fish; it’s also an amazing spot for reflecting and relaxation.

Of course, the Yellowstone River is the longest river in Montana.  It is free of any major dams, and its flow is not regulated in any way, so you can find an abundance of fish in the solitude of the mountain air.  In fact, the Yellowstone River is internationally known as one of the premier trout rivers in the United States.

Even though you can expect to catch a variety of trout including rainbow and brown, you will also find whitefish and sturgeon aplenty.  Even though the Yellowstone River is quite well known for its fly fishing in Montana, it is not overtaken by so many fly fishers that you can’t find a spot.  It remains a beautiful secret available to those who are looking for the solitude of the Montana countryside.

Finding solitude while fly fishing in Montana is a relatively easy proposition.  All you need to do is a little bit of research and ask around.  Those who are proud of the fly fishing waters in Montana are always more than happy to share the beauty of their state with people who are wanting to fish the waters.

Fly Fishing Accessories

Image by brettneilson via FlickrIn addition to the clothing and your balanced outfit there are many accessories that you should have for fly fishing.  Some of these  accessories may seem strange, but when wading, it is necessary to have all of your gear and tools with you.

You already have your fly fishing vest with plenty of large pockets, because that is part of a fly fisherman's basic wardrobe.  You might want to put a patch of sheepskin on the front of the vast where you can keep alternative flies handy.  You should also have a spring-loaded retractable spool that attaches to your vest to hold a pair of nail clippers. They come in very  handy for trimming knots. You might want to attach a patch of rubber for straightening leaders.  Ideally, the  vest should have a large back pocket to carry light rain gear.  Some vests also have a ring at the back of the collar, where you can attach the net to keep it out of the way.

The choice of your fly boxes is very important. One should have large compartments where you can store dry flies without crushing their hackles. You should also have one or two smaller boxes with foam linings and metal clips.  These are for holding your wet flies, nymphs, and streamers. Having a couple of small vials to hold your dry of flies after catching a fish also comes in very handy.

A spare spool for your reel, already loaded with backing and line, is a good idea to have with you. Also a  few spools of monofilament leader material, a leader wallet,  a sharpening stone, and a  Swiss Army knife are important for the fly fisherman to have within easy reach.

Insect repellent  is essential when fly fishing.  The main ingredient in many insect repellents is DEET, which is an industrial solvent and can damage the varnish on your fly rod, eat away the finish on your fly line, weaken your leaders and destroy your rain gear. If you do use an insect repellent with DEET be very careful of what it touches and try to limit its use.  There are many products today that do not contain that solvent.

Having a good pair of polarized sunglasses will help you to see the fish and protect your eyes from the damaging rays of the sun.  It's also important to have a small pocket flashlight with a flexible neck.  This can be very useful for many things including changing flies at dusk or dawn.  Other useful items include a thermometer, a small container of split shot, a good knife with several blades, and a small first aid emergency kit.

Many fishermen like to take a collapsible wading staff with them while fly fishing.  It helps them  to keep their footing if they are wading in a heavy current or on a slippery, rocky bottom.  A small cotton mesh net with a short handle comes in handy for netting your fish. If you intend to keep your catch a small canvas or woven willow basket for holding your fish will work well.

There are many other accessories available for fly fishing today.  Many of the choices depend on each fisherman's personal preferences.

Fly Fishing in Canada

Image via WikipediaCanada is a beautiful place to visit.  When you are planning a fly fishing trip, you’ll find an amazing adventure in Canada!  Many of the rivers and lakes where fly fishing is the best are in remote areas, so when you choose fly fishing in Canada, you’ll have privacy with the added perk of some great fishing!

Some of the best fly fishing in Canada is found in the province of Ontario.  There are many lodges you can choose from to stay at when you are there, but be warned that most of them are in very remote places where you are likely to be left alone with your party and can only get in and out by plane or train.

The Brown Bear lake system in Ontario is considered one of the best fly-in trophy smallmouth bass lakes in the area.  The fish here average between two and three pounds, but four pound fish are common every season with some trophy wall hangers of 5-6 pounds being caught each year.

Norse Lake is a prime example of a remote Canadian fly-in wilderness lake.  The lake is protected by a high, picturesque landscape that stays relatively calm even in windy weather.  Here, you can catch beautiful walleye, Northern Pike, and smallmouth bass.  Trophy sized fish are found every year, so fish this lake for some great opportunities.

Populus Lake offers twelve miles of beautiful water and land for you to explore when fly fishing in Canada.  There are numerous channels and bays dotting this lake with all sort of landscape features like rock outcrops and weed beds which are prime breeding ground and hiding places for fish.  This lake is situated in a very remote area with walleyes, trout, and Northern Pike in abundance.

Picture a cool, clear Canadian lake with lots of trophy sized smallmouth bass and Northern Pike and you’ll have Treelined Lake.  This lake is so clear, you will be able to see the fish clearly near the shoreline.  Wildlife is abundant here and it’s not uncommon to see a moose feeding on the shoreline in the twilight.  You’ll find some real trophy sized fish on Treelined Lake with Northern Pike averaging over 5 pounds and smallmouth bass at 4-5 pounds.

Because so many fly fishing spots in Canada are located in remote locations, you’ll find peace and serenity during your fly fishing trip there.  Enjoy the beauty of the Canadian wilderness while you catch the fish of your dreams.  There are so many choices available to you that when you choose Canada for your next fly fishing trip, you’re sure to come away a winner either way!