What Fly Fishing Isn't
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I got into fly fishing because I viewed it as the more artful form or fishing, reserved for those who have reached the pinnacle of the fishing game or those who were masters of the art/hobby. I knew it required more practice and repetition and special tools and gear. I saw it as the more expensive high class level of angling, not meant for everyone. To be absolutely honest, I watched THE fly fishing movie on Netflix: A River Runs Through It, I'm almost embarrassed to admit that this film was the true driving force behind the switch to swinging a fly for the first time.
Heres the takeaway from what I've learned: It's basically not anything I thought it would be, it's better.
Heres the takeaway from what I've learned: It's basically not anything I thought it would be, it's better.
I live in Ohio, the anti-fly angling capital of the world (Not really in steelhead country near the Erie region it's popular among those who visit the alley). In fact, I couldn't remember the last time I had seen a fellow angler using fly gear. You should see the looks I get using it around my normal watering holes. Nothing to the point of making me uncomfortable but in general people don't see it much. Traditionally fly fishing is associated with western high country mountain streams and rainbow trouts and waders. But in reality it's just another form of fishing, not better or worse, just unique in it's own way. This unique combination of knowledge and skill I'm acquiring as I make my way into the sport has been a true joy and hopefully I can convince you to make the jump.
It's Actually.... cheap?
"You get what you pay for"...right. I will also say this, I've caught fish on my gear both bought and made and all together I'm running about $80 for everything I have put into my gear. That's my line, reel, rod, tippet and leaders, carrying case and hemostat (fishing forceps). I have nearly the cheapest rig you can find but like I said I'm having fun and catching fish. Just like any outdoor gear there is a giant price spectrum when it comes to buying your crap. It just so happens I like cheap crap for the majority of what I do.
It takes Years to master
Yep. Just like everything else I suppose. To be fair I've only been fly angling for 5 months or so; I'm soaking wet behind the ears. I can't say how long it takes or doesn't take to become even good. I have fished the open reel for nearly 20 years and I couldn't call myself a master at that either. I can cast about 70 feet or so a couple different ways, I can mend my cast, I can tie my own flies and leaders, all in the short time I've been at it. Thank you internet.
Heres my dad fishing the Rocky River Trib for steelhead
It's only for catching trout in Montana backwoods
I take my rod to the local lake and nail crappie, bluegill, and bass all day. I can't say it's any better or worse than the old trusty open reel in terms of fish quantity, but man when that topwater strike hits and the 5 lb. largemouth can't get enough of that nymph presentation you laid out...
This sport has already made a tremendous impact in my outdoor life all in the 5 months I have been at it. In the end it's another way to catch a fish. It's another adventure yet to be had. It's another memory to be logged in the outdoors. If your reading this and have been bored or finding yourself stagnant in your fishing game, don't wait, don't be stubborn, invite yourself to being a "rookie" again. I promise it's as much fun as it was the first time.