Fly Fishing

If you are new to fly fishing then you are probably overwhelmed with the amount of new tackle and terms you need to understand just to get started. Fly fishing, like most other types of fishing, really is quite simple once you get past the learning-the-gear phase. To start, fly anglers need to understand that fly fishing requires a balanced system. The fly rod weight and line weight need to be matched.

For most of us, fly fishing conjures up images of anglers making long, graceful casts. This is certainly the classic approach, but it's not the only one. After all, casting is only a means to deliver your fly to the water. That's where the fish are and that's where your fly needs to be to catch them.   Why is it, then, that so many anglers shun the idea of trolling with fly-fishing gear? I'm not sure, but I suspect this prejudice has more to do with style and aesthetics than the merits of the tactic.

For the lifetime bulk of my summers, North Carolina has remained a cool, refreshing mountain Mecca for curing the hot weather weariness of June, July and August. Whether my parents drove us from the North or South — or later, I alone (or with companion) — the western part of the Tar Heel State offered changed environs. The flat roads rose up with the mountains, lifting the car into a green coolness as the freshest air was exhaled out of a million healthy trees. Periodically, the power of stunning vista overlooks forced us to stop the car and gaze in awe.

In the fall season, many changes in the environment have begun to take place — especially in the rivers and streams. Subtle cues such as water temperature, level and clarity trigger a massive migration of fish to start returning home to the streams where they where born to repeat the spawning process.

The deer-hair popper landed beside the lily pads with an audible splat. It bobbed for a second and, before the ripples had even subsided, the water beneath opened up and the fly disappeared within a sudden, ferocious splash.  

I raised my rod, tugged on line, and immediately felt the pull of a good fish. The first leap caused my buddy to yell, "Wow!"  

The second left us speechless.

Yesterday, I went fly fishing for bass on a lake that holds a good population of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Typically, it's not too difficult to get good fly fishing action there, especially if you use deer hair topwater lures, wooly buggers and muddler minnow variants like the Zoo Cougar.

If you have visited your local fly shop recently I am sure you have been astounded with the number of styles, lengths and weights of fly rods available.

In order to handle the enormous amount of specialty items associated with fly fishing — floatant, indicators, tippet, fly boxes, etc.

The aura surrounding fly fishing can be intimidating, particularly for the novice considering taking up the hobby. As with most any outdoor activity, a person can pursue it at whatever level he or she is comfortable. The sport need not to be daunting, though. Introduction into fly fishing begins with choosing a rod that fits your needs.

Successful late summer