Fly fishing is a unique form of angling that dates thousands of years to the Roman Empire, according to historian Dr. Andrew Herd. Because fly fishing differs from regular fishing in terms of technique and approach, special equipment is used. Having the right equipment is essential for a successful day on the river.
Rod
In regular fishing, a rod is used to cast the line into the water, after which the fisherman reels the line back in. In fly fishing, the approach is much different, using a technique that flicks the lure on and off the water's surface quickly to mimic the action of a fly or other flying insect. In order to do this, fly fishing rods usually are longer than most standard rods. The standard fly fishing rod length is about 9 feet, but some rods are as short as 7 feet for fly fishing in tight spots or as long as 10 feet. Rods tend to be made of graphite, which allows flexibility with the strength needed to keep the rod from snapping.
Reel
The fly fishing reel is used to hold the line and is manufactured to cause drag on the line when a fish is caught. However, some fly fishing reels have no drag system, giving the fisherman the ability to fully control the drag on the line. Reels usually are made of flexible metal, such as aluminum or graphite, and are weighted according to the rod being used.
Line
Unlike standard fishing line, which is made of thin nylon, fly fishing lines generally are thicker and are made of a braided core wrapped in a plastic sheath. This helps the line float on the water rather than sinking below the surface, enabling the fly lure to float as well.
Fly
A fly is the standard artificial lure used in fly fishing. It usually is made of synthetic material and is built to resemble insects that float above or land on the water's surface, such as grasshoppers, stoneflies and dragonflies. Variations of standard flies include nymphs, which are made to resemble insects in the larvae stage, and streamers, which resemble fish and other underwater creatures.
Accessories
Because of the technique involved, the best fly fishing is done as the fisherman stands in the river rather than on the bank or in a boat, as in standard fishing. To help keep the legs and body from staying wet and cold, fishermen use waders, which are oversize overalls made of heavy rubber that fit over clothes. Other accessories include hats and vests manufactured to allow the fisherman to attach flies for easy accessibility without a tackle box nearby.
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