Fly fishing is a type of angling which uses light and small lures called flies. Because these lures are so light, special gear is required. Fly fishing rods, reels, line and other equipment are all specific to the sport and come in many sizes and weights to accommodate types of fly fishing, from small streams to deep saltwater.
Function
Fly fishing equipment is designed to present light fishing lures. The fly fisherman casts the line instead of the lure by working the rod forward and back in a controlled whipping motion. The momentum of the rod, along with the angler playing the line from the reel, casts the line out farther until it carries the lure to the fish.
Gear
Most fly rods are made of fiberglass or graphite and average 7 and 10 feet long. Longer rods provide longer casts. Rods also have actions or flexibility. Slow-action rods are flexible and are used primarily for light line with short casts. The stiffness of the rod increases through medium and fast action. Fly fishing reels consist of a light frame that holds a large spool of fly line and a handle to crank the spool. They come in a range of sizes and designs to accommodate types of fishing. Some reels are smaller and work well in streams and small rivers while others are larger and best suited to larger bodies of fresh or saltwater. The spool on many fly fishing reels is changeable to allow the use of different line types on the same reel. The reel mounts on a fly fishing rod at the end of the handle.
Line
Fly fishing line is a long backing line that is first wound onto the reel spool. This line ensures a fish will not strip the line from the reel. The angler attaches the backing line to the actual fly line, which is usually between 75 and 150 feet long. Fly lines either float or sink. The angler then ties on a light leader. Occasionally, an even lighter line, called a tippet, is added. At the end of the line is the fly itself.
Lures
Fly fishermen make flies from feathers, hairs, tinsel and other materials and they are tied in patterns around a fishing hook. These often imitate caddis flies, midges, water nymphs, minnows and other living creatures that are common prey for game fish. Flies range in size from tiny lures designed to catch brook or rainbow trout to large streamers or marabou flies used to catch fish as large as tarpon. Some flies target a specific type of fish while others work on a variety of game fish.
Other Equipment
Anglers often wear waders, which are special waterproof trousers with built-in boots that allow the wearer to wade into the water to reach isolated areas. Felt or cleated soles on the boots help prevent slipping on slick or rocky surfaces. A fly fisherman might also wear a vest with pockets to hold fishing tackle. A landing net, made from soft and fine mesh material, helps prevent injury to the fish.
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