Learning to Fly: An Introduction

As anglers, we are always looking to challenge ourselves when in search of our finned quarry. With traditional spinning gear, one usually makes the transition from fishing with live bait to challenging themselves by fishing with artificial baits. To challenge themselves further, lighter line tests or lighter leaders can be used. Some people may even get “bored” with fishing many of the new super braids on the market and go back to light monofilament for a change of pace. Many anglers, however, turn to the oldest, simplest and most pure form of angling—fly fishing.

To some anglers, fly fishing is a term that causes a little nervousness. It is a form of fishing many anglers lack confidence in and may find to be a bit too much work. However, with some basic knowledge, a little bit of practice and instruction, and many humbling days on the water, an angler can become just as proficient with a fly rod as they would be with a spinning rod.

The first aspect of fly fishing that all anglers must deal with is the rod. What rod to buy is the first question all potential fly anglers ask. Before you look at brand names, you must decide on the proper weight fly rod. Rods are weighted to coincide with the properly weighted fly line. For example, an 8-weight rod would be fished with an 8-weight fly line, most of the time.

When deciding on a rod, you must examine the areas and the fish you will be fishing. The standard for saltwater fly fishing in Florida, for example, calls for an 8- or 9-weight rod. These rods can tackle just about any inshore species of fish found in Florida. You would not want to tackle tarpon over 50 pounds or large Keys permit with these weight rods. You could, but the fight would be very long and would put the fishes’ recovery in jeopardy. Some anglers prefer 6- or 7-weight rods. These rods are great fun when fishing for reds and trout on the open flats or for backcountry juvenile tarpon. However, if there is any kind of wind or if you like to throw large surface flies, these rods may not work as well. Rods weighted 10, 11 and 12 are usually used for tackling 100-plus-pound tarpon, large Keys permit and large snook around structure. Casting these rods all day to redfish and trout on the flats would not only be tiring but impractical. Finding a happy medium that allows you to do a little of everything is the key to breaking into and enjoying fly fishing.

When you get to your local fly shop, don’t be overwhelmed by the many different brands of fly rods. They are all different, even if they are the same weight rod. Names like G-Loomis, Orvis, Sage, Temple Fork Outfitters and St. Croix are all great rods to buy. They can be a bit pricey, though. The key is to demo cast as many rods as possible. Most fly shops will have demo rods available for you to try. Then, get the best rod that you can afford.

Capt. Jon Bull can be contacted via email at shadowcastcharters@yahoo.com, by phone at (863) 860-7250 and on the many online forums under the handle “Shadowcast.”

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