These are our fly fishing Experts’ top tips for choosing and using your fly fishing gear.
First, choose a rod and reel combination that suits your local stream or river, as you’ll likely spend most of your fishing time there. Second, don’t spend your entire budget on your new rod and reel. As Jans’ fishing expert and CEO, Russ Coburn says, “Save some money for a quality line, chest pack, and much-needed gadgets to make your day on the river that much more enjoyable.”
To select the best fly pattern for your day of fly fishing, match the hatch. Selecting a fly pattern requires a basic knowledge of entomology and an understanding of the trout’s environment. Try to imitate what the fish are feeding on. Observe the fish and their habits for a few minutes, and you’ll have an idea of what the fish are eating. Consider the insect life cycle and the water’s volume and temperature when selecting a fly pattern.
“The key to tying the perfect fly starts with quality tools and materials,” according to Chris Wistner, who heads up the Jans Fly Shop. “You want sharp scissors and a rotating vise with strong jaws to hold all sizes of hooks.” Look for quality hackles and feathers, which are key to long-lasting flies that won’t fall apart on the first cast. When you’re starting out, simplicity is essential: master the easier fly patterns first and use less material.
“A little maintenance goes a long way,” says Russ Coburn, Jans’ CEO and fishing expert. Don’t store your gear until it has dried completely. Keep your reel lightly lubed and clean, and dress your line weekly if you fish a lot. If you’re fishing in blue water (saltwater), much more care is required. Daily rinsing followed by a clean cloth wipe-down usually suffices. If you’re going to store your saltwater gear for a long time period, take the reel completely apart, wash it carefully and lightly lube it. Some people even remove their lines to ensure they avoid problems downstream.
There are many types of fly fishing lines on the market, and no single type of line is perfect for all fishing conditions. Most fly fishermen will choose between monofilament and fluorocarbon lines, which offer different benefits.
-Monofilament lines are suited for dry fishing, when larvae are hatching and skimming on the surface, because of how well they float. Monofilament lines are strong but thin and offer much more flexibility than fluorocarbon lines. The flexibility allows fly fishermen to cast their lines farther and tie knots more easily, making monofilament lines an excellent choice for beginning fly fishers.
-Fluorocarbon lines are ideal for nymph fishing, or when larvae are feeding below the water’s surface. The fluorocarbon lines refract light at the same rate as water, giving it the illusion of disappearing in the water, and are a good choice for stealth fly fishing. It is slightly heavier than monofilament, which helps fly fishermen get to the strike zone faster.
Invasive non-native species can become detrimental to stream conditions and the species that live there. Once these microscopic organisms enter our watersheds, they multiply rapidly, making it difficult to control or eradicate them. Food sources become diminished, and stream flow and oxygen are reduced dramatically. While fly-fishing, these invasive species can be transported from watershed to watershed on an angler’s equipment (waders, wading boots, rods etc).
To help prevent the spread of invasive species, the current platform countrywide is that all water recreationalists must inspect, clean, and dry all equipment used in their activities on the water, especially before recreating on a different body of water. You can use hot water, bleach, or other detergents to help combat the spread, or you can thoroughly dry your gear for an extended period of time. According to Jans Mountain Recreation Expert, Chris “Wis” Wistner, our best defense is a smart, educated, and diligent offense.
By Jans Experts