Tip #18: Tying your Fly to the Tippet

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You may find that there are times when you have difficulty tying the fly to the tippet. This can happen whether you’re in the water or up on the bank. A good trick to help you is to hold the fly up against a background that is single colored, such as the sky. The background will be able to help you see the fly easier and tie it to the tippet.

Tip #17: Basic Tools for Tying Flies

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There are some basic tools that you’ll need for tying flies. This includes:

* A bobbin to hold the thread while you’re tying.
* A vice to hold the hook while you’re tying.
* Hackle pliers to keep a firm hold on delicate and small feathers.
* Needle point scissors for cutting and trimming materials.
* A bodkin and half-hitch tool for help tying the half-hitch knot.
* A vise material clip for holding all the materials firmly in one place.
* Head cement that is used for both gluing and to add a finish.

Tip #16: Keeping Track of Patterns

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Keeping track of patterns: One thing that you can do if you find that your favorite fishing area is giving you trouble is to keep a log each time that you fish. Make note of the problems that you’re having as well as:
* weather conditions
* water temperature
* current
* the size of the fish that you do catch
* the time of day that you fish

After a period of time you may notice a pattern occurring, such as the lack of bites on days when the water temperature is too hot or too cold. This will be your indicating factor of what changes you have to make to break your unlucky streak, such as changing the time of day that you fish or changing the side of the lake that you fish from.

Tip #15: Using Dry Flies in the Afternoon

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If you’re fly fishing in the afternoon you’ll want to use dry flies. The main reason for this is that the sun will be warming the water and the air. And this means that you’ll see hatches of little black flies. This is a great time to do some dry fly fishing since you can present a fly that is similar to an adult insect.

Tip #14: Lures – by the Experts

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Following is a list of lures that are often recommended by the expert fly fishers that you one day want to match in skill:

* Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits are one of the most versatile of all fly fishing baits. This is because they can be used almost any time of the year in any type of weather or water condition. You’ll also be able to use spinnerbaits in any type of cover.
* Crankbaits: Many professional fly fishers use crankbaits because they behave much as “bird dogs” when it comes to hunting for fish. This type of lure is great in deeper waters since it can dive deep. You’ll want to use a rod that is between 6.5 and 7 feet if you want to use crankbait.
* Tube jigs: Tube jigs are great when you’re fishing in clear water where the fish are inactive. These jigs have been designed to be used as drop bait. The tube jig is used most often in water that is ten feet or deeper.
* Vibrating lures: Vibrating lures are made of metal or plastic. They produce a tight vibration when they are pulled back in. This type of bait will sink fast and are best used in deeper waters.
* Jigging spoons: Jigging lures are called “structure lures” and are used most often by experienced fly fishers. These lures work very well in deep water when you are fishing for suspended bass. The jigging spoon is ideal when you’re dealing with fish that are inactive due to water temperatures that are too hot or too cold.

Tip #13: Pinching your Hooks

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Take some time to pinch the barbs on the ends of your hooks. This will prevent fewer scratches. And keep in mind that a hook that is barbless is easier to remove that one that is barbed.

Tip #12: Types of Fly Lines

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Most of the lines that you’ll use for fly fishing will be made of nylon monofilament. However, other lines are becoming just as popular such as lines that are (1) braided, (2) co-filament, or (3) fused. No matter what type of line you buy make sure that it’s a “premium” line. Premium lines are more durable and even than cheaper lines. You’ll want to match the fishing line that you buy to the following criteria and conditions:

* Strength: Strength is measured in the pounds of force that is needed to break the line. You’ll find that most lines will break at higher weights than they are sold at.
* Resistance to Abrasion: When you’re fishing in areas where there are a lot of brush or rocks you’ll want to use a line that won’t break easily when it is constantly rubbed.
* Line Diameter: The diameter of the line will affect the way the line is cast as well as how deep your lure will run. Diameter also has an affect on the visibility and stretching of the line. The thinner a line is the harder it will be for the bass to see it. Thinner lines will also give some bait, such as grubs, a more realistic flowing action. The one good thing about lines with a thicker diameter is that they are better able to withstand abrasion.
* Stretch Lines: Stretch lines won’t break as easily when they are being pulled by a fish. They are beneficial in letting you detect strikes as well as help you in setting hooks.
* Line Stiffness: The stiffness of the line is related to its stretch. The stiffer the line is the harder it will be to cast. The advantage to having a stiff line is that is more sensitive than flexible lines.
* Line visibility: In clear water it’s important that your line is as invisible to the fish as possible. However, you’ll want to have a line that is highly visible when your fishing lures are on a subtle strike, such as worms, grubs, and jigs. This is so that you can easily detect any movement on the line that may indicate a fish is biting.

Tip #11: Storing your Fly Line

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Your reel is the safest place for you to have your line. The only thing that you need to make sure of is that your line isn’t exposed to chemicals, high heats, direct sunlight, or solvents. There will be times when your line has been stored for a while and it will coil. If this occurs you need to stretch it slowly; it will soon start to give and you can use it safely once again.

Tip #10: Cleaning your Fly Line

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Keeping your fly line is essential to the performance of your fly fishing. Dirt will get on your line from algae that are found in the waters where you fish. Over time the dirt will get on your line and this can caused your line to become stripped down. You’ll know when your fly line is too dirty because it won’t float as well nor will it slide smoothly through the rod guides.

Cleaning your fly line is easy: use a cleaning pad that you can buy at most angling stores. Or you can also wash the fly line with a few drops of a mild soap (avoid detergents). Just rub the line gently with a damp cloth.

Tip #9: Protecting your Fly Line

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There are many things that can damage your fly line that includes: casting the line without a leader, stepping on the line, or pinching the line between the frame of the reel and the spool. Take steps to avoid these hazards. There are also many liquid items that can damage your fly line. Make sure that you keep the line away from insect repellent, sun block, fuel, and some line cleaners.