Tip #8: Tying Effective Knots

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Very few knots will ever be at 100% of the rated strength for a line. However, if you moisten your knots before you pull them tight they will be much more effective. Other things that you can do to tie a better knot include:

* Tighten them very slowly.
* Keep an eye out for any weak frays.
* Test every knot by making sure to pull it hard.

These techniques will reduce the chance of a knot failure occurring at that moment when you least want it.

Tip #7: Types of Reels

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Reels – There are three main types of reels that you can choose from when it comes to fly fishing: (1) baitcasting reels, (2) spinning reels, and (3) spincast reels. The reel that you choose will depend your own personal preferences.

Baitcasting reels: Baitcasting reels have better accuracy and control of the lure than other reels. They are better equipped to handle lines that are ten or more pounds in weight. The one thing to be aware of when using a baitcasting reel is that they often have the tendency to snarl or fight back when the spool starts to spin faster than the line that is being played out. This is particularly true if you are casting into the wind.

To prevent these backlashes, baitcasting reels have a magnetic braking feature but you’ll want to count more on the control of the spool tension, which is a knob that is usually located right beside the handles. You’ll need to set the spool tension knob for each lure by holding the rod straight and disengaging the spool. Loosen the tension just until the lure begins to drop down and then tighten the spool just a bit.

When you’re casting the reel you’ll disengage the spool and then hold it tight with your thumb. When you want the lure to move forward you’ll simply loosen up on the pressure. After some practice you’ll learn to control the speed of the spool so that you have better accuracy.

Spinning reels: Spinning reels are reels that have a spool that is stationary. The line is spun onto the spool as a device called a “bail” rotates around it. Spinning reels can be used for any size of line but more experienced fly fishers will use it for lightweight lures with a weight less than ten pounds. Spinning reels tend to perform a little better than baitcasting reels when you’re casting into the wind.

One disadvantage of using a spinning reel is that there is the inevitable twisting of the line which will create tangles and knots. When your line becomes twisted the best thing that you can do is replace the line with a new one. One way that you can prevent some of these tangles from occurring is by putting the spool into a glass of water for about 24 hours before you head out to go fishing, giving it a chance to soak.

To cast the spinning reel, hold the handle of the rod with one hand, making sure that the spinning reel is on the bottom side with your middle finger placed in front of the “foot” of the reel. Slowly open up the bail and pull the line behind the first knuckle of your index finger. Release the line by pulling your index finger into a straight position. You can control how far you cast the line by letting the line move along your index finger as close to the spool as possible as the line unwinds. When you want to stop the line you simply push your finger against the lip of the spool.

Spincast reels: Spincast reels are also known as “push button” reels. They are closed-face and are very easy to use. They are almost impossible to tangle and can be cast in smooth, long arcs without twisting. The main portion of the spool is encased in a covering and it remains in one place while a pick-up pin spins around the spool. When buying a spincast reel make sure that you don’t buy the most inexpensive one since you want to pay for good quality. Many beginner fly fishers do well with a spincast reel.

To cast the spincast reel all you need to do is depress the push button and hold it down. You’ll release the button when you want your lure to move in a forward position. Most spincast reels are able to be used with any weight lure or line size.

Tip #6: Keep your Dry Flies Floating Longer

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One way that you can keep your dry flies floating higher and longer on top of the water is by waterproofing them. Take a can of Scotch-guard, the same stuff that you use to protect your furniture, and spray those flies that you plan on taking fishing with you in the next few days. Let them dry overnight before using them.

The Scotch-guard will put a waterproof protective coating around your flies and prevent them from becoming drenched with water. This will allow them to float higher and longer on the water.

Tip #30: Roll Casting

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Roll casting is when your fly line is pulled back along the water during a back cast rather than being raised from the water. During the forward cast your line will also be pulled back along the water rather than lifted. You’ll want to use a roll cast when you want a bit of leverage back casting in areas where you don’t have much room or if there is a strong wind that is pulling back on the line.

Tip #29: Etiquette and Rules you Need to Know

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There are certain styles of etiquette and rules that you should follow when you’re fishing for any type of fish.
* “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”: Whenever you’re fishing, whether on the shoreline or in a boat, make sure that you treat others with the same respect that you would want to be treated.
* Keep your distance: When you’re fishing around other anglers make sure that you keep a good distance away from them so that they have enough room. Take note of the direction that others are casting and give them ample berth both in a boat and on the shoreline.
* Keeping secrets: If someone shares their favorite fishing spot with you and asks that you not give this location to others you should honor the request.
* Get permission: If you want to fish on private property, such as a farm pond, make sure that you get permission first. When you leave the area after fishing it should look the same as when you arrived.
* Other fishers: Keep in mind that not all fishers are bass fishers and that everyone deserves your respect no matter what type of fish they are fishing for.
* Fishing license: Depending where you live, there will different rules and regulations for licensing. In most states or provinces you’ll need a freshwater license if you want to catch freshwater fish. Your fishing license should be specific to the type of fish that you’re going to be catching. Always make sure that you know the rules and regulations of the lake, river, stream, or other water area that you’re going to be fishing. This includes when you can fish, where you can fish, and how many fish you can take out of the water.

Tip #28: Fishing in Stormy Weather

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Fly fishing in stormy weather can come with its own particular challenges. A storm occurs when winds come up suddenly, without warning, and without any indication of how long the storm will last. One big concern during a storm is thunderstorms.

If you’re out fishing and a storm occurs there are some precautions that you’ll want to take. You’ll want to head for higher ground immediately if you’re near the water and there are thunderstorms in the area. If there is no sign of thunder or lightning you may choose to ride out the storm and continue fishing. In this case you’ll have to adjust your fishing technique to reflect the change in weather.

When you’re fishing along the shore and a storm comes up you can take advantage of the wind. You’ll often be able to catch fish at very shallow levels in windy weather conditions however these will probably be small bass. You’ll find bigger fish in at deeper depths during storms but these sized fish will be harder to catch and you should focus your efforts on the smaller ones.

Tip #5: Best Bait Choices

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Following is a list of some best bait choices as recommended by the experts:

* Grubs: Grubs are small lures that are usually used to catch larger fish. Grubs are great for use in highland reservoirs where there is little cover for the fish. The grub is much like a bare jig head that has a soft plastic body to attach to the hook. You’ll want to use them most often in clear water conditions.
* Jigs are best used in water that is clear to murky and in water temperatures that are below 60 degrees. The jig is considered to be a “presentation” lure and the ideal way to use them is by making them look as alive as you can. The jig is essentially lead-weighted bait that has one hook. You’ll want to add a trailer to the end of the hook for the best results.
* Plastic worms: If you want to catch that trophy fish you’ll probably want to use a plastic worm. This is because the plastic worm is one of the most effective lures for catching any type of big fish. Plastic worms have a thin and long profile with a lifelike action that attracts them instantly to bass. You’ll have to learn how to use a plastic worm by touch, feel, and practice. The more that you practice that better results you’ll achieve. The one thing that you need to keep in mind is that the fish needs to see the worm before it will hit it. Therefore a plastic worm is best used in clear water.
* Lure color: Choose lures that are all black or all white. A mix of black and red also works quite well. There will be the odd time when fluorescent colors, such as bright yellow or green, will work well but you’ll need to experiment with this.

Tip #4: What do to with a Running Fish

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Be prepared if a fish runs toward you. Stand on your toes and at the same time raise your rod up over your head as high as you can. Take the line and put it back over onto your second and third fingers of the hand that is holding the rod. Quickly strip the line to pull up on any slack.

If the fish starts to run away from you make sure that you keep the rod up high and slowly let out the line, letting it slide from your fingers. Be ready to palm the reel of the rod when the slack is entirely gone.

Tip #3: Holding your Rod Effectively

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It’s important that you learn to hold your rod effectively under any fishing conditions. You want to make sure that you maintain good control at all times without gripping too hard. You can adjust the power of your hold when you’re in the middle of a cast. This will allow you to minimize the vibrations of each movement. With just a bit of practice you’ll be able to increase the tightness at the same as you learn to relax your grip.

Tip #2: Rods

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There are several things that you need to think about when choosing the right type of rod for you. Every reel and rod has a certain function that you need to be aware of.

One of the first things that you need to consider is comfort. Is the rod that you’re using comfortable for you to hold? If you’re shorter than about 5’5″ you won’t want to use a rod that is seven feet. Choose a rod length that is easy for you to hold and cast for a few hours at a time.

Most of the rods on the market today are designed to allow you to feel when a fish bites. The shaft of the rod is called a “blank” and when the rod is first manufactured the blank is made from fiberglass, graphite, or other materials. Each of these blanks has an action that is either: light, medium, medium/heavy, or heavy. The upper portion will also have an action that is either: extra light, light, or regular.

Both ends of the blank are assembled and the final result is a fishing rod, complete with a handle and guide. No matter what type of rod that you’re using, the “action” of the rod will refer to the “blank”. The action of the rod will have a great deal to do with the type of fishing that you’re doing.