Fly Fishing Line
If you’re new to fly fishing, the best lesson you can learn at the very start is your fishing line matters! Fly fishing uses a different strategy than bait fishing. In bait fishing, you load up the end of your fishing line with live or artificial bait, as well as sinkers and bobbers. All this “stuff” gives weight to your line so that when you cast out into the pond or lake, you have energy to carry your bait far out into the distance. Your bait then sinks down to where the fish are hanging out and hopefully a hungry one will swim by your offering and take a big bite.
With fly fishing, the objective is to gently place an artificial bug, accurately into the path of your prey, enticing them to sample the delicacy. There isn’t a lot of “stuff” at the end of your line to provide casting weight. The only real weight you have is the fishing line itself. Which means, the type, weight and quality of the fly fishing line that you use can mean the difference between presenting a tantalizing snack in front of a hungry fish, or not. There are different weights and different tapers of fly fishing line, and as you gain experience, you will understand these differences and how they influence fly presentation in varied situations. In the beginning it is recommended that you get a quality general use fly line that matches the weight of your rod. This should serve you well as you develop your casting skills. As you progress and encounter different fly fishing situations, then experiment with different line weights and tapers.
As you will see in fly fishing, a good rod is necessary if you intend to master the sport, as is a reliable reel. If you don’t have a quality fishing line to compliment these two essentials, you might as well stay home and watch fishing videos on YouTube. There are two brands of fly fishing line that always seem to be top rated by fly fisherman. One is RIO and the other is Scientific Angler. The cost for a decent quality line runs anywhere from $40 to over $100. You do not want to skimp and settle for a mediocre or cheap fishing line only to struggle with casting and unfavorable fly presentation. It will put a damper on your entire fly fishing experience. A quality line doesn’t guarantee you will go home with your limit, but chances are you will enjoy the experience as well as learn more about the art of delicate fly delivery.
Here is a really good article regarding the basics of fly fishing line and the authors use understandable and sensible explanations and terminology, https://blueridgemountainlife.com/fly-fishing-line-the-basics.
Lastly, fly fishing can be a relaxing, gratifying sport to indulge in. It can teach a person patience and perseverance. Traversing a river or stream, mimicking the movements of an insect for hours on end is an excellent source exercise. And to keep your brain stimulated, you can analyze the movements of the river, pay attention to bug life and feeding habits, and of course study the various types of fly fishing line and what works best in various environmental conditions. Happy Fishing!