Paul Winter asked:


Distinctly different from any other method of angling, fly-fishing is a style angling that has a history dating back to ancient times. While some fisherman may use a rod and reel to sit back, relax and perhaps catch a fish; the fly fisherman wades into the water and uses his honed skills to lure the fish to bite. Fly fishing has several distinct characteristics that make it different from any other style of angling, the main being the technique and bait used, and the special fly fishing equipment the angler uses.



Fly-fishing has developed, as a standard, a variant rod and reel that works a bit differently than the traditional closed or open spool reels. Fly rods are light and flexible, and usually made of fiberglass or other composite materials. Fly rods are made to different lengths, so when you choose your fly fishing equipment, it’s best to know what species of fish you’re after. Traditionally the fly angler seeks to catch trout or salmon, but other species of fish have been known to be responsive to the fly angling method.



The fly rod has another unique feature, that is, the type of fishing line a fly rod uses is usually thicker than any other type of angling line. It’s the weight and thickness of the line, combined with the weight of the fly, that gives fly-fishing it’s unique casting techniques.



Although the fly rod is an important piece of fly fishing equipment, it’s the type, weight, and color of the artificial fly that affects the art of angling for the fly fisherman. Flies fall into three different categories, surface floating flies, partially submerged flies, and below surface flies, each having it’s own specific style of casting.



Fly fishing equipment can be expensive, but don’t worry, the fly rod is usually the most expensive purchase, the flies and fishing line are relatively inexpensive. Often, experienced fly fishers will eventually learn how to create their own flies to use. This gives your fly fishing experience a custom feel to it, and can cut down costs dramatically. If you’re a beginner, finding a mentor can be the best way to learn about and get the feel of each article of fly fishing equipment.



So, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a seasoned angler or just interested in learning about fly-fishing, try it out! Fly-fishing is a sort of ‘antique technique’, passed down from generation to generation. With the right knowledge and correct equipment, fly-fishing is a hobby that can last a lifetime.



Bob Bastian asked:


No one really knows when fly fishing first began. It is believed that it existed long ago in ancient times. One of the earliest written references to fly fishing was made by Claudius Aelianus. In 200 AD he wrote of people that were fishing in a river with a hand made fly. He described how they attached red wool and feathers to a hook. The rods they used and the sting attached were each about six feet long. These people were the ancient Macedonians. Throughout history from Aelianus to the present people have been writing about fly fishing, and many thousands of others have been enjoying the sport.

The Princess of Soapwell, English, was an avid fly fisherman. Her name was Dame Juliana Berners and she was a master at her sport. At the time Columbus was searching for the New World, Dame Juliana was publishing an extensive treatise on the art of fly fishing. In her treatise she described the twelve styles of fly and included extensive instructions on how to tie them. She patterns were put into categories by the month that they were used most often.

She also described the rod that was used for fly fishing during that time. It measured about 18 feet long and was very flexible, The rods were made of several different types of wood which added to their flexibility. Their lines were short, by today’s standards, and were made of hand braided horse hair. The general rule of the time was that the line should not be longer then the fishing rod. The line was tied to the tip of the pole.

Many fly fishermen of today have used her patterns for the fly. They say they are just as effective today as they were more than five hundred years ago. Several of the more popular patterns include the Black Gnat, the Wooly Worm, the Stonefly and the Whirling Dun.

In the mid 1600’s Isaak Walton published his book “Compleat Angler.” Throughout history from then on, Izaak Walton has been considered the patron saint on angling, and of fly fishing in particular. In truth, it was actually his friend, Charles Cotton, that had contributed the portion of the book that pertained to fly fishing. The flies and rods described in this book were very similar to those described by Dame Juliana. However, the lines described were slightly different. They were still made of horsehair but were about six feet longer then those of the 1400’s. The main difference was that some of the lines were tapered. It is believed that this was the first time tapered lines were described in writing.

In the early 1800’s, fishing line makers began mixing silk in with the horsehair. By the time of the Civil War the first all silk lines were made. They were coated with an oily coating which made them water resistant. Horsehair lines were almost never used after that. Occasionally they were found in England up to World War II.

The first nylon line was made in 1948 and from that point forward synthetic materials have been used by most people for fly fishing. In 1952, a technology was created that made an automatically tapered line withe extreme precision.



Tony Savour asked:


Fishing is the most popular sport in the world and can be a very fun, relaxing venture. In order to gain the full experience, the correct fishing tackle must be used. Fishing tackle, is essentially all the accessories one uses, when fishing. Fishing tackle ranges from the fishing rod, the line, weights, bait and even to the little stool you sit on. Each of the different fishing tackles co-ordinately works alongside one other, in order for the fisherman to fish. This article will give a brief overview of the main types of fishing tackle that you will come across.

The “fishing rod” is the fundamental attribute to fishing tackle and is used to catch fish. The fishing pole attaches the fishing reel and wire, which ultimately reels in the fish; if you’re lucky enough to catch one, that is. Fishing rods vary by size and are made from many different materials such as fibreglass and carbon fibre. This type of fishing tackle is influenced a great deal by the environment of the fishing carried out. For deep sea fishing, where on average larger, stronger fish swim; one must use a longer, thicker rod with a very thick, weighted line. The hook must also be very large and sharp enough to penetrate the fish’s mouth.

The “hook” and the “fishing line” are major elements found in fishing tackle. They are greatly influenced by the type of fishing carried out. Bigger hooks and thicker, weighted lines are used in saltwater, sea fishing, where swordfish and sharks are caught for example. Whereas, on the other hand, smaller hooks with thinner, lighter lines are used in freshwaters to catch fish such as carp and bass. However, this is merely an overview; obviously there are circumstances where you would need thick and weighted lines and bigger hooks to catch large freshwater fish. This therefore shows that fishing is a very unpredictable and exciting sport where the right fishing tackle is constantly needed in order to catch the right type of fish you are fishing.

Significantly different fishing tackle is used when fishing in freshwater or saltwater, in regards to the bait used. Fishing tackle can either be live, dead of artificial. For freshwater fishing, grubs and the garden worms usually work best. Whilst for saltwater fishing, sea worms, crabs and mullets are used. In my experience of fishing live bait always works best. The vibrations of a squirming tackle at the end of your hook will attract a lot more fish than a dead, or artificial bait would. In my personal view adding live bait to your fishing tackle adds a whole new element in fishing. In nature the small get eaten by the big. In our case the small will get eaten by the bigger fish, but ultimately we would catch the bigger fish, metaphorically making us the bigger fish to the once, big fish.

From this overview of fishing tackle it is possible to understand what fishing tackle is and the importants of having different tackle when it comes to carrying out different types of fishing, whether it is freshwater of saltwater.



Jayesh Bagde asked:


Ready to go fishing? Is your fishing boat ready for action? How about your very own fishing supplies and equipments? Don’t waste your time bringing so many supplies and equipments; instead take the most important things you will really need.

Fishing is surely one of the most thrilling and at the same time relaxing outdoor activity for those adventurous types of people. It is indeed one way to get in touch with nature and to experience the whole outdoor wilderness. And wouldn’t you agree that fishing is somewhat like an entirely different world?

Throughout history, fishing has undergone numerous changes due technological developments that occur every now then. Although technology can change the way to catch fish, still, fishing will always be the most loved pastime by everyone and enjoyed by all ages. Now, just go ahead and get your fishing rod and lures and go fishing in any water body you may think of. But wait; did you prepare your fishing supplies and equipments?

Fishing supplies and equipments may vary from the type of fishing you will engage in. Some fishermen don’t use fishing nets while others are fond of using it. Some make use of fishing pole holders while some people do not. But whatever it is you must have these important fishing supplies and equipments.

First and foremost, one of the main factors of good fishing is to have those very useful fishing tackle and equipment.

Of all your fishing supplies, the most important are, of course, your rod and reel and line and bait. To obtain maximum performance of these very demanding pricey tools, you have to keep it regularly cleaned and properly maintained. But still there are so many possible alternative fishing supplies.

Not all fisherman use fishing net to fish. Oftentimes fishing nets are very functional. If you are thinking of catching and then releasing the fish, it is certain that fishing nets are very helpful. The faster you can get it and let go of it, the better. Whatever type of fishing you will be engaging in, you are still going to need an assortment of fishing nets.

For a fisherman a fishing pole holder can be a very functional instrument. There is no better way to free up both hands than to utilize a fishing rod. When a fishing rod holder is used, it allows you to do more and multi-task. Now you can clear and remove fish from hooks. And in truth, the use of such a tool even allows a fisherman to gobble down a sandwich freely while fishing.

But, before going out to fish, proper clothing must be worn. No one knows how the weather might change all of a sudden. Considering the weather, proper outdoor attire is very important. Bringing a rain suit is a must even on a warm summer day because who knows how the weather might be. You have been told and warned. Bring a rain suit; it would protect you when you are caught in torrential rain and might save you from hypothermia.

Always keep the bags and boxes clean and dry before using it for your tackles. Just after every season, empty your tackle box or bag and wash the inside of it. Let it dry. Then lubricate the zippers of the bag or the hinges of your tackle box.

Also check your hooks if they are still sharp. Simply because a blunt hook is not doing a good job, you will lose a fish for that.

In a dry container, put the weights and smaller items there for storage and all the tools must be cleaned and polished. Always bring your hook remover or pliers along and it must be in good working condition because when you have catch and release in mind, the life of the fish is at risk, and every second counts.

Give your lures some attention. If their paint is chipped or they are broken, it would not hurt to buy a can of enamel to repaint it. It will give them a new look and a charter of life.

Always replace your fishing line before going out. Over time, the line will become brittle and you will lose a fish and might ruin your whole day of fishing if you don’t care about the tool that connects you to your catch, the fish.

Lastly, do remember to keep and stock up rubber worms and such things in synthetic bags, separated also by color. Because of the substances they contain most of the baits will have a chemical reaction to firm plastic boxes and might burn when they touch that and will result in a horrible, clammy mess and will ruin your clean tackle box.