Bass Fishing Information

Bob Bastian asked:


In the world of fly fishing there are many words that are important to know. Many of these words are unusual or have a different meaning when used in reference to fly fishing. The following list includes some of the more unusual and double meaning words used by fly fishermen.

Action: a general term often used to try to describe the feel of the rod - such as soft, hard, slow, or fast.

Attractor: usually a bright colored fly that is not usually tied so that it imitates a particular type of food.

Belly: the sagging portion of a fly fishing line.

Blank: a rod without a handle, reel seat, or guides.

Blood Knot: the common name for a barrel knot.

Chalk Stream: a stream, usually found in valleys, that is spring fed and slow moving with a lot of vegetation.

Complex Hatch: the simultaneous hatching of several types of species of insects.

Compound Hatch: the masking, or hiding, of a hatch of smaller insects by a hatch of larger insects that occurs on the same day.

Cutthroat Trout: a true trout that is found mostly in the western part of the United States.

Dapping: a fly fishing technique in which the fly is repeatedly bounced on and off of the surface of the water.

Down Eye Hook: a hook that has the eye bent below the shaft.

Dropper: the secondary fly that is attached to the leader in a cast of flies.

Emerger: a term that is used to describe any insect that moves up towards the water’s surface preparing to hatch into the adult stage.

Feeding Lie: where a trout goes in order to actively feed.

Flat-butt Leader: a fly used in fly fishing where the butt section is formed into a ribbon shape.

Freestone Streams: fast moving, tumbling streams with rock covered bottoms.

French Snap: a small clamp, often used by a fly fisherman to attach his net to his vest.

Holding Lie: where a trout generally remains when not actively feeding.

Leisenring Lift: a technique used in nymph fly fishing where the line is lifted, causing the imitation fly to move upwards, right in front of the trout’s suspected lie.

Midge Rod: a short, light weight rod.

Natural - a living insect, as opposed to an artificial, or man-made, insect or fly.

Nymphing: any oaf the various fishing techniques in which the fly fisherman presents an imitation of the underwater stage of an insect.

Presentation: the method of placing a fly where the fish is most likely to see it; includes the manner in which the cast in completed and the method in which the fly is fished.

Rise: the act of the fish taking an insect from the water’s surface.

Run: a term used to describe a particular stretch of moving water.

Shooting: a casting technique.

Spate: high water.

Stripping: quickly retrieving line or pulling line from the reel.

Terrestrial: of or relating to an insect whose life cycle is completely spent on land or in plants.

Waders staff: a sturdy rod about as high as the armpit of the person fly fishing used for support in heavy water.

There are many words and terms that are unfamiliar to most people but not to those who enjoy fly fishing.

Bob Bastian asked:


Once you make the decision that you want to become part off the world of fly fishing, you have to then decide if you are going to keep your catches or release them back into the water safe and sound. Some fishermen keep all the fish they catch, others release all that they catch, and some choose to use a combination of the two.

These fly fishermen keep only what they are going to eat, or give to other people to eat, and release all of the other fish they catch.

If you decide to practice fly fishing using the catch and release method, it is very important that you crush the barb of the hook you are going to use. The other choice is to use a hook without barbs. This is done to avoid any unnecessary injuries to the fish. It is also important to keep the fight as short as possible so the fish does not become overtired. At the first opportunity, bring the fish to hand but do not take it out of the water. While holding it under the water, remove the hook using a pair of fishing pliers.

If the fish seems to be too tired to swim away, hold it gently just under the surface of the water with one hand around its caudal wrist, which is just ahead of the tail. With the other hand, support the fish under its belly. Rock the fish gently back and forth making sure that the water enters its mouth and flows over its gills. Using this method, the fish should gain its energy back quickly. When you feel the fish try to pull away, gently release your hold on it. Using the catch and release method of fly fishing can be very rewarding.

Often fishermen believe they should release the smaller fish that they catch and keep the larger ones. They might not be aware that the larger fish usually represent the more genetically suitable spawner. They are the ones that are the most valuable fish for keeping a healthy species. It is wiser to keep the smaller fish to eat and release the larger ones back into the water.

Some people while fly fishing, feel that it is all right to catch as many fish as possible as long as they release them all. However, catch and release is not foolproof. Many fish are injured during the process and some even die. At times, even though the fisherman doesn’t keep any of the fish he catches, the overall fish mortality rate for that day is higher then if he had caught and kept the legal limit. Most fish, even if they are not physically injured, will sulk for a while after they have been released because of the trauma of being caught and released.

Catch and release fly fishing can be a wonderful way to experience the sport. Every release of a fish contributes to the conservation efforts that ensures the future of having future stocks of fish.

David Swanson asked:


Since the earliest fisherman plucked fish from the water with their bare hands, anglers have found many different methods of fishing. Fly fishing is one of the oldest and has been in existence for hundreds of years. Believed to have begun during Roman times, the advanced methods of fly fishing are considered to have developed in Scotland and England. With improved reels, line and fly gear fly fishing has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds.

Originally, fly fishing was mainly used to catch trout and salmon, which are easily fooled by artificial flies. However, many species of fish are now being targeted by fans of sport fishing using dry and wet flies. Today the lines are heavier and larger in diameter. As a result there is a need for a larger reel that is required to hold that size of line. Anglers now research the local water life to determine the best colors and styles of flies that may be able to attract the local fish population.

The main purpose of fly fishing is to offer an artificial fly to the fish that will closely resemble an insect or bug that is native to the area. Curious fishermen may spend a lot of time researching the types of bugs that flourish in the region as well as spending time studying the types of fish and how they approach their victims.

Practice, Practice, Practice, It Takes A lot of Practice to Properly Cast Flies

For the fisherman switching from bait fishing to fly fishing there is a conversion period in which they must learn the difference. With bait casting, the weight of the lure and bait draws line from the reel, and extends out into the water. When fly fishing the line is cast into the water and the fly on the line follows the line into the water. It requires a lot of practice and concentration to place the line that is cast from the reel and having the fly land in the desired spot on the surface of the water.

The two main types of lures used in fly fishing are the dry fly that remains on the surface and the wet fly that is designed to sink once it hits the water. Other flies, called emerging flies partially submerge under the water, to duplicate the action of emerging insects from their larva stage.

Fly fishing requires the fisherman to adjust to local conditions as well as altering their technique depending on the time of day and time of year. It will take the fly fisherman a lot of practice and patience to develop the skills necessary to consistently catch fish.

Making Your Own Flies

After a fly fisherman has mastered the difficult techniques of fly fishing he may want to design his own flies. It is a wonderful hobby. A master fly maker can build up quite a collection. A beautiful as well as effective fly can be a rewarding creation.

Whether you create your own flies or become an avid collector, the art of fly fishing can grow on you and become almost an addiction.