Fly fishing has been in existence since ancient times but the first recorded reference of the use of artificial flies appeared at the end of the 2nd century. A Roman by the name of Claudius Aelianus wrote about Macedonian anglers on the Astraeus River who snared fish with artificial flies. He described the flies as being made from red wool and cock feathers attached to a hook. The rods and the string they used were 6 feet in length and they were quite successful in catching fish. All through the years, people have been enjoying fly fishing as well as writing about it.
Fly fishing in the modern times originated in the streams of Northern England and Scotland. Not much was written about it until 1496 when the ‘The Treatyse on Fysshynge with an Angle’ was published by Dame Juliana Berners. The book contains instructions to make rods, line and hooks used in fly fishing. She also described dressings for different flies used at various times of the year. The patterns for the fishing fly that she described are still in use today and anglers believe them to be effective for successful fly fishing. The popular patterns include the Wooly Worm, the Black Gnat, the Whirling Dun and the Stonefly.
Dame Juliana also described the rods used at the time. The rods were about 18 feet in length and were made of very flexible wood. The lines were shorter than those used today and were made of hand-braided horsehair. The line was tied to the tip of the rod and a general rule at that time was that it should not be longer than the rod.
Izaac Walton published his book ‘Compleat Angler’ with the first detailed writings about fly fishing. In fact, the two chapters were actually written by his friend Charles Cotton. The rods and flies described in the book were akin to those described by Dame Juliana. The description of the lines was slightly different in that the lines were about 6 feet longer than the ones used in the 1400’s, although they were still made from horsehair. The book also described the tapered lines and this was considered to be the first written description of tapered lines.
Fishing line manufacturers began mixing silk with horsehair to make the fishing lines in early 1800. The first silk line was made during the Civil War. The silk lines had an oily coating that made them water resistant. After the invention of silk fishing lines, horsehair was never used, although horsehair lines could be found sometimes in England up to the Second World War. However, after the first nylon line was manufactured in 1948, most manufacturers started using synthetic materials for the fly fishing line. The technological advancement and precision engineering helped create an automatically tapered line in 1952.
December 27, 2009
Fly Fishing History – From Ancient Times To Date
Alaska Fly Fishing- Rub Noses With The Fish!
You could find the pleasant water towards the height of your ankles with the feel of warm sunshine flashing down on the face. You would find the most beautiful of all Bald Eagles soaring above. You need to do the thing of making this moment perfect by picking up the reel and stepping further within the waters as dollies and rainbows seem to call out your name. This is exactly how the experience would be at the Alaskan fly-fishing venue. The experience of soaking in few of the green trees or fishing in exquisite and remote areas, ever seen, along with having yourself immersed in the natural surroundings which are untouched, as you cast your line within the cool waters of Alaska.
The adventure of Alaskan fly-fishing is equivalent to a once in a lifetime exotic experience. As you go to fly fish in Alaska you would find more than hundreds of good fishing spots spread over more than a 1,000 miles of rivers and streams. Anglers would have ample chances for catching rainbow trout, dollies, pink salmon, and king salmon. Even though it is often larger than any life sized fish tending to draw anglers towards the actual adventure along with the fun of the fly fishing activity in Alaska; that is merely the starting of what one would experience. As you are on your adventure of fly fishing, it is perhaps possible that you see seals, whales, bears, otters, and other species of wildlife simply wandering in the countryside.
Going about an Alaskan fly fishing adventure trip is not only for the angler who is experienced. It would not matter even if you are just a novice, or a third generation fisherman. The Alaskan fly-fishing could be for anyone. Most of the vacation packages include private cabins in secluded islands. Even if you seem to be the only angler in your family, it would not matter as there is a wide variety of varied things which the entire family could do. There is sightseeing, camping, and other fun for the whole of your family. You could take an exotic cruise on the boat, swim in beautiful lakes, or even take in many of the available tourist attractions around the place. If you are an angler of some kind then it would perhaps be the actual solitude of the Alaskan waters, and the never ending supply of variety fishes that would draw you within the enjoyment of fly-fishing in Alaska.
The under exploited Alaskan waters would allow you with plentiful fresh fishes just perfect for the catch. Assisting Mother Nature about the overflow of fishes is the Department of Fish and Game. Here there is a widespread stocking and planting and program throughout the Alaskan waters so that during your fly fishing journey in Alaska, you would find no dearth of rainbow trout, Artic graylings, lake trout, king salmon, Coho, salmon, and Artic char.
December 24, 2009
Specialized Clothes For Fly Fishing – A Must-Have Wardrobe For Enthusiasts Of The Sport
Clothes designed for fly-fishing are different from those meant for hunting or camping. Clothing for the use of anglers is designed keeping in mind the fact that they spend time in water as well as on land. There are special items of clothing required for fly-fishing; these include waders, rain gear, a fishing vest, underwear, gloves, polarized sunglasses and a hat.
Hip or chest waders are an indispensable item required for fly-fishing. Hip waders may be used while fly-fishing in small streams, but chest waders that reach above the waist can be used for all types of fishing conditions. Two types of chest waders are available, namely, boot-foot waders and stocking-foot waders. The boot is an important part of the boot-foot wader. Many anglers prefer to use stocking-foot chest waders made up of neoprene, which need a separate pair of wading shoes.
Another essential item of fly-fishing clothing is a fishing vest. The fishing vest typically will have a number of large pockets to hold all the supplies that the angler would require for his fishing trip. One would not want to leave the water each time something is required. A good vest with Velcro fasteners is ideal because it allows quick and easy access to the tools and closes securely.
A rain suit of good quality material is another necessity for those practicing fly-fishing. To avoid perspiration on the inside of the rainwear, it should be manufactured with materials that breathe. The rainwear should close securely round the neck and wrists. The jacket of the rainwear should also have a hood.
Full-length underwear must be worn under the waders if you go fly-fishing. The underwear will prevent heat loss from the body if you stand in the cold water for numerous hours. Woolen underwear is the best choice. Other options for socks and underwear are Durofold. This material is a blend of wool, cotton and polypropylene.
A good pair of polarized sunglasses is an essential item of fly-fishing gear. The sunglasses reduce the glare of the sun and make it easier to see in the water. Gloves will help to keep the hands and fingers warm. However, wearing gloves will dull the sensitivity in the fingers. In fly-fishing, it is crucial to have full sensitivity to the fingers. To avoid the problem posed by wearing gloves, fly fishing gloves are designed to leave the tip of the fingers from the last joint, free for movement.
A wide brimmed hat will keep the sun off the face and protect the back of the neck and ears. The hat also protects the fly fisherman from being hit by hooks if a bad cast of the line or a strong gust of wind carries the fly towards the face or head.
The correct fly-fishing clothing gear will keep the angler dry, warm and safe. It adds to the comfort level and thus helps to enjoy the sport.
Fly Fishing Gear- Customized Gear For The Fairer Sex
Years back it wasn’t very common to see a lady trudge all through the water hunting for a few trophy fishes. This is not the case anymore. If you are regularly fishing, you would have noticed most women in the area and field of fishing with their best. Today women are not just greatly involved in the various sports or workforce, but also the hobby of fishing. Most of the fishing companies today, have made a note about the rise in ladies anglers and have started producing several lines which are geared towards the ladies fish lovers. Women too, love the outdoors similar to men. It is a myth about a lady not liking sports such as fishing and being helpless. These are ridiculous statements. Quite many women prefer the fishing and hunting experience, as it gives them the extra time along with their partner.
Among the ladies, Fly-fishing seems to be the most popular fishing methods. You would often find women in their caps and wading boots reeling them in. The gears of Fly fishing range in styles and weights, which becomes extra efficient for the lady fisher. Moreover, instead of borrowing heavy fishing rods from their husbands women today, enjoy the graphite rods which are often lighter. Shorter rods also become very helpful since women usually are not equally tall like their male counterparts. Varied graphite rods could be used for that ultimate experience of fly fishing.
The different rods of fly fishing gear could be bought suit the size of wrist and hand of the fairer sex. The playing field is now equaled since women are able to fish with the similar kind of fly fishing gear which is dedicated to their frame. Men need to know that women today are taking these equality rights! There would be no creepy or nasty crawlers to hook with fly fishing; just with the artificial fly, you set off to get your fish.
Instead of borrowing the oversized shirt from your husband along with a life jacket which is often is two times bigger, there now is a line of accessories available for the ladies. Wading boots, life jackets, shirts, caps, and coveralls for that in-water experience are now available. The Fly fishing gears have changed drastically since several years now and are better now considering that even women are included.
It is true that the usual fly fishing gear when the bait, weights, and along with other incidentals would never change from female to the male angler. The similar artificial flies could be used; however, many of the ladies’ are colorfully designed for the incredible eye. Women have the similar equipments to allow them with all the pleasure and relaxation with fly-fishing. As fishing is one of those special hobbies that is always equal to both men and women.
December 23, 2009
Fly Fishing – Some Etiquette To Be Observed
Fly fishing is a water sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. People as young as 14 years have taken to the sport and adults as old as 80 have too. Fly fishing in a stream can be a gentle sport and this gentleness should be reflected in the way we fish for game in the rivers and streams.
Fly fishing etiquette is nothing but common sense that should prevail while fishing in a stream. Nevertheless there are things many young and old fishermen unfortunately forget during a fly fishing session. This etiquette we refer to is with regards to the other fly fishermen in the area.
Remember that there are other people fishing the same waters that you are. The first rule is to remember that it is not good etiquette to fish near another fisherman. There should be at least 20 meters distance between you and anyone else who is fishing, unless the person has consented to you fishing the same waters. It is considered very rude for someone to setup his or her fishing gear near another person already fishing in a place and is getting a lot of bites.
A fisherman will never disturb the waters where another fisher is already fishing. If they notice someone fishing they stop at a reasonable distance so as not to disturb the fish and ruin any chances of a good catch. It is ok to stand and watch the fisher fishing for a while, you never know what you might learn.
People who have a common interest in a sport such as fly fishing seem to have an instant bonding when they meet. It pays to be friendly to another fly fisherman you may happen to meet along the stream on one of your fishing trips. Invariably there is an exchange of advice and mostly it leads to something you learn. It is best to enter into a friendly conversation, you might just find out what fly fishing techniques are working for the fisher that particular day. Many people have been introduced to the sport of fly fishing just by talking to others about the sport. So if you meet someone at a fishing expedition exchange a few pleasantries, you never know who you could introduce to your favorite sport.
Now the most important thing about fly fishing etiquette, the environment, remember that the water and the surroundings are the home of the fish and a place where other people visit to partake in a sport you all have learnt to love. It will only be good etiquette to keep the place clean. Clean the surrounding when you leave the spot after a fishing trip. Try to leave it cleaner than you found it. Remember it only takes a few minutes to cleanup after you. This will keep the fishing spots looking beautiful and inviting for everyone.
December 21, 2009
Bass Fishing and Bass Fly Fishing Truths
BASS FISHING and Bass Fly Fishing Truths
Bass Fishing and Fly Fishing Articles, Fish Recipes and Fishing Secrets.
Bass fishing has a fascinating history. It started in the late 18th century and continues to progress even today. Fishing was originally practiced in
search of food among the people in the south of the United States. Since then, it has encompassed all ages and nations. Today, countries such as
Australia, Cuba, South Africa, The United States and most of Europe participate in this kind of event.
Timelines
• The year 1768 or 1770 represents the birth of bass fishing sports.
• William Shakespeare Jr. materializes the production of a level wind device and secured its patent on 1897.
• The William J. Jamison Co introduced the overly ornamented Shannon Twin Spinner in 1915 and was improved to create today’s spinner baits.
• In 1932, President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted the creation of The Tennessee Valley Authority and encouraged the creation and building of
numerous dams. These dams were later used as fisheries for different species of bass.
• Five years later, DuPont Company filed patent for a nylon fishing net, this was later developed into nylon monofilament fishing line. Still in use
today. With some changes it stays straight and lasts quite a long time with cleaning and care.
• In the year 1992 Larry Nixon, the famous fisherman in the history of bass fishing won $1M total earnings for this sport on this year. Today we have
bass tournaments all over the US and winnings of $100,000 to $1,000,000 are common.
Types of Bass Fish
Several fish species that are being caught in bass fishing are:
• Micropterus psalmodies (Lacepede) – Largemouth Bass
• Micropterus dolomieui – Smallmouth bass
• Micropterus punctatus – Kentucky Bass
Just a note of reference, Australian Bass are different from the above North American Bass variants although most share similar features. Perhaps, the most
robust success of Bass Fishing was in the 1950s. Due to the development of modern fishing equipment, from bass boats, rods, lines, lures and various fishing
gears.
Electronic gear was incorporated among the host of equipment bass fishers used at that time. Reels of different types, which function in hauling and
hoisting, were also created. Statistics show that the audience base of this sport is increasing and that more and more people are getting interested in it
compared to tennis and golf.
Fly fishing for bass is a popular sport as well.
A good fiberglass or bamboo rod is required and comes in various sizes. The most used size is a 9 foot rod. The rod is longer than normal rods because the
rod is used to cast the heavier line.Rods will come in one, two or three piece units. Many fishermen prefer a two piece rod as it is easier to transport.
The type of fly line you use will depend on the rod you select. Look on the rod handle for the type of line to use with this rod. The reel of a fly rod is
very different than a spin casting rod and will hold less line. This is because the line is much thicker. With a spin rod the lure is pulling the line but
with a fly rod the line is pulling the lure.Most bass fly fishers will want to use a Up-Locking with extension butt type rod. Your fishing store will know
what your asking for.
Another important item for the fly fisher is a good fishing vest.You want as many pockets as you can get and large enough to hold your lure boxes and other
items. Also make sure there is a felt or wool fly holder to stick extra fly lures to. This makes it easy to change lures when needed.
Chest or hip waders are also a good idea when bass fly fishing. You will be able to wade the river and streams and get right on a bass while in the water.
Remember bass like to hide and strike their prey.
A good pair of wading shoes or boot will help too. Find some with good soles of leather, felt or non slippery texture. I used to use rubber soled boots but
they were slippery on moss covered rocks in West Virginia, I now have felt glued to the bottoms and find this works well.
When bass fly fishing do not be worried about not catching any bass, it maybe trout time…So fish for trout. They are fun to catch and just as tasty. Get
tasty fish recipes and more fishing articles and secrets.
For more bass fishing tips, fishing articles and delicious fish recipes you can read more at my website.
http://www.fishyfishstuff.com
December 20, 2009
Going on the Perfect Fly Fishing Vacation
While most people would consider the perfect fly fishing vacation to be one that they come home from with tons of fish that is certainly not something that you can plan out. A good thing to do though to make sure that you do have the best shot at having the absolute best fly fishing vacation that you could ever have is to make sure that you have all of your supplies in order. Even though you may think that you have it all set based on what you remember having from last season, it is always important to go through everything again just to make sure.
You want to make sure that all of your supplies for your fly fishing vacation are in order so that you are not wasting time purchasing things later on. You want to be able to spend as much time fishing as possible so make sure that you are completely ready for your fly fishing vacation before you even head out. There may be things that are no longer in your tackle box for some reason or things that really just need to be replaced because they are old. It is always advisable to go through your entire fishing supply collection every year so that you are totally prepared for every fishing situation.
Ways To Find The Perfect Supplies
When it comes to shopping for their fly fishing vacation supplies, people just generally find themselves checking out their local fishing and camping stores. While there is no problem with this, you have to realize that you will be limited on the selection of items for your fly fishing vacation supplies. If you have a time crunch that you are dealing with though, this may be your only way to get enough supplies to get through your fly fishing vacation. If you have a little more time on your hands because you were proactive and started to get things ready early, there are better ways to get yourself and your tackle box prepared.
If you have the time to wait for the mail system, then shopping online is going to be your best bet for all of your fly fishing vacation needs whether its more bait or a fly fishing vest. This is because by allowing yourself to search the Internet, you will come across a much bigger variety then what you could normally find in the stores. And to have things that not every other fisherman is going to have out on the lake may just give you the little bit of a added advantage. Also, you may find that the deals for the equipment and supplies you need or want are unbeatable and are something that you simply just cannot pass up.
Salt Water Fly Fishing – Adding A Salty Dimension To The Sport!
The thrill and excitement that was the characteristic of freshwater bodies in days of yore has now extended to salt water fish. Since the past half century fly fishing has become somewhat of an elitist sport and has spread through Europe and the Americas. Many of the sports men choose to wear their hip length waders and fish from near the river banks or the shores of the lakes while some prefer to go out in boats with their fly fishing equipment.
When it comes to saltwater fishing the angler has two choices. One is to seek a place on an island or near a densely vegetated part of the sea shore or go out in a boat to a place he or she knows big game is lurking. When I comes to salt water fly fishing one can be assured the prey they seek will be enormous. And given that water covers over 75% of the earth there is no dearth of saltwater fish to angle or the number of places to fish.
So far as salt water fishing is concerned, it is important to study and understand the effect the tides have on the fish. The temperature and the clarity of the water is affected by the tides. These are two of the important factors to be considered when fly fishing. Let us take an example. Fly fishing in an inland lagoon or a bay means the tides need to be taken in to consideration, when the tide is draining out from the lagoon or bay the larger fish will be feeding on the tiny fish that have been swept into the water body by the tide. Try your luck fishing away from the mouth of the creek, you will be pleasantly surprised.
A little knowledge of geography will tell you that tides rise and fall once every 12 hours. Since salt water fly fishing is done in shallow waters (if you want relatively smaller fish) you know that fishing during the times when the tides have ebbed. This is the time the fish will be feeding among the vegetation and the smaller fish that swim near the surface.
Most of the salt water fisherman prefer to fly fish in the shallow waters near the shore, or from a boat a little way out in the ocean where bigger game offer more excitement. This is known as ‘inshore fishing’. The game that can be pursued during ‘inshore fishing’ include striped bass, bluefish, flounder, channel bass, bonito and barracuda among many others.
The other form of saltwater fly fishing is deep water fishing. This is an even more challenging form of fly fishing. Typically deep water fly fishing is pursued in waters that are deeper than 12 feet. Fly fishers usually fish in deep salt waters from boats than can range in length from 50 feet to 10 feet, this is fast gaining popularity among the fly fisher community all over the world.
Fly Fishing Instructions – 5 Most Important Points
Everybody who has a special interest or a creative hobby knows that even the best, longest experience or regular reading on the topic is not sufficient to guarantee that the end result will be absolute success; therefore, for this reason, updating knowledge base and re-learning or new learning is a helpful method to bag the project and do it right, for maximum satisfaction: the sport of fly fishing thus, is no different in terms of the dedication required to improve, alter and learn new fly fishing instructions for better results. And any avid angler keen boost his or her fly fishing skills, will take pride in re-learning or newly learning while adapting current knowledge of the sport with latest or more experienced hands telling them secrets of success in fly fishing. We list some of these great and effective fly fishing instructions for you here to boost your independence and help you achieve the results – and the catches you may have missed so far.
1. One of the most rewarding, both physically and emotionally, outdoor sports created, Fly-fishing instructions only aim at helping avid anglers learn to use the right gear, care for it, know how to use it, learn basics of this exhilarating hobby so as to get maximum benefits from it. You have to do this without shying away from new learning about fly fishing by looking up instructions by veterans
2. Many a time, there are keen fly fisherman who are short of time, but this is one hobby that does call for patience and perseverance in order to show the best results as even the weekend fishing break or a Sunday outing with pre-organized schedules for Monday workdays are the best answer to getting out in the open and indulging in communing with nature while fishing! A relatively cost-effective sport, fly fishing instructions are as simple as the activity – so get some time out for your hobby today.
3. When considering a fly fishing instruction booklet, remember the foremost rule about the distance of your casting (should go far up upon the stream) and other fundamentals like using a new reel, the kind most suited to the fishing grounds you are visiting etc. Asking around is advisable and the best way to get correct information, so don’t be shy.
4. Finding fly fishing instructions and tips is not a hard task by far as you can enlist the help of a fishing buddy, those running local tackle shops or those owning DVD rentals who are sure to have something useful for your hobby i.e. a demo for instructional fly fishing in video format that you can view and study for your own use before returning (or choose to buy it).
5. Buying a books by an expert fly fisherman is another way to add to your knowledge about the sport besides checking online for any community of fisherman bloggers or local fishing club; signing up for a tutorial class offered by professional fisherman is another smart way of getting best fly fishing instructions that add to your existing skills as an angler too!
December 19, 2009
Top US Fly Fishing Spots – And The World Adds A Few More
Millions of individuals have discovered the joys and excitement of fly fishing the world over and millions are joining this popular water sport every year. Fly fishing has become a household word with the average American who plans at lease two fly fishing trips in a year to his favorite fly fishing spot, of which the US has many to offer.
The US has many fly fishing spots that are known to offer the best fly fishing opportunities anywhere. These include Catskill mountain fly fishing zones in New York. It was during the later half of the 19th century that anglers decided to try their skill at crafting artificial baits of various kinds to catch the elusive game in the Catskill waters of the state. The anglers made their flies to look like the real things. The flies were wet as well as dry flies and were constructed out of wool or colored feathers tied around solid bases. These reproduced the natural movement of the live insects they were imitating and were a huge success.
Catskill has many rivers good for fly fishing however, the Beverkill river is the most popular of the lot with a wide variety of fly fishing game to offer. Even the most amateur fly anglers are destined to return with a catch from these waters. Apart from this there are also the West branch of the Deleware and the Willowemoc that are growing in popularity.
Another very popular fly fishing spot in the US is the Jackson’s Hole in Wyoming. This area offers anglers an unlimited variety of fish and attracts fishers from all over the world. If you find that due to some quark of fate the whole world has turned up at Jackson’s hole to fish you could explore the periphery of the area such as Snake River and Jackson Lake. These two places are less visited for reasons not known, however the game here is just as exciting. You could get to Jackson’s Hole by air as well as by land and you will have so many fly fishing spots to explore that it is almost impossible to visit them all in one visit.
If your game is Rainbow Trout, you should make your way to Henry’s Fork on the Snake River. The area, especially in he vicinity of Harriman State Park is known for the water game it offers. You will have a free hand in this unobstructed fishing arena.
The United States offers some very good fishing spots some of which are in the interiors and can only be accessed by air. The other countries like Canada and the UK have not fallen back either. They have exclusive fly fishing resorts that offer complete home like accommodation including house help as well. Such is the popularity of the sport of fly fishing.