Fly Fishing for Saltwater Salmon with Surface Flies
One of the greatest thrills in Pacific Northwest fly fishing is bringing large anadramous fish to a surface fly. While surface fishing in the saltwater is not as popular as subsurface fly fishing, feeding saltwater coho salmon will take a popper quite aggressively. Neah Bay is the best place to cast flies for coho salmon in Washington State, and I believe it’s also the best place to catch coho / silver salmon on a cast popper.
Of course, there’s a long tradition of trolling flies on the surface in the Pacific Northwest. But there’s a move away from trolling (which I do not believe is fly fishing) to casting and retrieving surface poppers in the Pacific Northwest.
First things first, fishing a popper for saltwater salmon is going to lower the number of fish you hook most of the time. If numbers of fish are your goal, I still recommend fishing a sinking line and a baitfish pattern, such as a clouser minnow. Surface fishing in the Pacific Ocean for feeding salmon is not about numbers of salmon hooked. You will have lots of follows, slashes, and boils at your fly. But out of all the interest, most of the salmon will not grab the fly. This is what makes this type of fishing so much fun. You watch the fish follow, and attempt to entice the salmon by slowing down or speeding up the retrieve (some days faster works, other days slower works). It is truly one of the greatest fishing thrills in the Pacific Northwest.
For this fishing, I prefer fishing 30’ shooting head fly lines. Fishing surface flies for saltwater salmon offshore of Neah Bay demands long casts. Basically, the more line you can throw, the more fish you will bring to the surface. I believe that shooting head fly lines give you the most distance with the least effort, especially considering a rolling deck and persistent winds. I like a .30 diameter floating running line. It gives you distance but without the tangling drawbacks of amnesia or other running lines. Remember, fly lines in a boat seem to seek out tangles. I use buckets with weighted bases to hold the fly line when casting and stripping the fly back along the surface.
An important part of popper fishing for salmon is the retrieve. I like a steady retrieve that makes the fly slowly wake along the surface, slowly covering productive fish holding water. The slow retrieve also gives following fish more time to make a decision to strike. It seems that fish will stop following once the fly gets within 10-20 feet of the boat (another reason to practice casting). To get this retrieve, I will tuck the fly rod under my arm and do a two-handed retrieve. This retrieve gives the angler more control and allows you to have that steady retrieve the coho salmon seem to love. Of course, like all fishing there are exceptions to every rule, so don't be afraid to pop the surface fly instead of the steady retrieve. It may be just the ticket when the salmon won't go for the typical retrieve. Coho fishing success is all about fishing hard and a willingness to experiment.
Like many forms of fishing that are less effective, popper fishing does require some dedication. Stick with it, even if you know for certain you are going to catch more fish by grabbing your other rod rigged with a sinking line and a baitfish pattern. You will rise coho salmon when you least expect it, and you will gain the most important thing when it comes to popper fishing for coho salmon…. Confidence! Confidence is the key to true success in fishing poppers in the saltwater.
I hope you learned a few things about popper fishing for coho salmon at Neah Bay. It is the most challenging way of hooking feeding salmon in the saltwater.
Chris Bellows, owner of Topwater Charters, Inc, which runs fly fishing charters off the Washington Coast. His websites offer more information about Olympic Peninsula Saltwater Fly Fishing and Neah Bay Halibut and Salmon Fishing
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Antique Fly Fishing Rod: Finding The Perfect Rod To Add To Your Collection
Take A Look Around First
There are a number of online stores and online bidding sites that are selling antique fly fishing rods. To get the best deals, you need to do a lot of online shopping. Before you buy an antique fly fishing rod online, make sure to check out the different websites that are selling these kinds of products. Do not be content with just one site. Visit as many websites as you can and check out the antique fly fishing rods that these sites have to offer. Compare the prices of the different antique fly fishing rods first before you decide to buy. You can save a lot of money if you take the time to compare the prices of the products that you want to buy. Aside from comparing the prices of the antique fly fishing rods, you should also try to compare their unique features. Bear in mind those antique products that are unique commands higher prices in the market.
Take Extra Care When You Shop Online
You need to be in control of your emotions when you go shopping online. Even if you are really dying to get your hands on that antique bamboo fly fishing rod, do not buy that rod until such time when you are sure that it is authentic. Remember that the internet is just like your average shark infested water. If you are very careful when you shop online, you might end buying some fake products. The worst part of it is that it sometimes difficult to get your money back when you buy things online so you have be extra careful with your money. To protect yourself from online fraud, do not pay your online purchases in cash. Instead of paying cash, use your credit cards or use a secure online payment system that does not require you to divulge any private financial information when you purchase online.
Fly Fishing Rod: Finding The Rod That Suits You Well
Consider The Kind Of Fish That You Want To Catch
As a fly fisherman, you have a wide variety of choices when it comes to the type of fish that you can catch. For instance, crappie, sunfish, smallmouth bass, black bass, rainbow trout and redfish are popular species suited for fly fishing. These types of fishes vary in terms of weight and characteristics that is why you will need different types of fly fishing rods to catch them. As a general rule, you will need heavier tackle if you want to catch the bigger and heavier fishes. On the other hand, if you want to go for the smaller and lighter fishes, you will need smaller tackle. The key here is to plan ahead and make up your mind as to what type of fishes you want to catch before you invest your money in a fly fishing rod.
Consider The Place Where You Want To Go Fly Fishing
Before you start hunting for a fly fishing rod, you need to know where you will use your rod. Always remember that different conditions need different tools thus it is very important that you already have a fishing place in mind before you buy your fly fishing tackle. For instance, if you are planning to go fishing in a small tranquil river with lots of trees around it, you will need a light rod which allows you to cast very short distances. Rainbow trout that mostly live in small rivers are not really so heavy so a light tackle will do nicely in this case. Moreover, you do not need a long line to catch rainbow trout so a short line is all you need. On the other hand, if you are planning to go fishing in a large lake with plenty of big fishes, you may want to invest in a heavy tackle if you want to catch something really worth a prize.
The Best Kind Of Fly Fishing Combo
Generally though, when first getting started, a lot of people find themselves attracted to the highly marketed fly fishing combo, which promises to give you everything you need in order to get started. While this is generally the case, you must be careful as to which fly fishing combo you go with, as they are not all the same. Even if they state that it is truly a fly fishing combo, you have to be careful because not all companies put together the same type of packages, which means that you may or may not get the best of what is out there.
Where To Buy Your Combos
Even though not everyone is a big fan of online shopping, finding your perfect fly fishing combo online is much easier then trying to get it through your basic stores. This is because with shopping online, you will have access to a much wider selection of stores then you would around your own town. Also, you are able to compare prices and selections much easier to make sure that you are really getting the absolute best deal possible on your very own fly fishing combo.
If you refuse to shop online because of the shipping charges or just an over all fear of Internet shopping, then you can still pick up a decent enough fly fishing combo through your local stores. Keep in mind though that you are not going to have the absolute best in selection because stores can only carry so many items. This means that you may only have a few different combos to pick from. But as long as you are careful in your selection you should be okay with the fly fishing combo that you pick out and start using.
Finding The Perfect Fly Fishing Accessories
Depending upon the type of fish that you are trying to catch and where your fishing location will be, you will need several different types of fly fishing accessories. It is always a good idea to talk your shopping list through with an experienced fisherman so that you are not wasting money on things that you could really do without. If you do not have anyone that you could turn to, it is a good idea to start doing a little bit of research so that you can have an idea of the basics that you will need to pick up.
Finding The Best Of The Best
When it comes to finding the absolute best in fly fishing accessories, most people would agree that you should find an online store that specializes in that type of stuff. This way, you are going to be introduced to the widest variety of fly fishing accessories available. By going through a company that specializes in this sort of thing, you are making sure that you are not wasting time looking over things that you really do not need. Also, this is the way to make sure that if you have questions that needed answered that they are really going to be answered correctly.
While this seems to be the absolute best way to get your hands on some top notch fly fishing accessories, some people are just too uncomfortable with shopping online. If this is the case, then you should really think about what stores are near you that you could stop in for all of your fly fishing accessories needs. Once you know a place that you can go to, it is important that you first do some research and list making so that you know exactly what you need. This way, you will not waste time or money on products and such that you really do not need.
All About The Fly Fishing Vest
The fly fishing vest is a great way to keep all of the extra bait, hooks, and line that you may need on hand so that you do not waste any time or loose your fishing spot. Also, people find that by having everything they need right there in their fly fishing vest that they can stay in the grove of things and not loose focus on fishing. If a person had to get out of the water and sit down to go through their tackle box, they may loose that momentum that was keeping them going in the first place.
Where To Find The Best Vests
When it comes to the fly fishing vest, there is no one particular vest that is going to be the absolute best for every fisherman out there. The one that will be perfect for you is going to be the one that is going to suit your individual needs and desires. What may work well for one person may not really work all that well for everyone else. This is why some crafty people are found making and designing their own fly fishing vest so that their vest is exactly what they need it to be. By doing this, they are making sure that their custom creation is going to be the very best fly fishing vest for their individual needs.
For those who prefer not trying to make their own, there are plenty of places that you can find an excellent fly fishing vest for sale. Most all of the typical, big name, hunting and fishing stores are going to carry a few versions of these. Generally, the fly fishing vest is not all that expensive so make sure to take a good look around and find the one that is the best for you and your needs. And since they do not cost too much, if you find after a few fishing trips that it does not work as well as you thought, you could always pick yourself up another fly fishing vest.
Getting Prepared For Your Fly Fishing Trip
It would be idea to start looking through your tackle box and supplies well in advance before your fly fishing trip is set to begin. This is so that you will have plenty of time to stock up on the supplies and things that you are in need of. Even if you think that you are fully stocked, if you have not been on a fly fishing trip in a while, there may be things that you are forgetting about. Give yourself plenty of shopping time so that you are not too rushed on finding the things you need in order to get prepared for your fly fishing trip.
Places To Find Great Deals
When it comes to buying all of your supplies for your fly fishing trip, it is important to try and find the best deals possible so that you can save yourself some money. Even though individual pieces of things that you are in need of do not seem to cost a lot of money, when they are all added up, you will be surprised on how much you are spending. Some people just cannot seem to walk out of a store without spending several hundred dollars in getting prepared for their fly fishing trip.
In order to prevent yourself from spending money like that for your fly fishing trip, it is a good idea to do some smart shopping in order to get the best deals around. A good place to start is always the Internet because that is the one place that you can go to that you will be able to compare several stores without having to drive all over town. Also, when purchasing online, you may be able to even save money by buying in bulk and still end up spending less on your fly fishing trip then you would have ever done in the regular stores.
Finding The Right Fly Fishing Product
If you have a particular goal in mind such as the type of fish you want to catch and know what kind of waters you will be fishing in, you will want to use that information. This way, you can take that information and use it to help determine which particular fly fishing product would be the absolute best for you and your personal fishing needs. By taking that information, you can start search the web or talking with people you know to get their opinion on what they think the best fly fishing product would be for you to use on your upcoming adventure.
Where To Shop
Most people find themselves stuck purchasing their fly fishing product at the same old spot year after year. This is generally their local bait store or outdoor supply company as it is just what they are used to doing. Plus, it is where everyone else they know goes so it is where they go. But the down fall to this is that you are generally going to have the same selection of your desired fly fishing product year after year after year. If you like the typical stuff then that is perfect for you but if you are looking for something that is going to maybe give you an advantage over everyone else then you may have to shop elsewhere.
If you are finally ready to start looking for a fly fishing product that is different and possibly even better then what everyone else has, you must be prepared to do a little looking. The best place to start is the Internet, as the web will be filled with all sorts of online stores that will have a big variety of the fly fishing product that you are in need of. Simply start looking and you will probably be amazed at the variety of stuff that you will find. In the end, you will wonder why you never started looking at the Internet for the fly fishing product that you needed.
Finding The Right Fly Fishing Product
If you have a particular goal in mind such as the type of fish you want to catch and know what kind of waters you will be fishing in, you will want to use that information. This way, you can take that information and use it to help determine which particular fly fishing product would be the absolute best for you and your personal fishing needs. By taking that information, you can start search the web or talking with people you know to get their opinion on what they think the best fly fishing product would be for you to use on your upcoming adventure.
Where To Shop
Most people find themselves stuck purchasing their fly fishing product at the same old spot year after year. This is generally their local bait store or outdoor supply company as it is just what they are used to doing. Plus, it is where everyone else they know goes so it is where they go. But the down fall to this is that you are generally going to have the same selection of your desired fly fishing product year after year after year. If you like the typical stuff then that is perfect for you but if you are looking for something that is going to maybe give you an advantage over everyone else then you may have to shop elsewhere.
If you are finally ready to start looking for a fly fishing product that is different and possibly even better then what everyone else has, you must be prepared to do a little looking. The best place to start is the Internet, as the web will be filled with all sorts of online stores that will have a big variety of the fly fishing product that you are in need of. Simply start looking and you will probably be amazed at the variety of stuff that you will find. In the end, you will wonder why you never started looking at the Internet for the fly fishing product that you needed.
Purchasing Fly Fishing Flies
There would be nothing worse then to attempt to catch some fish for the night's dinner and end up empty handed because you were not properly equipped. This is why having a wide variety of fly fishing flies is so important. By having a great selection on hand, you will be sure to have what you need for every circumstance and every fishing expedition that comes up. Do not be left empty handed for the nights dinner simply because you were not prepared with the right kind of fly fishing flies.
Where To Buy Them At
When it comes to wanting to find the perfect fly fishing flies for your fishing trip, there is nothing better then keeping your eyes open so you can find the very best of what is out there. You can certainly head towards your local outdoors store where you are bound to find a decent enough selection of fly fishing flies. Of course, you will be sort of limited as to what is really available out there but it is certainly enough to get you started. If you are pressed for time and really need to stock up on something, these types of stores are the perfect places to go.
Of course, if you have a little time on your hands and would like to get a selection of fly fishing flies that not everyone else and their mother has, then you should try online shopping. By looking for your fly fishing flies online, you will soon see that there is a bigger variety in these things then you would have ever though possible. You are much likely to get the very best of the fly fishing flies by allowing yourself to shop online so that you can compare and purchase the best of the best so you have the best shot possible at getting the fish you want.
Fly Fishing Instruction Courses
If you love to fish, you may have contemplated getting into various types of fishing. You may be considering fly fishing, or bass fly fishing, or even saltwater fly fishing. If you are a seasoned fisherman or woman, you may think that you can teach yourself these new sports. However, fly fishing is not as easy as you might think, and because of this it is important that you get some fly fishing instruction before you embark on your fly fishing experience.
Where To Go
Many community colleges offer non credit courses. These courses include dance, acting, foreign languages, and community service. Some community colleges offer fishing classes or, more specifically, fly fishing instruction classes. If you are serious about becoming a strong fly fisher, you may want to consider taking classes like this from someone who truly knows what he or she is talking about. You will, of course, have to pay a small fee, but you will be paying for real fly fishing instruction. You will have the guarantee that your instructor is trained and is a hired professional. In your fly fishing instruction course you will probably get actual fishing time with your instructor. This can be invaluable to you as your instructor will be able to tell you what you are doing right and if you are doing anything incorrectly.
Finding A Mentor
If you do not have the time or money to take a fly fishing instruction course at your local community college, you should look into finding a fly fishing mentor. If you live in an area where there are many fly fishermen or women, this should not be difficult. Ask someone you know who fly fishes to take you under his or her wing and teach you what he or she knows. You will learn firsthand from someone who has been there and done it many times. This mentor should be able to tell you what, specifically, will work for your area or region, and what rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water are the best places to fly fish.
Why You Should Not Do It Alone
Fly fishing seems like a very mild sport, but the fact is that several people die every year from fly fishing accidents. If you want to learn how to fly fish and be safe while doing it, you need to either take a fly fishing instruction course at your local community college, or find a fly fishing mentor.
Great Fly Fishing Tips
Chances are this person is you. You've done your research. You've gone shopping and spent a small fortune on fishing equipment. Now you are ready to head out to the water...technically. Sure you have all of the right gear, but have you been given any fly fishing tips?
This article serves to give you a few basic fly fishing tips that, hopefully, will help you come home much richer in fish than when you left.
Make sure that you practice casting. The more time you spend practicing your casting, the better you will get at it. The best way to practice casting is to use a flat surface outside of your house (definitely do not practice casting indoors, it would lead to inevitable disaster). Mark a few targets on this flat surface and then go out for a little bit each day and practice casting to these targets. This will help you to improve your casting accuracy.
Choose a rod that feels comfortable for you. You know what kind you will want, flexibility wise, but choose one that is the right length as well. If you are short, you will probably get hung up if you try to use a rod that is too long. To this end, you will want to learn how to hold your fly rod correctly. This type of fishing is not a quick sport. You will want to be able to hold onto this rod comfortably for long periods of time.
The best bait is a natural prey of the fish you are trying to catch. There are experts who swear that the fancy bait is not necessary and that all you need is a simple worm. In the event that you would like to buy the fancy bait, you should choose bait that mimics a worm or a grub and is brightly colored so that it will attract the fish's attention.
Waterproof your dry flies. This will help them to float on the water for a longer period of time. You can do this with Scotch-guard (which can be found in almost any general goods store). The waterproofing keeps them from becoming waterlogged and sinking.
Make sure that your knots are tied tightly and effectively. A knot that is tied improperly or that is too loose could spell disaster in fly fishing.
These are just a few of the many fishing tips that anglers will share with each other when they are out fly fishing. A simple search through the internet or your local library is sure to turn up pages more.
Tired of fumbling with your rod and reel?
http://www.flyfishinglessons.org/fly-fishing-tips.html
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Learning More About Angling

Angling equipment depends on the type of fish you want to catch and where you'll be fishing. For ponds or small lakes, an ultralight to medium weight pole is just fine. Keep in mind what size of fish you can expect to catch, as bigger lakes may have bigger fish, requiring sturdy poles.
Catfish, walleye, lake trout, and bass may need a heavier weight rod. Heavier fishing gear provides more control when you're trying to reel in your catch. Also, angling with heavier rods and reels allows you to use bigger lures with more weight, making it easier to cast farther.
Likewise, the type of fishing boat you have has a big impact on your fishing experience. For the most part, recreational boats like ski boats, speed boats, and pontoons don't make a good fishing boat. Many of them are too large and cannot be safely maneuvered around structures to allow successful angling.
If you are fishing a lake or other large body of water, especially if there are many waves or rough water, a fishing boat whose bottom has a V shape will usually fare better than a flat bottomed boat. In V bottom boats the V shape helps to stabilize the boat against waves when fishing and it cuts through waves when moving between fishing spots.
The weakness of a V bottom boat is that it cannot go into shallow water. This is usually not a problem on many lakes, but it makes taking a V bottom boat on many rivers somewhat risky. A flat bottom boat, on the other hand, if the motor is fitted with a 'jet' instead of a prop, can make it through water only a few inches deep.
No matter what type of fishing gear you kit yourself out with or how much money you sink into a fishing boat, you won't find the perfect equipment to catch fish. Of course, trying to use the most appropriate gear for a great catch while you're out angling is the best thing to do.
Just keep in mind the type of fish you're trying to catch and which area you'll be angling in. Also, try not to be too specific in your equipment. Many fishing boats are built for angling only in certain conditions, which leaves you high and dry the rest of the time.
Visit Mike Selvon fishing portal for more information on angling, and leave a comment at our fishing blog. Don't forget to claim your FREE Salt Water Fishing Secrets gift.
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The Basic Fishing Supplies
Fishing is a nature-oriented sport that allows you to relax. Many people want to experience fishing, but are unable to buy the appropriate supplies for their adventure.
There are many fishing stores around, but majority of the stores try to sell unnecessary fishing supplies to gain more from the innocence of the fishing novice. Here are some of the basic fishing supplies you need for any kind of fishing in any location.
1) Hooks - In a variety of shape and sizes, these are one of the most important parts of your fishing gear. Fishing hooks are affordable, so you could stock an assortment of hooks for each kind of fishing. Majority of hooks are shaped like a letter "J."
2) Rigs - These are used for catching different kinds and species of fish. The two most common rigs are the Bobber and Crappie. Bobber rigs are suitable for catching Bluegills and are best for beginners.
3) Sinkers - As the name suggests, this fishing equipment is used to cast lighter lures and to quickly drop the bait to the bottom of the water where the fish are located. Together with the bobbers, the sinkers are used to hold your line at any given point.
In fishing stores, you will find numerous variations of sinkers that come in different sizes, weights, and shapes. The current speed and the water depth would determine the weight of the sinkers you will need for your fishing trip.
4) Bobber - It is also called a cork or a float. The bobber's purpose is to let you know when a fish bites your bait. The commonly used bobbers are pencil, slip bobbers and buttons. They come in different sizes to fit all kinds of baits and sinkers. The best bobbers are those that are smaller. The wind would blow the bobber back to you if it were too light and would scare the fishes off when it is too big.
5) Swivels - This kind of fishing equipment is used when you are fishing with bait such as a spinner or a minnow. These kinds of bait tend to twist and turn, which would likely your line deformed. By using the swivel and connecting it between your line and bait, it would allow the lure to spin around without tangling up the line. Swivels are affordable and come in different sizes to fit the bait and hooks you use.
Other supplies are the tackle box and your bait. The bait would vary depending on the kind of fishing you wish to perform.
Now that you know the basics, you could easily enjoy your fishing trip affordably and safely.
Source: Free Articles
Author: pilkster
Fishing Tips- Free Related Fact Of Fishing
One of the most passionate sports among anglers, there are two forms of fly-fishing - dry fly fishing and wet fly fishing. Of the two, dry fly fishing is regarded as the more familiar and classic form. In this technique, the angler casts the fly upstream. As the fly passes overhead, fish will hopefully rise up and bite the fly. Wet fly fishing is further divided into nymph fishing, lures fishing and true wet fly-fishing and all are fished beneath the surface of the water.
Anglers are always on searches for top-rated fishing tackle and accessories. For a beginner, the collections of fishing tackle and related paraphernalia can look daunting and might be costly. With the advent of technology, anglers also long for something like a Gamin fishing tackle finder to point you in the right direction. Fish finder is now an important part of all fishing trips. Here you will get some simple advises on fishing equipments.
To have a clear idea about the best season for fishing is the next important consideration. A sturgeon fishing season is year round, whereas salmon, trout and Var den fishing are in a season according to the area. Another species also has their peak seasons; inquire with the locals.
Don't forget that even if your immediate fishing tips quest isn't answered in this article, you could even take it further by doing a search on Google.com to get specific fishing tips information.
It is always advisable to put into consideration the role that the fishing boat has to play. We all know that the fishing boats' main function is to be utilized in fishing activities. However, prior to your purchase, it is necessary to take into account some other purposes.
Whether you enjoy sports fishing or not, various fishing adventures are available for you in the Bahamas Islands. Fishing charters houses a variety of types of trips for tourists. Yachts as well offer a different type of experience for enthusiasts or just interested tourists in this experience.
Fly-fishing has gained a great popularity over the years as a relaxing sport. The thrill of luring the fish, catching it and having it for lunch or dinner or simply the soothing sounds of running water in a stream have made fly fishing an experience to remember, for the young people and the old alike. The fly-fishing experience is complete only if you have the right kind of fishing equipment.
Many folks seeking online for articles related to fishing tips also sought for articles about fishing for girls, Michigan fishing regulations, and even fly fishing reels.
So here is chance to get your free tips on Fishing Shop and in addition to that get basic information on saving money visit http://advice4unow.com/fishingnews
Fly Fishing is For Women Too!
Are you a woman who has an interest in fly fishing but fears getting involved into a men only sport? For years, fly fishing has been considered by many to be an outdoor activity for males. Considering that the first known English book written on the subject was by a woman, Dame Juliana Berners, it seems odd that fly fishing has only recently attracted greater numbers of women to the sport.
It is true that the majority of fly anglers today are men, however I'm seeing more and more women try their hand at catching fish and learning to cast a fly rod. Women are discovering the peace and tranquility that can be had from wading in a river, matching the hatch and casting to rising fish.
Many manufacturers of fly fishing equipment are now producing gear made especially for women. Not in the sense of making a fashion statement on the river, but for better a better fit. There are even fly rods that are made with women in mind that have grips of a smaller diameter to fit the more typical smaller hands of women.
While there are growing numbers of women who enjoy fly fishing with their spouses and male friends, some are more comfortable learning the sport with other women. Many cities and districts now have women only fly fishing clubs where they can meet regularly, plan fly fishing outings, teach each other fly tying techniques and enjoy each other's camaraderie. There are now many guides and fly fishing instructors among the fairer sex, too.
In 2006, a team of five women participated in the Canadian Fly Fishing Championships which took place on the Grand River near Fergus, Ontario and one woman, Sunny Vanderkloof of British Columbia, came in sixth in the competition out of 40 anglers.
One notable organization, Casting For Recovery, began in 1996 with the aim of providing free weekend trips to women that have suffered from breast cancer. These trips include professional instruction on not only fly casting, but identifying insects fish may be feeding on in order to select the best flies to bait the fish, equipment basics, and knot tying. Fly fishing is a perfect sport for those in recovery - the casting motion can be gentle and at the same time, strengthens weak soft tissue
Recently, I was speaking with a professional guide who told me that often women are far easier to teach the art of fly casting too. Whereas men will often have the idea that they need to use muscle over form, women can often pick up the rhythm of fly casting much more quickly than a male who has spent most of his fishing experience trying to cast their bait as far as possible using casting and spinning rods.
So if you're a woman that has an interest in taking up fly fishing, get out there and find an instructor or a club in your area and give it a try. Most professional instructors and guides will be able to provide you with equipment that you'll need. Don't worry about spending money on gear until you discover if you will enjoy the sport and do more of it. Be sure to check out the Women's Resources at About Fly Fishing.
Ian Scott is a free lance writer who spends much of his time when not working and writing about a variety of topics, with a fly rod in hand. He is a frequent contributor to About Fly Fishing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Hugh_Scott
How to Hook the Big Fish!
Fly Fishing is a passion of mine and I enjoy sharing my tips so that others can learn to catch the Big Fish!
I usually go out from the Boca inlet in Boca Raton, Florida. Then I drift for hours luring the fish. As much as I enjoy catching the fish I truly enjoy the peace and quiet of the ocean. It certainly does clear the mind from the hustle and bustle of life.
When the species of fish I am searching for aren't hungry for the flys that I present them then I use conventional tackle.
That may consist of either live or dead bait. Then I go out to the desired depth to where the species of fish congregate. Usually starting with a depth of about 110 feet of water and drifting out to over 200 feet. I use three light tackle rods with 15 lb test on each one. That gives the fish less chance of seeing the line.
I fish each rod at a different depth in the water column. The first rod I fish live bait or dead ballyhoo with a short piece of leader wire. Let the line out until the bait is at least 75 yards from the boat.
The second rod I add a small egg sinker, enough to get the line down about 20 to 30 feet. I let this line out about 50 yards. I use live pilchard, live goggle-eye or sardines that are either live or dead.
The third rod I fish on the bottom depending on how much current there is I use either 4, 6, or 8 oz sinker. Whatever it takes for me to get to the bottom. Using no leader I thread the egg sinker through the line and tie my pre-made rig to the hook. Then I hook a dead sardine or 1/2 a ballyhoo through the mouth with a circle hook and hook the treble hook on the rear part of the bait. Then drop the bait to the bottom and slowly move it up and down off the bottom and that is when I get most of my strikes.
When using light tackle on the bottom it is very important to have the rod tip next to the water and the line tight so when you setup to hook the fish you can bring the fish up off the bottom quicker. Otherwise the fish will go into a rock hole and break you off.
I have learned many techniques over the years and one of the most important things is what is the most effective rig.
These rigs are most effective for catching any fish but especially those that live on the bottom, especially Grouper and Snapper.
If you look at the first photo you will see me holding two pieces of titanium wire that is flexible. You can bend the wire without being concerned that it will break.
The rig is made with a 5/0 circle hook and titanium wire attached to a treble hook. I catch 90% of my fish on the treble hook.
The length of the wire is determined by the bait that you are attaching it to. Shorter wire for shorter baits and of course longer wire for longer baits. The photos show roughly how far to place the treble hook from the tail of the bait.
After you cut the wire to length to install the hooks you must use a barrel sleeve and crimp it onto the wire to secure the hooks.
Once I have my catch of the day I then prepare dinner. One of my other passions is preparing the fish. Fresh fish is delicious and of course healthy. Hopefully you will have a successful day of fishing and enjoy some of my recipes.
I am a native from South Florida and have fished here ever since I was a youngster. I have caught over the many years numerous fish but nothing compared to the last few years since I have refined my techniques.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Watkins
Fly Fishing Tips
Fly fishing is a relaxing and entertaining sport. However, if you are new to the sport you may be looking for a fly fishing tip or two. You may have looked to a fly fishing video to find a fly fishing tip for your specific need. Even so, you may want a few more fly fishing tips to browse before you depart on your first fly fishing trip.
Fly Fishing Tip Number One: Cast Into The Wind
Casting into the wind can be a difficult task to master. However, if you learn how to do this, you will be able to catch fish when others are simply blown off of the water. Here is a fly fishing tip on how to do this. If the wind is blowing in your face, many people end up driving the fly rod tip down to generate more energy and line speed. Do not do this because all you are doing is widening the fly casting arc, which means a wider open loop that the wind will blow back in your face.
What you should do is put more force into the cast and focus on having a tighter loop that will slice through the wind easier than a wider loop. Make sure that the angle of your loop is making it inches above the water instead of the usual feet above. That way the wind will not have enough time to blow it off of where you want it to go. Do this by rotating your arm ever so slightly at the shoulder, making your elbow move back and up just a little bit.
Fly Fishing Tip Number Two: Lubricate Your Knots
The fly fishing knot is crucial to fly fishing. Without a properly tied knot, you will simply lose your fish. However, if you lubricate your knot before you seat it, your knot will be much stronger. Tighten the knot just enough so it will not unravel on its own. Then lubricate the knot by dipping it into the water or with a little bit of saliva. Wrap the line around your fingers a few times and pull continuously and steadily until you feel the line stop stretching. Voila! You now have a perfectly tied, and perfectly tight, fly fishing knot.
Fly Fishing Tip Number Three: Wear A Wading Belt
While the first two tips will improve your fly fishing, this third fly fishing tip may save your life. People die every year fly fishing when they slip and fall or get pulled into deeper waters and do not have a wading belt. This belt will prevent water from getting into your waders and dragging you down. So before you head out, make sure that you have belted your waders with a wading belt.
Learning The Basics Of Fly Fishing
Some things you can easily learn on your own. It is easy to teach yourself how to bake a cake or even play some instruments. It may be a simple task to read a book and understand how to paint a wall or trim your hedges. However, there are many things that you cannot learn on your own. It is not easy for the average person to teach him or herself how to rock climb. Playing complex instruments may require lessons. You may need to learn the basics of building before you decide to build yourself a shed. Fly fishing is one of these things. It may look simple, but it is important that you learn fly fishing basics before you head out into the water. If you do not, you will wind up coming home at the end of the day wet, aggravated, and without any fish.
Do Your Research
The first part of learning fly fishing basics is to do your reading. Research fly fishing basics on the internet and at your local library. There are many different magazines devoted solely to fly fishing and fly fishing basics—subscribe to one and read it regularly. Fly fishing is much like other sports. While the “rules” for fly fishing are not rules that will get you disqualified or make you lose points like in other sports, these rules will help you to fish better and catch more fish. Learning fly fishing basics means learning these “rules.”
Get A Mentor
You cannot learn all of the fly fishing basics by researching and reading. You must actually get in the water and do in order to learn fly fishing basics in their entirety. The easiest way to do this when you are still a novice fly fisher is to get a mentor. Find someone who fly fishes and who has been fly fishing for quite some time. This person can help you learn fly fishing basics and may even have a fly fishing tip or two to share with you. You will learn the most invaluable information about fly fishing from someone who has actually been fly fishing for many years. If you do not know anyone who fly fishes, look for local meetings in your area for fly fishermen or ask around at your local bait shop. If there is a place to fly fish in your community or neighborhood, chances are that others are doing it besides you!
If you know the fly fishing basics through research and know how to implement them through learning first hand, you should be a pro fly fisher in no time! Who knows, in a few months you may have someone asking you to be their mentor in learning fly fishing basics!
Saltwater Fly Fishing Basics
History Of Saltwater Fly Fishing
The earliest records of fly fishing come from the third century AD in Macedonia. However, most of the saltwater and freshwater fly fishing that you see today is of a direct lineage from England. Several writings of fly fishing were made between the late fourteen hundreds and mid sixteen hundreds. In the mid seventeen hundreds, North American fly fishing began. In the mid eighteen hundreds, saltwater fly fishing in particular began. James Henshall’s book, “Camping And Cruising In Florida” was published in 1878 and is the first written record of anyone fishing for saltwater fish like Redfish, Ladyfish, Bluefish, Snook, Tarpon, and Jack Crevalle. Since then, saltwater fly fishing has become a booming sport in areas like southwestern Florida.
Saltwater Fly Fishing Materials
Saltwater and freshwater fly fishing began by covering the hook area of the rod with animal fur and feathers as to look like an aquatic insect, like a mayfly, stonefly, or caddisfly. Today’s saltwater fly fishing “flies” still imitate these aquatic insects. Flies are usually quite light and because of this they cannot be cast in the typical fishing manner. With saltwater fly fishing, the fly rod casts a heavy line, not a heavy sinker. The heavy line forcibly pulls the fly to its destination. As much as thirty feet of line extend past the end of the rod, and this line weighs equal to or more than typical lures or sinkers.
The materials for saltwater fly fishing make it different than general fishing. The line is what weighs the entirety down, not the lure. And the lure is not something that was ever alive, like traditional bait, but is something that mimics a live creature.
Saltwater fly fishing is different than freshwater fly fishing because in saltwater you face different obstacles. The buoyancy is different in fresh versus saltwater fly fishing, and the seasoned fly fisher will be able to take this into consideration. In addition, many fishers feel that the fish found in saltwater are much more interesting than freshwater fish. Plus, the terrain is usually different than freshwater. Whatever the reason, spending the afternoon saltwater fly fishing can be relaxing and entertaining at the same time.