Fly Fishing - Fly Tying

Fly tying can be easy and fun. It is important not only to select the right knot for a particular job but to tie it properly. Poorly Tied knots will mean lost fish. In this article, we discuss a few basic steps to follow when fly tying all knots for fly fishing, followed by some ingenious ways you can obtain free fly tying materials.

Three Basic Steps

Lubricate knots: Before you tighten a knot, lubricate it with saliva or by dipping it in the water. This will help the knot slide and seat properly. Lubrication also decreases excessive heat which dramatically weakens monofilament. Heat is generated by the friction created when knots are drawn up tight.

Seat the knot: Tighten knots with a steady, continuous pull. Make sure the knot is tight and secure. After it is tied, pull on the line and leader to make sure it holds. It is better to test it now than when a fish is on.

Trim neatly: Use nippers to trim the material as close as possible without nicking or damaging the fly tying knot.

Free Fly Tying Materials Around Your Home A quick browse around your house may yield some inexpensive and creative fly tying materials. If you need some glow ball material so you can tie a few eggs try the yarn you have in the house. Use some colors you think might work well. Pull a few strands off and begin tying your eggs. Mixed a few colors just to see what patterns you get.

These have been reported to work really well on the Colorado river. POW! Fish go for the egg. Cast after cast will yield some nice trout in the 16-24" range. The best pattern is an orange yarn with a pink strand.

Consider also some of the following fly tying materials:

Dubbing Dryer Lint - Choose the right color close to dry and then pull the lint out and use as common dubbing materials.

Brush the Dog - Several breeds such as Chows have thick undercoats. The fur makes a great natural material for dubbing.

Feathers A look around the yard or park can yield some interesting feathers to use for tying. Just a note however, wild birds are known for mites so take steps to insure you don't end up infecting your purchased features with these nasty critters.

Suggestions for avoiding mites:

Zap the materials in the microwave for 30sec. Put them in a plastic baggy and freeze them for a few days.

Stay away from dead birds. They could have been infected with a disease.

Foam body Packing foam commonly used for electronics work great. Just cut off a small strip and presto you have your body material. Need a different color than white, pull out a permanent marker such as a Sharpe and apply the desired color.

Furs Any old stuffed animals laying around? Some synthetic furs will work well on your hand tied flies.

Just take a look around the house and you will find items to substitute your traditional fly tying materials. Its a great way to save a few dollars and expand your creativity. You might even find that perfect combination to land that Fly Fishing trophy!

Another alternative is too take a trip to the local craft store. They also are a great resource for Fly Tying materials such as feathers, furs, threads, beads, etc.


For a goldmine of information about fly tying and everything else about fly fishing you'll ever need to know, visit Fly Fishing Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Halpin

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Fly Fishing - The Best Fish to Catch

What are the best fish to catch when fly fishing? The quickest and easiest answer to that question is, "any fish that is willing to take a fly when you're fishing!"

Because the majority of fly fishing is done for trout and salmon species, many think that this type of fishing is aimed at primarily at these species. Most articles and books about fly fishing discuss techniques and fly patterns that will catch fish such as brown trout, rainbow trout, steelhead and the various different salmonids. So it is not surprising that many believe that fly fishing is aimed at trout and salmon only.

Nothing could be further from the truth! Fly fishing will catch just about any fish that an angler would want to seek after. Not only is fly fishing done in freshwater, but it's gaining in popularity among saltwater anglers too. It is true that when saltwater fly fishing, some special gear that can handle salt is recommended - but you'll find many an angler casting flies to tarpon, boston bluefish off the coast of New England, bonefish in the Florida flats, and even shark off the coast of Nova Scotia.

Warm water fly fishing has been catching on in recent years for the thrills it offers. Most anglers know that the fight a smallmouth or largemouth bass can put up is, size for size, second to none on a spin or casting rod, and it's the same with a fly rod as well. Catching fiesty smallmouth bass on the fly is an experience no fly angler should miss out on. Using top water flies that pop and make gurgling noises when retrieved can provide for a lot of fun, especially when that big bass hiding behind a rock decides to investigate and angrily takes the fly from the surface. Although bass will take flies that are often tied up with trout in mind, some bass fly patterns will often take them when nothing else will.

In Ontario, Canada, there has been a good deal of interest in pursuing the prehistoric gar pike with a fly rod. Although an ugly fish too look at with it's long toothy mouth, those who have targeted gar with a fly enthuse about the fun they offer.

Almost all fish have a diet of aquatic insects, and if you remember this, you can tie up fly patterns that appear as some local aquatic diet to the fish that reside in the waters you are fishing. When fished at the right depths, you can catch just about anything when using a fly rod, even catfish and walleye, although walleye and pike often prefer larger leech like fly patterns.


Indeed, just about any fish can be caught on the fly rod, and there is really no such thing as "the best fish" to catch. Learn more about all the different fish that are caught on the fly rod and the fly patterns that work at All About Fly Fishing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Hugh_Scott

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15 Lessons Fly Fishing Taught Me About Copywriting

I'll be the first to admit that fly fishing is not for everyone. This isn't because I believe that the pastime should be limited to a select few or that it has an unbearably steep learning curve. When you get past the 'River Runs Through It' mystique it's just outwitting fish, a species not renowned for being analytical thinkers. The entry-level skills required are no more difficult to master than ironing. They both feature repetitive motion and leave ample room for introspection.

In fact ironing might be marginally more challenging seeing as you're dealing with electricity, water and the possibility of ruining a perfectly good pair of pants. At least with fly fishing all you have to worry about is sharp things and where you left the car keys. Unless of course you're in Australia, where fly fishing can be considered a contact sport, seeing as everything in the natural environment wants to hurt you in some way.

The constant repetitive casting action engages the higher mental processes completely. The frontal lobe is completely focused on the task of placing the fly gently in the water and avoiding a hook to the back of the head. While this is happening, a deep and disconnected part of the mind is busily forging new mental pathways.

This leads to some unexpected insights. If you ever have the opportunity to view the fly fisherman in his natural habitat you will see many simply sitting quietly, rod at their side. This is not scanning the water or deciding on a course of action. This is a confused individual having a "now where the heck did that come from" moment of mental enlightenment.

During one of these moments of clarity I realized that the lessons of fly fishing could give some insight into the art of good copywriting. Here are 15 ways that the hobby of fly fishing can help improve your writing skills.

1. Take a step back. You have the time on the water, use it wisely. Deadlines are a fact of life, but sometimes, no matter how great the pressure, a little time to pause and consider your approach can pay great dividends.

2. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Take some time to absorb the work of other skilled copywriters (or fishermen). I'm not for one moment suggesting you plagiarize the work of others - just look at how the piece is structured and how the key messages are woven into the tapestry of the work.

3. Fish where the fish are. Know your target audience. Know your audience segment, their tastes and their level of knowledge and comfort zone as far as complexity of copy is concerned.

4. Practice makes perfect. This cannot be emphasized enough; fishing is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. Keep at it, only by continually sharpening your skills through practice will you be able to generate that tight, engaging copy that clients and audiences want to read.

5. Don't over-complicate things. Just like fishing, writing is inherently simple. When asked what I do, I often reply that I put words in the correct order. That's it, KISS.

6. Get your line in the water. Stuck at the keyboard, blank page staring back? Start writing about the subject in general terms, just get the words down, the rest will take care of itself. Procrastination is a writer's worst enemy.

7. Think like a fish. If you've chosen copywriting as your career then always be on the lookout for inspiration. Good writing is everywhere. Stephen King once said that "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that."

8. Start fishing early and finish as the sun has already set. Fish will bit at the beginning of the day and at days end. Grab the readers' attention from the start and wrap it all up by referencing your initial points. Appeal to the human side of the reader, grab their emotions and give them a shake.

9. Swap some tall tales. At some point in your writing career you're going to have to get some constructive feedback. Your readers or clients will supply that, in spades. Take criticism and use it to tighten your writing. Good writers are thick skinned, if the conversation isn't constructive move on.

10. Take a break. Every minute of every day on the water will give you something new to think about. If you have the luxury of time then write, take a mental step back and consider what you have written. If necessary tighten up or even add greater detail if you think it adds value.

11. Keep your line tight, that way you can feel the fish take the fly. Sentences can grow out of control. Use punctuation to ensure that your copy is readable. Revert back to grade school rules and read your copy out loud, if you need to take a breath then it's time for a comma or a full stop. Tighten it up.

12. Be curious about your environment. Why are the fish fixating in a particular bug? Always provide your readers with answers. Why would they choose this particular product or brand? Why would readers accept a particular point of view?

13. Know the rules. Centuries of experience have given some good pointers to doing things in a particular way. Here's the fun part, once you know the ground rules then break them. Play with grammar and sentence structure, find your own voice.

14. Have the right tools. Just like fly fisherman have an arsenal of flies and rods you need the right tools for the job. Your Smartphone has a voice recorder, use it to keep track of those unexpected insights and ideas. Download a sticky note app and use it. Organize your ideas and projects into an easy to understand filing system.

15. Remember why you're doing this. Stay motivated, all fisherman and writers draw blanks on some days. Keep hitting those keys, write something for fun, start a blog, use the social media. Reach out to other writers in forums across the Internet. They'll share their tips and tricks and offer a shoulder to cry on.

That's it, simple rules for simpler writing. Just like fly fishing, the more you practice, the better you'll get.


Writing can be a s simple or as complex as you want it to be. For your business to thrive the key is to find a writer who has the right balance of creativity and strategic savvy.

If you would like to discuss how good, engaging writing can help your business grow then drop me a line.

You can always contact me through my website:

http://mallachsteve.wix.com/singaporewrites

or learn more about me on my Linkedin page:

http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/steve-mallach/25/68b/705/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Mallach

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Tying Flies For Fly Fishing - Don't Feel Intimidated

As more and more people discover the joys of fly fishing, they discover that not only do they become addicted to casting to rising fish on a river or stream, they also become addicted to tying flies - the "bait" that they use in order to entice the fish.

Fly tying is an ancient practice and dates back centuries. Not only do we know that Izaak Walton would tie bits of feather and wool to a hook in order to try to imitate a natural food of a fish, there is evidence that the ancient Macedonians would tie bits or red dyed wool onto a hook in order to try to copy the insects that the trout of their country would eat for food.

Today, it seems fly tying can be really complicated or simple. Many fly tiers will spend hours on one fly, attempting to perfect their bait and make it appear as much as possible like the life that fish will prey upon. Other fly tiers have just as much success with flies that take only minutes to create and use the same traditional materials that Izaak Walton would have used - feather, fur and wool. Holding the materials all together is thread.

One of the wonderful aspects of fly tying is that it gives the fly angler something to do during those cold winter months when fly fishing is not possible. Some anglers end up enjoying tying flies more than the time they spend on the river trying to catch fish!

Fly tying does not require a lot of equipment and initially, is not expensive. The basic tools required to make your own flies (and fill up your fly box for next season's fishing) is a vice, thread bobbin, bodkin and sharp scissors. Other tools can be helpful and you'll want to get more as you learn more, but for now, you really don't need a lot.

Don't feel overwhelmed or intimidated by those who have been fly tying for years. Even the simplest of patterns (and imperfectly tied imitations) can and will catch fish.


If you're still wondering if you should try fly fishing, don't feel intimidated! It's a wonderful sport and you can learn about a variety of fly fishing techniques. We'll see you out on the river soon?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Hugh_Scott

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Identifying Trout During a Colorado Fly Fishing Trip

While there are many enjoyable activities to do in Colorado in the summertime, most people would not put fly-fishing in the top ten. If you find the perfect location and have the right guide, maybe this pastime can reach your top ten. Most fly fishing guides offer a variety of services and the opportunity to catch many different types of fish. If you're a seasoned angler, spotting each type of fish will be easy enough. But, if this is your first time on the water, learning to identify the different types of trout can be a little tricky. Read up on the distinct characteristics of each fish below. With these little tips, you'll be well on your way to easily recognizing these river dwellers. If you have any difficulty, don't be afraid to ask your river guide to help you learn other identification techniques.

Rainbow Trout - Just like their name suggests, rainbow trout have a distinct slash of rainbow color on each side of their body. These beauties also have a light red gills that can be described as "rose."

Cutthroat Trout - Both male and female cutthroat trout have black spots on the majority of their body and streaks below their jaw. These streaks begin as red and gently fade to yellow.

CutBow Trout - A genetic cross between a rainbow trout and a cutthroat trout, this trout has many similar characteristics as a rainbow trout but with a special orange streak below their jawline.

Brook Trout - These trout are quite interesting. They're much darker, a green color, than other trout. They also have fins that become a reddish color during as they near their time to spawn.

Palomino Rainbow Trout - This mysterious fish isn't commonly caught; even by the most experienced anglers. It is a rare site to catch a beautiful Palomino Rainbow Trout. If you do catch this rare fish, you'll easily identify it by its unique albino coloring.

One of the best things about fly-fishing is that it is not just a summertime activity. This sport can carry over into the fall and then the anglers can target Kokanee Salmon. When you start to think about a fly-fishing vacation, it's important to know what kind of action to anticipate and what the water levels are like. Experienced fly fishing guides are quite knowledgeable when it comes to which fish are active in the river during your fly-fishing vacation and how high and fast the water is moving. Most of these questions can be answered before you've even left for your trip. Quite a few establishments also notify their guests of the type of fish that have been sited, so you can be prepared for the angling you are ready to do once you arrive. And you never know; you just might catch that pesky little palomino rainbow trout after all. Don't forget to take pictures!


http://novaguides.com/summer-activities/whitewater-rafting

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Knights

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Fly Fishing, The Top 10 Myths

The old myths are shattered. You will be introduced to fly in a completely different way. Fly fishing is no longer as difficult to learn or expensive to participate in. You will soon come to realize that this sport is easy to learn, and your efforts will be rewarded with several fantastic day on the water!

Learning to Fly fishing is a great way to use all the resources that are available to everyone - worldwide. Oceans, rivers, lakes, bays and estuaries is literally full of game fish and are easily accessible. Learn to fly fish, you can enjoy nature, do light exercise, relieve the stresses of everyday life, and even better, there are no fees or country club green fees - not a member tab and no lines to wait!

Here are the myths:

1) Fly fishing is difficult

Fly casting takes to be a few practice sessions competent enough to hit the water - but that's all you need to start. Why not take a look at some lessons fly fishing line (see the Resources section at the end of this article) - then practice in a park, your garden or in a private place. Beat of a lake or pond where you will not find many obstacles behind you in the way. Catch a fish pan them learn to land fish - now you are ready for the current, the sea or wherever you want to fly fish!

2) Fly fishing is expensive

It is not easy. Fly fishing can be expensive if you do a lot of your hard earned money on the first upscale Mullah (dare say - expensive) spend gear stolen. Do not go down the line, either - inexpensive equipment is difficult to use because inexpensive materials heavier and not as stiff as graphite quality. Accelerate very cheap just do not take the use of wild fish - and we are strong, we are not?

So - look around. There are some good deals on beginner fly fishing outfits - do not be put off the word "beginner". This machine is not only very cheap, but the rods are specifically designed to be easy to start and will last longer if you take care of them. Take it from a fly fisherman who his first (and valuable!) Fly rod in the tailgate of a Toyota Celica broke! Some fly rod outfits even come with a safety bar and coil travel bag!

3) You may Trout Fly

You get the picture. Trout stream, pipe in mouth, tweed jacket, leather patches, wicker creel ...

Wrong. Fly fishing is now so much more exciting than that (but if the above appeals to you - by all means - knock you off!).

I took the fly in my early twenties after a childhood memory of my father and other fly fishers on the famous Beaverkill in Roscoe, NY. Let's just suffice it to say it. A lot of tweed and wicker furniture in the 60s "Today, the world has changed now - the forty-something-year-old with his wife on the flats in the Florida Keys track barracuda, bonefish and permit image all tropical, fresh, hot, we were fishing machine -. Thats all what you ask in the Department of excitement!

Species: All - Come on, OK - trout, bass (largemouth and smallmouth), carp, pike, walleye, perch, sunglasses, crappie, steelhead, salmon (! Many varieties - and Lox is not a lot of salmon), then there is striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, bonito, weakfish, bonefish, barracuda, permit, mangrove snapper, snook, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle. Oh, the list goes on! But I'll stop.

4) Fly fishing must be carried out in exotic locations

Although the Florida Keys are very nice, as well as New Zealand, Christmas, Belize island, etc. ...

There are so many places nearby house that can and will provide you with the entire experience of fly fishing. Your local park may have filled a pond. This small creek with the bridge you cross every day - maybe a trout stream. The beach that you have to take the dog for a run - there are fish to be caught! Fly fishing is a sport that allows you to open your eyes and appreciate the world around you.

Again, sounds good holiday!

Places: rivers, streams, rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, ponds, farm ponds, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, bays, estuaries, piers, flats, reefs ...

5) You need a doctorate in biology successfully

You do not succeed in fly fishing a Ph.D. in any subject! You might think after talking with some fly fishing. The reality is that one. Above-complicate this sport as much as you want Yes, this time the fish are selective (will take you fly fishing) --- but in most cases you can cheat properly used with a choice of two or three birds.

6) You need to fly fishing an Olympic athlete

Just like in any other sport, you can participate in your physical abilities and pull pure pleasure! Groups to further expand access sites for people with disabilities on rivers and lakes - all over the United States (and the world), and you can have a place for fly fishing on the outskirts of your car!

7) You can not learn to fly fish on your own

Many have and many will. Guides, fly shops, fly fishing schools and others will try to convince you that you need to start these expensive lessons. We disagree. And here are the key words - There are so many great resources for the beginner fly fisherman "Begin." - Just read a little, whether online or offline, and get out on the water and fly fish!

)8 I thought you had to attach a real live fly at the end of the line

Negative. Fly fishing is all "fly" through imitating fish food with one hand, often built fur and feathers, but can also be made from synthetic materials. The key here is to maintain the natural food of the fish species you are imitating fly fishing. For example, saltwater species often feed on small minnows - and saltwater "flies" often imitate small fish or minnows.

9) I can't do it, I was trying to

Here's the thing about fly casting: You do not start a weight at the end of the line as a spin rod. You are casting the fly line itself. Here is a simple analogy: Imagine grown with a stick with an apple on top. You want to throw the apple across the room to your friend. You do not have the stick and abruptly swing the momentum of the apple let fly at the top of the stick and fling it across the room to wait for your friend. Now imagine that the stick is your rod and the apple is actually your fly line. Fly fishing is essentially the same as the analogy begins before your occupation, just like when you threw the stick, then stop abruptly to the fly line to start forward. Check out the resources at the end of this article for a cool animation that you can see the basics of fly casting.

10) You have to throw very far to catch fish

Most of the fish you are targeting are less than 30 feet - or you can get within 30 yards of them. To start a fish so far, only the possibility of 21 to 23 Feet running fly line, taking into account the fact that most leaders (your terminal) 7.5 to 9 m We know, for some, that one or two training sessions - you will unless further casting!

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The Best Boats For Fly Fishing

When it comes to the act of fly fishing one of the "selling points", if you will, is the fact that a boat can be used. As a matter of fact because of the nature of fly fishing and the tremendous amount of room that is needed for casting artificial flies, fishing from a boat actually works extremely well. So, what types of boats are used for this type of fishing and more importunately what are the some of the best boats for fly fishing.

Well, the simple answer to this question is that personal boats, otherwise known as "belly boats", are probably the best style of boat for fly fishing. There are many kinds of belly boats from the traditional U-shaped float tube to small personal boats with inflatable pontoons that are powered by oars, so the "best" boat for you is based largely upon personal preference and the type of water that you spend most of your time fishing. The following are a few of the best boats for fly fishing, one of which might work very well for you personally.

Lets begin with the Outcast Fish Cat series of fishing float tubes offer excellent value by combining a superior design with quality materials. This float tube, with a foam seat, was designed to keep anglers warmer and drier by positioning the seat above the water level making casting flies a dream. The boat is also constructed using two durable vinyl airecells and a 600-denier PVC bottom that resists snags and everyday wear and tear.

Next we have the SeaEagle Frameless Pontoon Boat. When it comes to the best boats for fly fishing this might be a boat that you have never heard of. This ultra-portable boat weighs just 42 lbs., packs in a small bag and can be rowed forward or backwards. It it perfect for fly fishing as well as any other style of fishing.

Finally, we have the best personal pontoon boat for this style of fishing, the Outcast Fish Cat Streamer. This economical boats compact size make this boat great for making the transition from a float tube to a pontoon boat. The pontoons were redesigned for easier maneuvering with fins or oars making it one of the best boats to use while fly fishing.

The bottom line is that all of the aforementioned boats are excellent boats, no matter how you slice it. If you are in need of a personal boat for fishing any of them would make a great choice.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing a website focused on river and stream fishing with a focus on fishing for trout. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and has spent much of that time fishing in small rivers and streams.

More Personal Boat Choices - http://www.jrwfishing.com/floattube.htm

Article Source:@Trevor_Kugler

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Fly Fishing Rods Getting The Bends

Picking a fly fishing rod is a tricky endeavor. Do you go with your ego, expected fishing environment or something else? While length is a factor, the bend or action of the rod is a key factor.

Flexibility

Fly fishing rods are often defined by their flexibility. In laymen’s terms, flexibility means how far the rods will bend when the same casting effort is used.

Minimal Bend

A fly fishing rod that has minimum bend is often called a “fast” rod. The lack of bend lets the angler get lots of speed on the cast. This speed allows you to cast very accurately and farther away than rods with more bends. While these benefits may sound great at first glance, a fast rod can be frustrating. There is no room for error when using the rod. If you are going to use one of these rods, you need excellent motion and timing. Generally, only anglers with a lot of experience should have a go at using fast rods.

Moderate Bend

The next step down from a fast rod is one with medium flexibility. These rods tend to have good flexibility, but the bend is restricted to the top half of the rod. The rod requires less perfection of motion and timing, but is fairly accurate. If you’ve been angling for a while and have the basic techniques down, a moderately flexible rod is worth a try.

Slinky Bend

If you are just taking up fly fishing, you should use a rod with maximum flexibility. While others suggest a moderate bend is better for beginners, a “slinky bend” rod gives you a lot of leeway when it comes to learning to cast.

Fly fishing is relaxing and enjoyable. Pick the wrong rod, however, and it can quickly become frustrating and stressful. If you use your brain, not your ego, when picking a rod, you will have a blast.

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