Beginning anything is bound to include mistakes and if it’s something like fly fishing which is considered difficult in the first place, mistakes are an inevitable part of learning. This doesn’t mean that you should never learn fly fishing. The fact is that this is such an amazing activity that once you learn and master it, you’ll find it one of the most enlivening activities in your life. You just have to remember and try to avoid the following mistakes so that you can learn this wonderful form of angling at the earliest.
1. Worrying Too Much about Gear
Fly fishing is much costlier than most other forms of fishing and most reel and rod combinations cost hundreds. Plus, there are $5 flies, waders and the range of other accessories that you may or may not buy. However, you shouldn’t worry about these. You can even start with a basic cheap setup. You can even go for the best fly fishing kit for beginners which is affordable without compromising quality. Once you master the art and think about upgrading your gear, you can pass your old gear to another fly fishing beginner.
2. Making it Difficult
Don’t get overwhelmed by the stories of other anglers with the new jargon and difficult methods. Just remove any confusion from your mind, try to be simple and fish as much as possible.
3. Being Noticeable
Most new anglers approach water too openly. Instead they should watch the water first from a distance before going near it for fishing it. You should just check if there are fish rising, eating in the middle of the current or cruising the bank. It’s better to remain away from fish’s sight and move slowly before you wade through the water.
4. Using Your Wrist Too Much
Most beginner fly fishing anglers think that in fly fishing, casting is all about wrist movements. However, the fact is that it’s more than just using the wrist. Fly fishing experts recommend practicing casting by not moving your wrist at all. Experts also emphasize the importance of five fly casting fundamentals, viz.
- A pause at the end of each front and back cast
- Straight line tip path
- Rectifying your casting arc
- Continuous acceleration of the rod
- Removing slack line
5. Choosing Beautiful Flies
Beginners also make the mistake to stick to dry flies since they are easy and can be seen. But you not only should fish the top of the water, but subsurface as well as mid-surface too. Bring diversity to your flies by using streamers, emergers and nymphs. A better idea is to tie on double dropper or dry dropper rigs to work on multiple layers of the water at the same time. In the best fly fishing kit for beginners, you can get all types of flies to work on this idea.
6. Choosing Beautiful Flies
Beginners also make the mistake to stick to dry flies since they are easy and can be seen. But you not only should fish the top of the water, but subsurface as well as mid-surface too. Bring diversity to your flies by using streamers, emergers and nymphs. A better idea is to tie on double dropper or dry dropper rigs to work on multiple layers of the water at the same time. In the best fly fishing kit for beginners, you can get all types of flies to work on this idea.
7. Tying Knots Wrongly
A prime thing to remember while learning fly fishing is to learn to tie your knots properly. Well-tied, strong, proper knots will protect you from the heartache of losing a trophy just due to loosely tied knot. Sit down and read some knot guides and practice. If you learn to tie clinch knot and surgeon’s knot properly, you’ll be successful in almost any fishing situation. Then your next job will be to master the Yucatan knot and San Diego jam knot.
8. Being Over-ambitious
Learners usually try casts that are overly ambitious and long, without knowing how to make a natural presentation. Instead they should use shorter casts around the shore and the borders of neighboring water structures as much as they can. The rod tip should be pointed at the fly and path should be followed to ensure it moves with the current naturally.
9. Overlooking the Shore You’re Fishing From
If you reach the current from the right bank, you tend to think that fish are on the left shore. It’s common human tendency to think that fish are away from us. This makes us overlook the best spots on the nearest shore. It’s a good idea to study the water before you enter it. Then you should fish it in sub-sections, beginning with the ones that are nearest to you. Never approach the water you have never cast before.
10. Choosing Wrong Spots
Most fish linger in small sections of water. You’ll have to learn where these sections are in any water body and you’ll catch far more fish than you otherwise would. However, finding these sections needs practice. Polarized sunglasses are important here. Read and scan the water carefully for fish. You’ll also start noticing the spots where fish hang out at various times of the day, in various seasons. E.g. in the summer, trout hang out a deep pool on a bright afternoon, whereas they might move to a rifle at dusk to feed actively.
11. Failing to Set the Hook Downstream
Fly fishing learners should always make sure to set the hook downstream as the fish will always face into the current, feeding and trying to inhale the oxygen through their gills. But most beginners either pull their rod directly upward or upstream. This can pull the fly away from the fish’s mouth. A solution to this is to think as if you’re throwing a Frisbee downstream while setting the hook. This action should be assertive and quick, but not too forceful.
12. Not Asking Queries
Don’t hesitate to ask other anglers what they do for having success. Most pro anglers are happy to share their experiences and tips with newbies but first you should ask them. There are high chances that you’ll get tips to find the best fly fishing kit for beginners, and learn many new techniques and strategies to help you catch more fish.
So, are you set to learn fly fishing the right way?
