Once I asked an experienced fisherman, how to cast a fly rod far? He said that it was very different from the usual techniques. Casting rods and spinning rod techniques are not applicable for a fly rod.
My desire for learning new fishing ways came to stab me in the back. It is because fly fishing requires its type of rod and lure. Its method is not similar to others.
I had to relearn how to assemble the rod, hold the rod, the position of my legs while fishing, the power of my cast, types of flies, how to use flies, etc. It took me the majority of a year to correctly grasp the dos and don’ts of fly fishing. Only throwing a lure will not help anyone master fly fishing.
We need to know everything about fly fishing to acceptably cast it.
Fly fishing rod has an order in the way we need to cast it. But before that, we need to assemble it.
After unzipping our fishing bag, we can see the parts of the rod inside it. We will take out the bottom two parts. The two thickest parts are the bottom.
We will attach them by joining the front of the largest piece to the back of the second-largest piece. Then, we will forcibly twist them until the two white dots on both parts are on the same figurative horizontal line.
We will do the same with the smaller two parts. Then, we will join both parts of the rod in the same way.
You should make sure that all the white dots line up. Otherwise, the whole thing will fall apart.
Next is threading the line to the rod. Before that, we need to attach the reel to the rod. Some people prefer larger reels.
I think it is extra weight. You will be annoyed at having to support the bottom of the rod all the time. You can pick a small reel but, the line has to be long.
Longer lines are a hassle but they will allow you to maneuver the fly. When fishes get caught, they try to pull away. Thus, a longer line will allow us some time to reel it in and not let the thread break.
However, it has a disadvantage. You will need more strength and balance to pull in the trapped animal.
There are two flaps at the bottom of the rod. Attach the top of the reel to the top flap and push the bottom of the second flap over the end of the reel. In this way, we have to fasten the spool.
There is a threading method. Pull almost all of the line out. Then, take the thin end and make a big loop as if you are going to tie a knot.
Now, use the big circle of the loop to thread the rod. Start from the bottom and make your way up.
It will allow you to retain the hold of the thread. Plus, you can easily thread it.
Attaching the Fly
The artificial fly you will attach at the end of the line will have a direct effect on how to cast a fly rod far. So, we have to select it with the utmost care.
The criteria on which we should choose a fly is below:
- The species of the fish
- The natural camouflage of the fly from other predators
- The natural attraction of the fish to the fly
- The geographical area where the fishing will occur
- The mouth size of our target prey
- The characteristics of the artificial fly
- The probability of eating our fish hook
- How we want the fly to act in the water
- The support the line can give to the fly
- Impact of the fly on the rod
All of these may seem superficial but, they will make or break how your fishing will go. For example, if you use graphite rods while fishing on a boat, you cannot use a heavy fly.
A heavy fly can be the cause of a broken rod. So, we can see that fly fishing gear is the most important thing to consider when we fish.
We have to attach the fly at the thin end of the line. Double knot it in such a way that it does not break yet, can be easily untied.
How to Cast
We must first position our legs and balance ourselves. Then, we will make the line as long as we need it.
There are three ways to cast a rod: fast, slow, and medium. In the fast way, you will throw your rod as far as you can. It might make a splash though.
In the slow way, you will cast the rod around you. If there is no school of fish around you then it will be a waste. This is usually done in still water.
The medium way is the best if you are now starting as a fly-angler. It will give you area range and rod control.
The casting style depends on the length and weight of the rod. The line should be tall or short according to where and how we are fishing.
This is the general way to cast fly rods. If we are surf-fishing, then the cast action depends on several factors.
Casting Fly Rod While Surfing
Surf fishing has different requirements than freshwater fishing. If we add fly fishing to the equation, it can be a complex activity to execute. We need to pay extra attention to this case.
As we know, saltwater is inherently corrosive. That’s why saltwater rods and freshwater rods are not the same. The divide between them is not a divide of length or power.
They are equal but the components of the fishing rod are not the same. Aluminum oxide rods are used to catch fish from ponds and rivers. They react to seawater and become brittle.
On the other hand, seawater fishing tools are manufactured using those products that don’t react to brine. Carbon or stainless steel is the most common chemical.
However, it is possible to use freshwater tools in saltwater. We must be certain to carefully dry the stuff after every use. There is no need to buy every kind of rod.
Beach and Seasons
Fly-anglers can’t instantly catch a large game when they first start fishing at the beach. Knowledgeable fishermen say that how you walk, where you fish, how you fish, fishing gear, the weather, etc. Everything is important.
The most important step is to know the beach structure. Coastal habitats have numerous small eco-systems inside them. Various kinds of fish are a part of them.
Walking around the beach and observing the unique lifeforms and structures will give you an idea of where to fish. Keep this in mind.
Games like to congregate beside boulders, depressions, piers, and docks. Rock piles are also a good shelter for them. The second step is to fish according to the season.
Fly fishing depends on the climate. We must choose the artificial flies according to the quantity of the local fish. Each season has its type of fish.
Waves and Fly Fishing
Knowing how to fish in seawater is hard. This is a niche activity that few people indulge in. But, those who do throw themselves in it like waves crashing into the sea.
We do not have to stand against the crashing waves. We can stand on the beach and relax. We have to use medium action during casting.
The rod length matters though. People use 9 to 11 feet rod in beach fishing. I prefer using a nine-foot rod because long equipment is not a necessity.
Cast the rod when there is a lull in the incoming waves. Use the line to maneuver the fly so that the waves do not down it. Moreover, we have to use a short line because the shallow water near the beach is not deep.
Low tide will hamper your fishing. The middle of a high and low tide is the best time. The waves will lessen during this time.
If the water of the sea suddenly pulls back, run to higher ground. It means a big wave is coming.
Currently, fly fishing is my favorite hobby. Know how to cast fly rod has made me the fly-angler I am today. It is a source of great happiness for me.
Fly rods are not common because it is a niche tool. Not everyone has the time or money to fish to their hearts’ content. Nor do they know the right methods.
But, once you learn the joy of using flies in your fishing and properly casting them, it is impossible for you to go back to other methods of fishing.
Non-anglers will also get hooked on it. It is also an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors. We can get our fill of physical activities in this way too.
It is a peaceful way of relaxing. Fly fishing teaches us to calm down yet be observant at the same time. We can expand our pool of patience through it.