Articles- Fly Fishing Fundamentals

In The Earth is Enough, Harry Middleton states, "There is a serious side to this code business, too, you know. No worms. No salmon eggs. Not even the pretty pink ones. And no tender, sweet niblets of corn. You don't bait what you love. You tempt it, lure it, get under its skin" (2). In so many words, Middleton analyzes the art of fly fishing as a sensual way of luring a fish into taking an artificial fly. In order to experience the thrill of tempting, luring, and catching a fish with a fly, the basic fly fishing skills and fundamentals must be learned. When learning the basics, a beginner may become overwhelmed by a confusing amount of terminology and equipment. True, there is, as in any sport or hobby, a unique jargon, but it is not any more difficult to learn or understand than say, a basic introduction to football or golf.

There is no reason to fear fly fishing. One of the reasons some fly fishermen have trouble in the beginning is that they are self-taught and tend to pick up bad habits which are later difficult to break. An early understanding of the techniques and fundamentals involved can make learning easier and more enjoyable. The following information on fly fishing will introduce fly tackle, fly casting, fishing tactics, types of flies, and other tools and skills that will make this sport easy to understand. Once these fundamentals have been learned, there is always more to learn, for fly fishing can become a finely tuned art. And in a short time those who try fly fishing will know why millions of anglers consider fly fishing the most versatile and challenging, as well as enjoyable, way to sportfish.