How to Fly Fish

Fly fishing is a relaxing and graceful hobby. Most people believe that fly fishing is expensive and complicated. In reality, basic equipment to get started goes for less than $100. Learning to cast a line is easier than you might think. With the right instructions and a little patience you will cast and catch fish like the pros.

Things You'll Need

• Rod, reel and line combo
• Flies

Instructions

Prepare to Fly Fish

1. Buy your materials. Most sporting goods stores have all the equipment you need. You need a rod, reel and line combo. A 6-weight rod is good to begin with. You also need to purchase flies. Ask a local fisherman what flies work to catch fish in your area. Pick up 10 to 12 flies; they usually cost about $20 each.

2. Set up your line. Use your left hand to thread the fishing line onto the fishing rod. Pull out 10 to 20 feet of fishing line. Lay the line down and to the right of you.

3. Tie a piece of colored string or cloth to the end of the line. This makes it easier to watch the line when you practice.

Learn to Cast

1. Practice casting on a large, flat grassy area. Hold the fishing rod with your casting hand. Hold your hand so that your thumb is on the opposite side of the rod from your fingers. Rest the reel against your wrist and forearm.

2. Take hold of the line and grasp it in your opposite hand. Hold it tightly as you cast.

3. Sweep the rod back with a brisk motion to the 2 o'clock position.

4. Stop all movement. This is key to forcing your line to fly behind you.

5. Keep your eye on the fishing line. It should straighten out as it flies behind you. Before the line touches the ground, force the fishing rod forward into a 10 o'clock position. The line should by horizontally through the air.

6. Stop your rod abruptly. The line straightens out in front of you and lands on the ground. Practice this movement until you are comfortable with the feel of the casting process.

7. Attach a fly to the end of the line with a string knot.

8. Pick a stream, river or lake to fish in. Find a spot in the water that is free of low tree limbs so nothing gets in the way of your cast.

Resources

• Check this online fly fishing resource.
• Look for tips and articles about fly fishing.