Stillwater Fly Fishing
Q. What length rod do I need ?
A.For most bank fishing on stillwaters the ideal length is between 9 and 10 feet, and most people choose 9ft 6 ins as the best compromise.
Q.What do the letters AFTM mean on the butt?
A.Unlike any other style of fishing you rely on the weight of the line rather than a lead weight to cast, but just like any other rod there will be an optimum weight to maximise the rods potential. To ensure that all rods were categorised in the same way a standard was established by the Association of Fishing Tackle Manufacturers (hence AFTM) and all rod builders now adhere to this. The AFTM number actually refers to the weight of a length of the fly line.
Q.What about line tapers ?
A.There are really only two commonly used fly line tapers, Double Taper and Weight Forward. For stillwater use the Weight Forward is the most popular as it allows longer catsts to be made. A Double Taper fly line is thin at each end and increases in diameter to the middle, whereas a Weight Forward line has the majority of its weight concentrated at one end. This allows casts to be made without having to aerialise as much line.
Q.How about the Floating, Intermediate and Sinking lines?
A.The choice of fly line allows you to present the fly at whatever depth the fish are feeding.
Q.What are leaders?
A.A fly line is made up of a central core, usually braided, covered with a plastic coating. This coating will differ depending on whether its intended to float, sink etc. Also the coating provides the weight needed to cast. This makes the diameter far greater than the line normally used and means that no self respecting trout would be fooled into taking a fly attached directly to its end. A nylon leader, usually tapered and between 9 and 15 feet in length is joined to the end of the fly line at one end and the fly at the other.
Q.How is the leader attached to the fly line ?
A.Traditionally a needle knot was used but today the simplest, and equally effective, method is to use a braided loop. This is a length of hollow braid that at one end is doubled back on itself to form a loop. The other end is threaded over the fly line and provides a very secure connection for the leader.
Q.Where can I learn to cast and how do I decide which fly to use ?
A.The two things that deter most people from trying fly fishing are the mystique attached to fly selection, and casting. Rest assured that in order to catch your first trout on the fly no great level of expertise is required on either count. Most fisheries today offer casting lessons and indeed this is the best option. However if your local water does not hold them there are many videos and books on the subject. On choice of fly the fishery manager , or anglers who fish the water, are the best source of information, but generally finding where and at what depth the trout are feeding is more important than the specific fly pattern to use. Believe me it is only a case of "practice makes perfect" to achieve your goal !
Are you ready to give it a try ?? Take me to the Kits !!