101 Fly Fishing Tips for Beginners

Page 6

Tip #14:  Lures – by the Experts

Following is a list of lures that are often recommended by the expert fly fishers that you one day want to match in skill: 

• Spinnerbaits:  Spinnerbaits are one of the most versatile of all fly fishing baits.  This is because they can be used almost any time of the year in any type of weather or water condition.  You’ll also be able to use spinnerbaits in any type of cover.
• Crankbaits:  Many professional fly fishers use crankbaits because they behave much as “bird dogs” when it comes to hunting for fish.  This type of lure is great in deeper waters since it can dive deep.  You’ll want to use a rod that is between 6.5 and 7 feet if you want to use crankbait.
• Tube jigs: Tube jigs are great when you’re fishing in clear water where the fish are inactive. These jigs have been designed to be used as drop bait.  The tube jig is used most often in water that is ten feet or deeper.
• Vibrating lures:  Vibrating lures are made of metal or plastic.  They produce a tight vibration when they are pulled back in.  This type of bait will sink fast and are best used in deeper waters.
• Jigging spoons: Jigging lures are called “structure lures” and are used most often by experienced fly fishers.  These lures work very well in deep water when you are fishing for suspended bass.  The jigging spoon is ideal when you’re dealing with fish that are inactive due to water temperatures that are too hot or too cold.

Tip #15:  Using Dry Flies in the Afternoon

If you’re fly fishing in the afternoon you’ll want to use dry flies.  The main reason for this is that the sun will be warming the water and the air.  And this means that you’ll see hatches of little black flies.  This is a great time to do some dry fly fishing since you can present a fly that is similar to an adult insect. 

Tip #16:  Keeping Track of Patterns

Keeping track of patterns:  One thing that you can do if you find that your favorite fishing area is giving you trouble is to keep a log each time that you fish.  Make note of the problems that you’re having as well as:

• weather conditions
• water temperature
• current
• the size of the fish that you do catch
• the time of day that you fish

After a period of time you may notice a pattern occurring, such as the lack of bites on days when the water temperature is too hot or too cold.  This will be your indicating factor of what changes you have to make to break your unlucky streak, such as changing the time of day that you fish or changing the side of the lake that you fish from.  

>>> Table of Centents