101 Fly Fishing Tips for Beginners

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Tip #17:  Basic Tools for Tying Flies

There are some basic tools that you’ll need for tying flies.  This includes: 

• A bobbin to hold the thread while you’re tying.
• A vice to hold the hook while you’re tying.
• Hackle pliers to keep a firm hold on delicate and small feathers.
• Needle point scissors for cutting and trimming materials.
• A bodkin and half-hitch tool for help tying the half-hitch knot.
• A vise material clip for holding all the materials firmly in one place.
• Head cement that is used for both gluing and to add a finish.

Tip #18:  Tying your Fly to the Tippet

You may find that there are times when you have difficulty tying the fly to the tippet. This can happen whether you’re in the water or up on the bank.  A good trick to help you is to hold the fly up against a background that is single colored, such as the sky.  The background will be able to help you see the fly easier and tie it to the tippet. 

Tip #19:  Using a Sub-Surface Fly

There is a trick to using a sub-surface fly so that it catches more fish:  deodorize the fly before you use it by rubbing it with mud or underwater plants.  This will mask the chemical and human smells that are attached to it and that may distract the fish from striking. 

Tip #20:  Rods and Guides

Another aspect of your rod that you should get to know is the guide, or the eyes.  The guide is what transmits the signals of the line to the rod so that it's easy for you to feel the fish on the other end.  There are several different types of guides available today.   

Some guides have rings that are made of ceramic placed inside the outer metal frame.  Still other guides have inner rings that are made from silicone carbide, aluminum oxide, chrome plating, or gold aluminum oxide.  The rings of the rod are what aid in the reduction of friction that can cause your line to fray.           

The length of the rod handle is important as well as what the rod is made of, such as foam or cork.  You'll want to choose a rod handle that is still easy for you to hold if your hands become wet.           

You won't want to use a light action rod to catch fish since you'll need a strong blank to be able to pull the fish out of its cover.  A medium or medium/heavy rod will give you the strength that you need to pull out the fish while at the same time giving you the flexibility to use topwater baits.  You might want to use a trigger handle if you're using a long-handled rod so that you have the manageability that you need.           

Before you head out fishing make sure that you check the guides on your rod.  You want to make certain that none of the guides are bent.  Bent guides prevent the line from moving through them correctly.  Clean out the inside of the circle of the guides before you start fishing to ensure that your line doesn't fray and break when you're reeling in the fish.           

One last thing that you should focus on when you're buying a new rod is how the guides are attached to the rod.  The wrapping must be sufficient so that the guides don't become loose and need to be replaced.   

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