tips for beginers and others #24 to # 31

by allthegearnoidea Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:42 am

Tip #24: Learn to Read the Water
Fish will behave differently depending on certain water conditions that change depending on what season it is. This includes the temperature of the water, what the weather is like, and the volume of the water. If you want to become a successful fly fisher you’ll have to learn how to read the waters where you’re fishing.

Some of the things that you’ll discover as you learn to read the water are (1) during non-feeding periods, fish can still be encouraged to strike if they are in a deep pocket of water, and (2) when fish are feeding they are usually found in the shoreline of runs of pools and in moderate water pockets.
Water chemistry plays a big part in the health of fish, the location where they are found, and how successful you are at catching the big one. One of the most important aspects of water chemistry is pH. In scientific terms pH can be defined as: the negative log molar concentration of hydronium ions in the water. In simple language pH is the measure of the acidity or basicity in the water.

pH is typically measured on a scale of 1 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered to be neutral. pH totals of less than 7 are acidic while a measure of over 7 is considered basic.

Most fish are able to tolerate a wide range of pH in the waters where they live. This is because they have the ability to regulate their internal levels of pH. This is accomplished by the fish constantly adjusting the ratio of bases and acids within their systems. They make these adjustments by expelling any excess acids in the urine and also by controlling their breathing.
The faster a fish breathes the faster carbon dioxide leaves the blood, thus raising the level of pH in the blood. However, most fish are eventually tired out by this constant regulating of their system. If the fish lives for too long in an environment that is too acidic or too basic it will become unable to manage its own system chemistry. When this happens the fish will stop feeding and eventually die.

Tip #25: Keep an Eye Out for Structures
When you’re looking around for a place to cast your line it’s important that you look around for structures both on and in the water. This can be a large boulder or stone, a log that is submerged, or the tail end of a pool. These are great places to find fish since they don’t want to work very hard when it comes to looking for a meal. Fish will congregate near structures, where they will set up feeding stations.
Tip #26: Fishing in the Early Season – Night Fishing
Once the ice melts off of rivers and inland lakes you can bet that it’s time for fly fishing. Look for dark colored bays where the temperature of the water will rise faster than other areas of the lake. You’ll find plenty of bass and panfish in these waters. Early season fishing is a great way that you can start your fly fishing as early in the year as possible.

Night fishing for fish is usually practiced in those areas of the United States where the weather is too hot and uncomfortable to fish during the day. This includes areas such as reservoirs in the southeast and west. When the weather is hot, many fish tend to go to deeper depths during the day and they can only be caught by night fishing. During the night, when it's colder, fish will move up to the shallower waters where they will feed on crawfish.

Night fishing can be a lot of fun but you need take special precautions, such as being aware of the area that you're fishing in and remembering to wear your life jacket.
You'll know when it's time to start night fishing when the larger fish stop biting during the hot day. Night fishing is usually practiced when there are water temperatures that are in the middle 60's and hotter.

When it comes to night fishing there are four phases of the moon that you’ll want to be aware of. The best times to fish at night will occur once a month: three days before a full or new moon and three days after a full or new moon. This includes the day of the full or new moon.
Tip #27: Standard Casting
Standard casting is very simple: the fly line and the rod are both lifted in a smooth motion. You’ll use an up and backwards direction which you stop when the rod is just at the vertical point. When the line starts to straighten out or fall downwards the cast will begin increasing in speed at the same time that your wrist snaps the entire rod back from the 11:00 and 1:00 clock positions. The line will they fly forward to where you want it to land.

When you’re ready to cast, make it a long cast that moves straight out from where you are standing. Strive for about a ten foot cast. When the bait hits the bottom wait for a minute or two before you start to drag it slowly up along the slope. When you’re ready to cast again throw your line out a bit to the right. Then cast to the left the next time, so that you’re fanning the area in front of you.

You also have the option of wading knee deep out into the water to cast your line so that it runs parallel to the bank. This allows you to fish the entire area of the bank so that you have the most success.

Wear clothes that are going to let you blend into the bank, such as camouflage. And walk softly and carefully as you walk along the bank to avoid spooking the bass or other fish in the area. Keep all your movement slow and steady at all times.

Fishing for fish from the bank can really challenge you as a fly fisher. Once you get those first few bites you’ll be convinced that bank fishing is just as good as fishing in the stream or lake.
Tip #28: Fishing in Stormy Weather
Fly fishing in stormy weather can come with its own particular challenges. A storm occurs when winds come up suddenly, without warning, and without any indication of how long the storm will last. One big concern during a storm is thunderstorms.

If you’re out fishing and a storm occurs there are some precautions that you’ll want to take. You’ll want to head for higher ground immediately if you’re near the water and there are thunderstorms in the area. If there is no sign of thunder or lightning you may choose to ride out the storm and continue fishing. In this case you’ll have to adjust your fishing technique to reflect the change in weather.

When you’re fishing along the shore and a storm comes up you can take advantage of the wind. You’ll often be able to catch fish at very shallow levels in windy weather conditions however these will probably be small bass. You’ll find bigger fish in at deeper depths during storms but these sized fish will be harder to catch and you should focus your efforts on the smaller ones.

Tip #29: Etiquette and Rules you Need to Know
There are certain styles of etiquette and rules that you should follow when you’re fishing for any type of fish.

· "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you": Whenever you’re fishing, whether on the shoreline or in a boat, make sure that you treat others with the same respect that you would want to be treated.
· Keep your distance: When you’re fishing around other anglers make sure that you keep a good distance away from them so that they have enough room. Take note of the direction that others are casting and give them ample berth both in a boat and on the shoreline.
· Keeping secrets: If someone shares their favorite fishing spot with you and asks that you not give this location to others you should honor the request.
· Get permission: If you want to fish on private property, such as a farm pond, make sure that you get permission first. When you leave the area after fishing it should look the same as when you arrived.
· Other fishers: Keep in mind that not all fishers are bass fishers and that everyone deserves your respect no matter what type of fish they are fishing for.
· Fishing license: Depending where you live, there will different rules and regulations for licensing. In most states or provinces you’ll need a freshwater license if you want to catch freshwater fish. Your fishing license should be specific to the type of fish that you’re going to be catching. Always make sure that you know the rules and regulations of the lake, river, stream, or other water area that you’re going to be fishing. This includes when you can fish, where you can fish, and how many fish you can take out of the water.

Tip #30: Roll Casting
Roll casting is when your fly line is pulled back along the water during a back cast rather than being raised from the water. During the forward cast your line will also be pulled back along the water rather than lifted. You’ll want to use a roll cast when you want a bit of leverage back casting in areas where you don’t have much room or if there is a strong wind that is pulling back on the line.
Tip #31: Reach Casting
During a reach cast the fly, leader, and line are presented to your target area at a wide angle from the left or right side of the caster. This allows you a great deal of reach. Reach casting is very useful when you want to send a fly across a river or stream that has more than one speed of current. The reach cast lets you prevent your fly from being dragged down stream at a rate that is faster than the water where it is supposed to land.