tips for beginers and others #14 to # 23

by allthegearnoidea Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:39 am

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.

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.
Tip #21: More Tips from the Experts
The more tips and tricks that you have the better luck you’ll bring to your fly fishing. As a beginner you’ll want to try a variety of techniques until you find what works best for you and the water that you’re fishing in.

· Thick weeds: When you’re fishing in thick weeds the best lure that you can use is a spinnerbait or a crankbait that is shallow running. Make sure that you cast parallel to the edge of the weed flow if you can. Remember look in the inside edges of weedbeds.
· Timber pileups: When you’re fishing in deep timber your main focus will be to not get your line tangled up. Use a plastic worm or a jigging spoon for the best results.
· Fishing from fallen trees: If you want to fish from a fallen tree make sure that you pull back your bait so that it runs in parallel to the tree limbs. This is because the water is very shallow and you don’t want to disturb the area any more than you have to.
· Working the area: Make sure that you work the area that you’re fishing as thoroughly as possible. Try a few different lures if the first one doesn’t bring you success. You might want to think about returning again at a different time of day.
· Keep a close eye on your lines: Make sure that you keep a constant eye on your lines particularly when you’re retrieving them. Remember that when the weather is cold the bass can strike and completely miss the lures.
· Avoid excess noise: The more noise that you make the less the bass will bite.
· Night fishing: Night fishing is a great option in the summer months when the water temperature during the day is just too hot for bass to swim high in the water.
· Creeks and coves: During the fall months make sure that you check out creeks and coves since this is where baitfish tend to hover…and this means the bass won’t be far behind.
· Using surface plugs: When you’re using surface plugs try to pay as much attention as you can to the angle of your rod. You should be holding the rod low when you have the lure close to you and higher when the lure is further away.

Tips #22: Leaders
When it comes to leaders you have two choices: you can buy them or you can tie your own. If you’re going to tie your own you’ll want to get an instruction book that shows you how to do this. If you’re going to buy them you’ll want to look for a leader that is suitable to the area where you are going to be fishing. For example, if you’re going to fishing for bream (salt water fly fishing) you’ll want to use a light leader that weighs about 2lbs.
Tip #23: Knotless Tapered Leads
For freshwater fishing it’s best to use a knotless tapered lead instead of a knotted tapered lead. This is because you will experience less tangles when you’re casting and the leader won’t get caught on debris that can be found in the water or on any free standing structures.