Fly Fishing

[KEV0044]

Fly Fishing :)

Andy was keen to start a topic on this - so here it is ;)

I've been into Fly Fishing for a long time now and I've been teaching Fly Casting for around 20 years so if you have any questions about it , this is the place to ask them .

Please Note - Nobody (including myself) can make any claims to be any kind of 'Fly Fishing Expert' .

Getting a good style of casting is important and there are different styles available - but none are outside the average person with good coordination abilities .

Fly Fishing is very much a shared learning experience and you can learn things from even the most inexperienced anglers that are giving it a go :)

cheers ,

Kev .

[Mick-Kelly]

Love fly fishing and have three fly outfits 2 salt and 1 fresh. Took lessons in casting from Rod Harrison a few years back now. Havent had time to wave the long wand for a while now though. Always take my gear when i head down to see the parents in Tassie. Have to say my favourite catch so far has been a trevor followed by flathead down at the pin.

[bblaze]

couple of questions
How do I keep the fly out of my ear?
How to I keep the fly on the line and not crack it off ? :(:(
Just kidding really
I have 2 outfits- 1 fresh 6 weight and a 9 weight (I think) for salt.
Not very experienced and have done the above but not regular.
Best fun to date would be 6lb aussie salmon on 2lb tippet out of the boat, not one but probably 15 over a 4hr period floating around with the school at Stanley. Have also tied a few roughies that have caught fish.
Must dust them off again
cheers
blaze

[KEV0044]

I noticed your from Tasmania Blaze :)
That's a great place to live - If your into Trout and Fly Fishing :thumbsup:
Some of the best Trout waters in Australia are in Tasmania .

[Trout]

I know I will probably get shot down for this.....but I don't know what the big deal with casting is. I am not a good caster by any means and I was basically self taught but I dont think it has really stopped me from catching fish (trout). I think if you are fishing for trout on streams it is more important to cover lots of water with your casts and get a natural drift. Sure a poor cast will spook a few fish and a little extra distance would be nice but just move on to the next pool.;)

[hiline]

i want to know how you know your using the right fly
if you cant catch any to start with :D

[KEV0044]

i want to know how you know your using the right fly
if you cant catch any to start with :D
In rivers and streams it's best to 'Match the Hatch'
The emergence of aquatic insects on trout waters is known as the 'hatch ' .
To match a fly in your tackle box to what the trout are feeding on is called 'Matching the Hatch' .
Close observation of the water your about to fish in is a good start to choosing what Fly to use .
Have a look at the bugs and insects that are landing on the surface .
Trout are fussy - so they may only be taking one or two species off the surface .
For 'Wet' Flys or sub surface fishing I carry a small closely weaven yabby scoop .
I then scoop the underwater areas to see what aquatic food is present in the water I'm about to fish .
Matching the insects and other aquatic life in the area your about to fish in is a good way to select a Fly to try first .
Changing colours and even sizes of the Fly your using can also make a difference to your catch rate .

[KEV0044]

I know I will probably get shot down for this.....but I don't know what the big deal with casting is. I am not a good caster by any means and I was basically self taught but I dont think it has really stopped me from catching fish (trout). I think if you are fishing for trout on streams it is more important to cover lots of water with your casts and get a natural drift. Sure a poor cast will spook a few fish and a little extra distance would be nice but just move on to the next pool.;)
I don't think anyone should be 'Shot Down' for voicing their own opinion about a topic - 'Each to his Own' - :)
I do however disagree about your opinion in regards to getting a good casting technique together as a starting point for Fly Fishing .
Learning how to cast and use your gear to maximum advantage is a huge bonus .
I would think it's a much better alternative to just banging down a Fly in every spot you find to have a cast and then after walking kilometres of river bank - coming back with a poor catch rate per kilometre of walking .

[KEV0044]

Fly Fishing for Australian Bass :)
Fishing for Aussie Bass on a Fly Rod is an absolutetly fantasic experience ;)
You need to up-grade your gear for Bass Fly fishing compared to Trout fishing .
These tricky fellas fight hard and go straight for the snags in any water conditions .
Best catches for me were on surface popper Flys - Early morning - at Sunrise :D

[wardy1]

whee are you based Kev?

[KEV0044]

whee are you based Kev?
Based in Sydney .
Cheers :)

[KEV0044]

Fly Fishing - - - - Rods - Reels - Lines - :)
What do you fella's use and why ?
I like Abu Garcia Goldmax IM6 Graphite Rods matched with Abu Garcia Flymax Reels .
They are good quality for the dollars and have a nice action out on the water .
Also have a G Loomis which is nice - but twice the price of the Abu Garcia equivalent .
I have two 5 weights - three 7 weights - One 9 weight - One 10 weight - for various fishing conditions .
For Fly Lines I prefer Cortland 444's and 555's in Doublle Tapered or Weight Forward both floating and sinking variations .
Cheers .

[KEV0044]

'Over Weighting'
One 'tip' for the fly fisho is to 'overweight' your rod with an upgraded fly line :)
For example - Try loading a 7 weight line on a 6 weight rod or an 8 weight line on a 7 weight rod .
Your casting distance and casting control should improve with an upgrade of line weight :thumbsup:
Try it before you knock it - - - It works well :)

[KEV0044]

Basic Fly Fishing - your grip and casts :)
Gripping a fly rod is very similar to the grip on a golf club but with one hand only .
Your hand should fully enclose the rod handle with your thumb pointing sraight towards the rod tip in one plane .
To aid in coordination when flycasting it helps to think of your casting as a combination of direct sight and direct line to the target on the water .
Eye - Hand - Rod - Line - Target - (EHRLT)
Getting the basic grip right is important ;)

[KEV0044]

Basic Fly Casting includes good coordination and timing betwen the forward and back casts .
In Fly fishing you are trying to present the artificial insect or lure to the fish on the water with stealth and good natural presentation .
If you get the basic technique of flow and looping your fly line in casting then thats most of the basic job done ;)
For basic fly casting I teach the 10 am to 2 pm back and forward casting methods .
Getting a good 'Loop' in your regular casting is most important for control and good presentation on the water :)

[Chops]

Hi Kev,
I bought a combo from a mate years ago, and since then, its just sat in the corner collecting dust, I keep saying I'm going to learn and give it a go, but so far, alas, its not happened. I guess its one of those things where it would be nice to have a mate with you when you first try these things, but suddenly they all split when theres a change in the air,,:o
This year, its GOING TO HAPPEN..:D
I've got no idea of what line it has on it, the reels an Olympic 440, (which had a part broken inside, now fixed) and the rods an Intrepid Graphite.
My question at the moment is, should i be changing the line in case its "gone off" or is it ok to carry on with and learn, then maybe replace it when I feel right with it.

Chops

[KEV0044]

G'day Chops :)
A lot of people buy 'the gear' and then it gathers dust because they don't have mates that share the same interest .
If you don't have fisho mates that want to learn then go out and find someone who is willing to teach you how to use your gear .
Pro Instructors are normally expensive but you normally get good tuition .
Fly Fishing Clubs are often a better option and you get tips on all types of casting techniques and gear options .
Your Olympic 440 is a good old reel and worth keeping - The Intrepid Graphite is an ok rod depending on your casting needs .
The Line will not 'go off' as you mentioned unless it's a bad quality line to begin with or it's a good line thats been flogged to death .
It's hard to comment on your gear until I see it in reality .
Whatever you do - seek local help from local fly fisho enthusiasts - and don't give up on it !
Once you've mastered the basics - you will be hooked for life on fly fishing :)

[Chops]

Thanks Kev,

Well, I'm wanting to make sure I do do it this year.

I was given what I think was fairly good advice from a new shop down here in Mordiallic, (they dont do Fly too much), but he did say to use a piece of wool as a fly to start practicing on. This is to save money for when I "flick" the fly right off when I dont get it right,, :o

I will try and see what I can do to find a club around here, its a bit awkward because I work arvo shift, so times are a problem :(

Tomorrow theres a "meet and greet" with a heap of Vic members down this way, maybe I might get lucky and meet someone who's got some ideas on it and willing to help out too,, :D

Thanks again Kev,

Chops

[russ55]

Mate, up the road, Emerald Lake. It's stocked with trout, plenty of room and grass and we see heaps of guys practising...............occasionally with a win!!
Make sure you're licensed. Ranger is local.

[Chops]

Thanks Russ,, I may even scoot over there tomorrow and have a go. Spose to be going down to check the boat and take it for a run, so if Im not long doing that, see how I go. :)

Cheers, Chops

[phillipda]

I started fly fishing over 13 years ago. Was my sole fishing method for at least 4 years. Have not fly fished now for about 9 years. Started flyfishing again a couple weeks back. Today was my 2nd outing. Didn't catch anything a couple weeks back, but caught a flathead today.

My flyfishing rod is a G Loomis F1088/9 Mega. I currently am using a South Pacific Estuary Environs WF-8 sinking tip. I use to use a Lefty Kreh WF-8-F line and a Airflo 7000Ts III-Sense WF-9-i.

[Chops]

I started fly fishing over 13 years ago. Was my sole fishing method for at least 4 years. Have not fly fished now for about 9 years. Started flyfishing again a couple weeks back. Today was my 2nd outing. Didn't catch anything a couple weeks back, but caught a flathead today.

My flyfishing rod is a G Loomis F1088/9 Mega. I currently am using a South Pacific Estuary Environs WF-8 sinking tip. I use to use a Lefty Kreh WF-8-F line and a Airflo 7000Ts III-Sense WF-9-i.

Well, I have'nt been able to get out and try as yet, busy with work and such, but I am wondering, how exactly do you get "flathead" on fly? How long is your tip that sinks, and what depth of water are you in? Trout I understand, their in shallow rivers etc, the concept makes perfect sense, but flaties are usually deep that im aware of,,(??) I know they do frequent shallow water sometimes, I've seen them, but not often.

[phillipda]

Well, I have'nt been able to get out and try as yet, busy with work and such, but I am wondering, how exactly do you get "flathead" on fly? How long is your tip that sinks, and what depth of water are you in? Trout I understand, their in shallow rivers etc, the concept makes perfect sense, but flaties are usually deep that im aware of,,(??) I know they do frequent shallow water sometimes, I've seen them, but not often.

Hi, Back when I was fly fishing 10 years ago I used to mainly catch flathead, in very shallow waters. The flathead up this way sit out in the shallows burying them selves until a prey goes pass.

I regularly catch flathead on live bait in water only about 2 to 4 foot deep. Big buggers to.

[KEV0044]

Flatties will take a Fly 'easily' in shallow water especially on the sand flats in bays either side of the tide change in salt water :ohyes:
I use an eight weight fly rod with a 9 weight sinking line and a fairly short leader at around 6 ft .
You can get good sized Bream with the same gear around the Oyster Leases :)
But you have to get out and give it a go and experiment in your own fishing area to see what works the best for yourself and your gear .
Cheers .

[Bush65]

Kev,
What tips do you have for fly casting in strong winds (thinking Top End/Cape York in particular).

Good double haul technique and keeping the line low come to mind - any others that should be applied.

Also any tips to help master the double haul.

[isuzurover]

Also any tips to help master the double haul.

This site has a good animation:
double haul fly casting instruction (http://www.letsflyfish.com/double_haul.htm)


I am keen to get back into flyfishing. I have a good freshwater setup, but would be grateful for tips/opinions on the best (general) saltwater setup for WA.

[KEV0044]

Kev,
What tips do you have for fly casting in strong winds (thinking Top End/Cape York in particular).

Good double haul technique and keeping the line low come to mind - any others that should be applied.

Also any tips to help master the double haul.

Fly casting in windy conditions is very tricky and I try and avoid it by changing to spin or bait fishing in the same water .
If its windy and your still keen to fly fish - go for a heavier weighted rod and line set up with a 'Weight forward' fly line and reduce your leader length to avoid tangles in the leader .
Also consider positioning yourself with the wind at your back and the wind increasing speed on the line with your forward ( presentation) casts .
Single and double hauling helps with distance and windy situations .
Mastering the Double Hall is just a mater of practice and its mainly a coordination problem for most novice fly anglers .
I rarely use hauling unless I need distance on a cast at the side of a freshwater lake .

[KEV0044]

This site has a good animation:
double haul fly casting instruction (http://www.letsflyfish.com/double_haul.htm)

I am keen to get back into flyfishing. I have a good freshwater setup, but would be grateful for tips/opinions on the best (general) saltwater setup for WA.

Hi Ben :)
That link on Double Hauling is pretty good and it gives the basic ideas .
For a 'General Saltwater' set up I'd go for a 9 foot - 8 weight rod with a 9 weight 'shooting' fly line and a mixture of leaders depending on your target fish for your fishing session .
cheers mate