Five Reasons You Should Learn to Fly Fish

Have you been thinking about learning how to fly fish, but you feel intimidated and don’t know where to start? Check of these five reasons why you should learn how to fly fish.

1. It’s Not That Expensive                     

Like other types of fishing, you can spend a ton of money on rods, reels, line, and other tackle, but you don’t have to spend much to start fly fishing. Chances are, you don’t own the most expensive baitcaster or spinning reel right now, so you don’t have to go out and spend all of your money on fly fishing tackle. You can find plenty of reasonably-priced rod/reel combos that come with everything you need to get started. These combos usually include the rod, reel, fly line, leader, and flies you need to start fishing. I still use a combo rod/reel that I bought several years ago, I catch plenty of fish.

2. It’s Challenging

This is a good thing. After all, if you like to fish, you probably spend plenty of time trying out new techniques, reading articles, etc. Fly fishing is no different. It can take some time to learn about casting, fly selection, etc., but there are plenty of articles and videos out there to help you learn. The challenge is what makes it fun. The feeling of seeing a big brown trout thrash at a fly that you chose and presented is exhilarating to say the least.

3. It’s Peaceful

There is nothing as peaceful and relaxing as swinging a fly rod on a quiet mountain stream just as the sun is rising over the trees. You can commune with nature through any type of fishing, but there is something about the aesthetics of fly fishing that make it unique. You can easily lose track of time and your own thoughts when you spend an entire day on the river, quietly landing your fly upon the water.

4. It’s Versatile

Many people associate fly fishing with trout, but the truth is, many fly fishermen fish for bass, stripers, and other types of fish. Learning how to fly fish can increase your chances of catching fish in any situation. If you are out bass fishing in the morning, try casting a few streamers near some lily pads. You’ll be surprised how much you can do with a fly rod.

5. It’s Fun

Perhaps the most important reason to try fly fishing is because it is simply fun. Learning about casting, fly hatches, etc., is fun in and of itself, but when you start catching fish, there is nothing like it. If you get into tying your own flies (which you will, if you continue to fly fish), it becomes even more fun, as you get to watch trout go after flies that you made. Plus, it’s just cool to tell people you fly fish, especially those who’ve always though about it but never tried it.

These are just a few of the reasons you should learn how to fly fish. I’ve been fly fishing for several years, and although I spend a lot of time casting a spinning rod, fly fishing is still my favorite way to fish.