Saltwater Fly Fishing Basics

Saltwater fly fishing is an engaging and interesting sport. It is uniquely different from general saltwater fishing or even freshwater fly fishing. In the following paragraphs you will learn saltwater fly fishing basics that you can apply to your own fly fishing experiences. If you do desire additional information, there are many magazines devoted entirely to fly fishing to which you can subscribe.

History Of Saltwater Fly Fishing

The earliest records of fly fishing come from the third century AD in Macedonia. However, most of the saltwater and freshwater fly fishing that you see today is of a direct lineage from England. Several writings of fly fishing were made between the late fourteen hundreds and mid sixteen hundreds. In the mid seventeen hundreds, North American fly fishing began. In the mid eighteen hundreds, saltwater fly fishing in particular began. James Henshall’s book, “Camping And Cruising In Florida” was published in 1878 and is the first written record of anyone fishing for saltwater fish like Redfish, Ladyfish, Bluefish, Snook, Tarpon, and Jack Crevalle. Since then, saltwater fly fishing has become a booming sport in areas like southwestern Florida.

Saltwater Fly Fishing Materials

Saltwater and freshwater fly fishing began by covering the hook area of the rod with animal fur and feathers as to look like an aquatic insect, like a mayfly, stonefly, or caddisfly. Today’s saltwater fly fishing “flies” still imitate these aquatic insects. Flies are usually quite light and because of this they cannot be cast in the typical fishing manner. With saltwater fly fishing, the fly rod casts a heavy line, not a heavy sinker. The heavy line forcibly pulls the fly to its destination. As much as thirty feet of line extend past the end of the rod, and this line weighs equal to or more than typical lures or sinkers.

The materials for saltwater fly fishing make it different than general fishing. The line is what weighs the entirety down, not the lure. And the lure is not something that was ever alive, like traditional bait, but is something that mimics a live creature.

Saltwater fly fishing is different than freshwater fly fishing because in saltwater you face different obstacles. The buoyancy is different in fresh versus saltwater fly fishing, and the seasoned fly fisher will be able to take this into consideration. In addition, many fishers feel that the fish found in saltwater are much more interesting than freshwater fish. Plus, the terrain is usually different than freshwater. Whatever the reason, spending the afternoon saltwater fly fishing can be relaxing and entertaining at the same time.