Intro To Fly Fishing

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Fly fishing is a practice with a long and storied past. While early forms of the sport can be traced back to the Romans, the modern style of fly fishing as a recreational pursuit was born in the rivers of England in the 15th century. It later spread to North America and, in the late 19th century, was introduced to Japan during the Meiji Restoration by British expats.

Today, fly fishing is a global sport, but it holds a special place in Japan due to its unique cultural connection to traditional fishing methods like Tenkara.

Getting into fly fishing is much easier than you might think. We have a dedicated page on fly fishing gear for beginners, so let's focus on the essentials you need to start.

• Take a Lesson: The best way to learn is with a guide. A few hours with a local guide will teach you the basics of casting and presentation, allowing you to hit the water with confidence.
• Practice Your Cast: You can practice your cast anywhere, even in a park or your own backyard. The goal is to get a feel for the rhythm of the rod and the line.
• Start with Tenkara: For many, Tenkara is the perfect way to get into the sport. Its simple, elegant setup and focus on technique make it an ideal starting point for beginners.

The cast is the foundation of fly fishing. The good news is, a simple cast is all you need to get started. Think of your rod as the hand of a clock and the cast as a smooth, rhythmic motion.

• The Back Cast (10 to 12): Stand facing your target. Raise the rod from the "10 o'clock" position to a firm stop at "12 o'clock." This motion loads the rod with energy and sends the line backward.
• The Pause (12 o'clock): Briefly pause at the top of your cast. This allows the line to unroll fully behind you. Watching this pause is a key to a good cast.
• The Forward Cast (12 to 2): With a smooth, gentle flick, bring the rod forward from "12 o'clock" to a stop at "2 o'clock." This motion propels the line forward, allowing the fly to land softly on the water.

The goal is to let the line do the work. The cast should be a fluid, graceful motion, not a forceful whip.

Fish are not everywhere in a river. They hide in specific spots to conserve energy and find food. Learning to "read the river" is a crucial skill for any angler.

• Riffles: These are the shallow, choppy sections of a river. They are rich in oxygen and food, making them prime feeding zones for fish.
• Eddies and Seams: Look for areas where a fast current meets a slow one. The slower water, or "eddy," is where fish often rest, while the "seam" where the two currents meet is where food is carried directly to them.
• Deep Pools: Deeper, slower-moving pools offer a great place for larger fish to rest and find shelter. They are often found below waterfalls or major currents.
• Structure: Fish love to hide behind structure. Look for large rocks, submerged logs, or undercut banks that offer them protection from the current and predators.

The most important concept in fly fishing is a "drag-free drift." This means your fly moves naturally with the current, just like a real insect. If your fly drags or moves unnaturally, the fish will ignore it.

• The Goal: Cast your fly upstream of where you think a fish is holding. Allow it to drift naturally with the current, keeping as much of your line as possible off the water to avoid "drag."
• The Fly as a Feather: Imagine your fly is a tiny feather floating down the stream. Your goal is to guide it with your rod so it moves exactly as a real insect would.

Once a fish takes your fly, the fun begins.

• Setting the Hook: When you see or feel a fish bite, don't jerk the rod backward. Instead, make a firm, smooth, upward motion with your rod to set the hook.
• Fighting the Fish: Use the natural bend of your rod to fight the fish. The rod's flexible tip absorbs the power of the fish, preventing the line from breaking. Keep the rod tip up and away from the fish, and let the drag on your reel do the work.