Introduction to the Fish Iowa! Fly Fishing Basics Unit
History of Fly-fishing
History of Fly-fishing
“They fasten red wool around a hook and fix to the wool two feathers that grow under a cock’s waddles, and which in color are like wax. The rod they use is six feet long and the line of the same length. Then the angler lets fall his lure. The fish, attracted by its color and excited, draws close and...forthwith opens its mouth, but is caught by the hook, and bitter indeed it the feast it enjoys, inasmuch as it is captured.” - Claudius Aelian
This description of fly-fishing was written by Aelian more than 17 centuries ago. It is not known whether they fished for food or for sport, but clearly fly fishing has been around for a very long time. The earliest written reference to fly fishing in America dates from 1775.
The early American fly rods were anywhere from 12 to 20 feet long and made of three sections – butt of ash, middle of hickory, and tip of lancewood. These rods eventually evolved to split bamboo in about 1850, to fiberglass, then to the graphite rods of today.
The fly reel was developed at about the same time as split bamboo rods. Previously line hung to the side of the angler. The horsehair lines also became tapered, having more strands in the middle than at the end.
Fly casting as we now know it began to develop a few years later when oil dressed silk lines were introduced.
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Fly Fishing vs. Spincast or Spinning
Fly Fishing vs. Spincast or Spinning
The biggest difference between spincast or spinning and fly fishing is that the line, not the lure or bait, provides the weight for casting. In essence, you cast the line, not the bait. The fly rod is commonly seven to 10 feet long, much longer than spincasting rods. The rod provides the means to propel the line.
The fly reel serves as a storage unit for the fly line. In spincasting, the line is cranked back into the reel between casts. During fly-fishing, the fly line is left hanging or coiled on the ground between casts.
Fly line is different from the monofilament line used for spincasting. It’s much heavier and thicker because it provides the weight to get the fly to the target.
Bureau of Land Management, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Why Fly Fish?
Why Fly Fish?
Many novices ask themselves. “Why would I want to fly fish? Spincasting works just fine for me.” The accomplished fly fisher enjoys the sport for many reasons: – coming up with the right fly for the fishing conditions, learning about the insects (s)he is trying to imitate, “reading” water to locate fish, and the feeling when a day of fishing comes together just right.
Introduction [overview of history and how it differs from spincasting]
Next Section: Equipment [includes an overview of the rod, reel, line]
Flies and Knots [covers different types of flies and knots to assemble your rig]
Casting [breaks down the steps to a successful cast]
Educator Packet [activities to teach the Fish Iowa! Fly Fishing Basics unit]
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