Come Fly With Me
While the sport of fly fishing has become somewhat demystified over the years, many continue to see it as a way to catch fish, that is best left to those who have an unhealthy fascination with insects and bugs, and likely live in their parents basement.
That said, if you happen to be the other type of fisherman who has been known to prowl around your neighborhood, under cover of darkness, with a light attached to your head, rummaging through the wet grass for dew worms, you know what they say about people who live in glass houses.
I have to say; it took me a while to realize that fly fishing is not just for social outcasts, or those who have more money than they know what to do with. Quality equipment is now readily available at reasonable prices, you can fly fish pretty much anywhere you are so inclined, and just about any species of fish will take a fly.
Forget about the once stereotypical image of some guy, quietly crawling up to a small stream on his belly so as not to spook the reclusive 10 inch trout, that will only take one, very small, obscure fly pattern, and only if it’s presented in a particular way at 11 am on the fourth Tuesday following the Spring Solstice.
What I’m talking about is throwing flies for Pike, monster Brook Trout, Bass, Walleye and even Carp, that for the most part, don’t give a damn about presentation or what day it is.
One advantage of adding fly fishing to you’re angling repertoire, is that it opens up an entire new section of your favorite sporting goods store.
No longer should you be hesitant, or even afraid to enter the fenced off compound many stores set aside for fly fishing.
Think of it as entering Aladdin’s Cave of Wonders, because if you love gadgets, you will have found the mother load.
When fly fishermen are not fishing, tying flies, and memorizing the scientific names of their favorite stream side bugs and larvae, they are inventing gizmos and gadgets that make the stuff available to spin or bait cast fisherman, pale by comparison.
For those who tie their own flies, the world is one huge materials warehouse, because with a little imagination and perseverance, fly tying materials can be found, almost anywhere.
Do you have any pets?
Well, their fur and/or feathers can provide you with all sorts of interesting options, although I would caution you against completely shaving Fluffy the cat, or plucking Ralph the Parrot when you are running low on materials. If you do decide to shave or pluck the little critter, take only what you need, and from a spot not likely to be noticed by your spouse and kids.
In the event you’re giving some thought to taking up fly fishing, together with cleaning out some living space in your parent’s basement, take a few minutes and watch the videos embedded in this story.
Not only do they contain some great Pike and Brook Trout action on both Esnagami Lake, and the Esnagami River in Northwestern Ontario, they will show you that, with a bit of practice and patience, anyone can fly fish, and have a great deal of fun doing it.
