Fresh Water Fly Fishing
Being able to consistently catch fish, and catch the big fish, when fresh water fly fishing requires two skills. First you have to be able to read the water you are fishing and determine where the fish are mostly likely holding. The big fish have become big for a reason, because they are constantly on the lookout for surroundings that will provide them three primary needs: Food, safety, and a place to conserve energy by getting out of the current. Taking into account these three factors that fish “think” about the most, a good fisherman knows in a particular stretch of fresh water which areas to focus their efforts and maximize their chances of finding the big guys. It is almost as if an experienced fresh water fly fisherman has x-ray water vision and is able to peer into the depths of any body of water to see rocks, logs, current breaks and other features in the water that would make it prime holding water.
Then, even when a fresh water fly fisherman is able to identify good holding water, being able to put a fly in the right spot to entice a fish to hit is a whole different matter. This is why the second factor in consistently catching fish is, presentation. This is where an angler’s skill and practice come into play. Fresh water fly fishing is a craft that truly takes years to master, if that is even possible, and there is no substitute for experience and muscle memory gained by hundreds and even thousands of hours on the water. Many times an angler only has one shot at presenting a fly to a wary fish, and even a little mistake can be the difference between a nice fish and a missed opportunity.
This is also where custom rod builders, like those at True West Custom Fly Fishing Rods, can make a contribution. There may be no substitute for skill, but the fact is that fishing with good gear, especially an excellent fly rod, can have a considerable effect on how well a fly is presented. In the hands of a skilled angler, a well designed custom built rod will cast as if it is an extension of the fisherman’s arm, and will permit those perfect presentations we are all in search of. While at the same time a high quality rod will allow beginners to progress in their skills much more quickly than a rod that does not let an angler develop the feel of a good cast and presentation. Our advice at True West, to beginners, has always been once you get into fresh water fly fishing, start off with whatever rod you have or can get your hands on to find out if the sport is for you. However, once you know you are hooked and start to feel the obsession that so often comes with this “hobby” step up and invest in a high quality fresh water fly fishing rod. Doing this will save you a lot of money in the long run because you won’t be buying a new rod every couple of years to match your improving skills. And most importantly, it will help you to enjoy your, what always seems to be too little, time on the water.
Check out a True West Fly Rod used by the star of Comcast's tv show the Wild Life. This rod was made for Jeremy to fish with while filming on the Deschutes River.
