How is fly fishing different from regular fishing?
I don’t think it’s easy to determine what regular fishing is, but the consensus is that it includes any type of recreational fishing, not including fly fishing equipment. Therefore, regular fishing can be considered spin fishing and bait fishing.
Well, first let’s look at what is involved in fly phishing, and then we’ll go back to spin fishing.
Fly Fishing Low Down
What’s it all about?
Fly fishing has always been considered the purest form of fishing. A real gentleman’s kind of fishing they would call (or noble ladies).
I learned that fly fishing, it’s all about the challenge and the joy of the experience. Although it is about fishing, it is not the main focus. It is primarily the job of the ‘spy’ to find out what kind of fly will attract a particular fish on a particular river or dam on a particular day. I bet your head is spinning with all the details!
But I’m sure many of you already know – fish can be a very playful creature, even in the best of times. One day they will surround a particular bee, and then the next day they will not notice it! But that’s what makes it so much fun.
I also like what Flyfishing offers in terms of comfort and reflection. It is amazing how long a day on a river or a dam is beneficial for someone.
Life just seems a little easier.
With a cane in hand, an open rail, and the calm sound of dripping water, life stops for a moment and I can leave all my worries behind.
Haaa…as I drift off into Neverland.
Okay, snap out of it, now what about the gear?
Fly Fishing Equipment
Flyfishing is done using a lightweight fly, carefully designed fly rod, a unique rail, and a weighted fly line.
The fly rod is much longer, lighter, and more flexible than the rod commonly used in fishing.
The purpose of fly fishing is to mimic or mimic the type of fish food as naturally as possible. This includes using artificial flies as lures, which will sit in the water to attract fish.
Each bee is specifically designed to represent different creatures at different depths that the fish will like to eat. Flies are hand-tied and made of hair, feathers, and other materials that mimic the waterfowl found in the environment.
It’s all about creating this fish!
Because trout generally prefer insects to their food, fly fishing is primarily used to catch trout. However, an expert beekeeper can catch most types of fish, large and small.
My trusty fly rod keeps amazing me.
Because the fly is light, it requires special casting techniques and it is the weight line that carries the fly and covers the distance.
Fly Fishing Technique
So what’s the fuss about?
Fly fishing uses a technique called fake or false casting, using a weighted line and a leader to move a fly into a body of water. This technique draws lines with a stick and sometimes mimics the flying motion of artificial invertebrates in the air.
Many people think that casting is incredibly difficult, but it only requires some determination, proper practice, and some patience. Then with muscle memory, it becomes second nature and easier.
When I started learning to cast, I practiced in the open field without a fly, with a stick and a line. Once I found it, I never forgot it. This may sound difficult, but it’s not really a one-time thing.
Spin Fishing Low Down (aka Regular Fishing)
Spin fishing occurs when you catch any type of fish, wherever possible, using a rod with a rotating lure.
Spin fishing is considered a more versatile method of fishing because you can catch a variety of fish with a little less effort than fly fishing.
When I’m in the low-tech mode of fishing, the spinner rod becomes my friend all day long.
Compared to fly fishing, spin fishing is generally a simpler method of fishing. You can cover more water in a faster time frame when fishing with a spinner rod. It is also easy to catch fish in both stagnant water and fast-flowing waters, including brackish water environments.
Spin Fishing Gear
Spin fishing gear is a huge attraction.
With spin phishing, you have greed like crank bats, and other resistance lures, which can only be used with spin rods. These can be very useful in catching fish.
Spin fishing equipment includes a small rod, an open or closed face rail, a lightweight microfilament line, and a rotating bait.
The spin fishing rod has a spinner rail, which is located under the rod, while the bait caster rod has a rotating spool, which sits on top of the pole. With spin fishing and baitcasting, you can easily drop a bait or bait into the water or place it on a target fish.
Regular fishing tackles are usually easier when landing on large fish, as they are designed to carry more weight. You can also use live bait to catch fish with regular fishing techniques.
Spin Fishing Technique
In spin fishing, it is the weight of the hook and greed that performs the casting.
Greed usually mimics a small fish and makes a movement or commotion around it as it passes through the water. Fish have a terrible static motion, so although greed does not resemble a real fish, it is the motion created by greed that attracts the fish to bite.
Spin fishing requires only one cast to cast and is very simple.
Sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where you want to fly a fish with a rotating rod. Is it possible
Absolutely! Watch this video to see how it happens.
Now for the fun part!
Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of fly fishing vs. spin fishing.
Fly Fishing
Pros
- Opportunities for relaxation and many mental benefits.
- A great way to challenge yourself!
- Able to catch just about any fish on a fly rod.
- Wide range of ways to represent the fish’s food types.
- Can use it in any type of water body, both fresh and saltwater environments.
- Offers a more natural way of fishing without harming the fish, should you want to catch and release.
Cons:
- The casting technique can be very technical for some.
- Requires a lot more patience.
Spin Fishing
Pros:
- A more versatile way to fish and therefore can generally catch a wide variety of fish.
- Crankbaits and other resistance lures that can only be used with spin rods – can sometimes provide a huge edge over fly fishing.
- Can be easy to land heavier fish due to the stiffer rods used.
- Able to fish in a wide variety of water bodies.
- Easy to cast and reel- requires no special casting techniques.
Cons:
- The lures can be tricky to handle.
- Can be harmful to the fish, if you are planning to catch and release it.