Why fly fish? The answer is simple—it allows you to explore places you have never been before. We all have our favorite fishing spots, but your local area likely has many other places filled with new experiences.
Not only is fly fishing a more refined and artistic form of angling, but it can also be very exhilarating. If you love the idea of traditional fishing but are looking for a more action-oriented activity, fly fishing might just be what you need.
Why Is Fly Fishing So Popular?
Fly fishing is more than your everyday sport. It is an enthralling experience that allows you to relax, be one with nature, and escape from your daily life.
Even being in the fresh air alone is a great way to relieve stress and improve your focus. When you add the thrill of catching unsuspecting fish to the calming effect of nature, it’s no wonder it’s so addictive.
Many anglers find that fly fishing is an activity that requires more in-depth research and skill. You’ll need to master different casting techniques, learn more about local wildlife, and adapt your methods to match your surroundings.
Fly fishing is superior for anglers who prefer taking a more hands-on approach to their outdoor sports. You’ll be far more active, and it can often be a game of chance, regardless of skill. Essentially, you’re at the mercy of nature, and you’re battling against natural elements to become successful.
Why Fly Fish? The Most Popular Reasons
There’s an endless number of reasons why you should consider learning fly fishing. Even as a veteran angler, the technique differs considerably from what you’re used to. Let’s explore some of the most popular reasons why it is as popular as it is.
1. It’s a higher level of activity.
Traditional fishing can be a soothing and relaxing experience, but it doesn’t require much movement. Typically, you’ll find your ideal spot and stay there all day, not having to move unless you’re not catching fish.
On the other hand, fly fishing requires you to move around to match the fish’s movement. You’ll be waist-deep in water, walking through the rushing rapids while casting at the same time.
Not to mention, you’ll also need to master the art of dealing with slippery and rocky river beds without falling. It’s one of the most intense workouts you’ll be able to get your hands on, especially if you do it daily.
With that said, many anglers enjoy fly fishing from boats, but it’s not the same experience. Being one with the water is something that only the luckiest anglers get to experience. We highly recommend trying your hands at navigating upstream against the current in waist-deep water.
2. It’s far more of a challenge.
Undoubtedly, the skill needed to make the most of fly fishing is well above traditional fishing. Not to say that regular fishing doesn’t require skill, just that fly fishing requires you to fine-tune your skills.
If you’re someone who loves a challenge, this sport is something you need to get your hands on. You’ll be battling against the fish in the area, trying to outsmart them with your artificial flies.
All the while, you’ll be trying to manage the flies to mimic the natural movements of the area’s food source. There’s also the added bonus of navigating safely through the water, working with mother nature.
Even the amount of research required before you go fly fishing can be a challenge. Anglers will need to learn about the different fish species, their primary food sources, and where they’re likely to be. When on the water, you need to keep track of insect and fish movements to find the best spots.
There’s no doubt that fly fishing is the perfect combination of a workout and a puzzle. Your main objective is to put all of the pieces together so that you can win the game. It’s a gratifying feeling when you get the hang of the perfect cast with the perfect fly.
3. There’s always room for improvement.
Nature changes and adapts over time, which means you will need to improve your skills to keep up. Fish become smarter, especially in areas frequented by fly fishers.
In some cases, you might even find some species becoming more effective at spotting artificial flies outside of their natural food sources. There’s no doubt that no matter how much experience you get, there’s always room for you to improve.
Fly fishers often try different casting techniques, visit new fishing locations, or regularly try different flies. You’re bound to find your favorite way to fly fish, but it doesn’t mean it’s the best process out there.
In a nutshell, it is an activity that will continually keep you on your toes. Also, it’s sure to keep you busy, as there are many ways you can diversify your skillset.
4. You get to visit iconic locations.
Another fabulous advantage to fishing, in general, is that it can help you explore new areas worldwide. However, switching to fly fishing allows you to venture into uncharted territory in your own backyard.
Instead of flying overseas for the best catch, you can try different rivers and even ponds you’ve never visited. There’s always an endless number of new opportunities to broaden your horizons to your local wildlife.
The more you explore, the more you’ll see and gather a heightened appreciation for nature. You might come across eagles in the sky, moose trekking through the forests, or even new types of bugs you never knew existed.
5. It doesn’t have to be expensive.
Many people avoid fly fishing at all costs because they hear that it can be expensive. Just like any hobby, it’s possible to overspend on fly fishing gear, especially as you get more experience.
In truth, as a beginner, there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on a new setup to get started. All you will likely need is a fly rod and reel, fly line, leader, and a basic selection of flies. Once you get the hang of things, you can begin looking into higher-quality tools to help you capture different fish species.
Apart from those basic pieces of gear, going out onto the water is entirely free and available at any time. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to get your hands on used fly fishing gear.
Instead of investing in brand new equipment, beginners can practice their skills with previously-loved rods and reels. Then, you can just consider upgrading your gear afterward.
6. It’s the perfect challenging entertainment.
As mentioned, fly fishing can be challenging, especially for beginners. Even so, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun.
When you finally catch an unsuspecting fish on your fly, it’s an overwhelmingly phenomenal feeling. Not only do you gain the confidence of actually making a catch but also the boost of mastering a new art form.
Every time you feel movement on the end of your line, you’ll be reinforced that this was the right activity to choose. Not to mention, if you find particularly active areas, your chances of success are bound to skyrocket.
You won’t find yourself stuck in an environment where you need to sit still for extended periods, which can be boring after a while. Instead, you’ll be able to navigate through the water, feel the refreshing sense of nature, and capitalize on your new skills. You’ll also love bringing your friends and family out on the water to enjoy the experience with you.
7. You can finally get away from the day-to-day grind.
The feeling of stepping out into nature when you’re overwhelmed is something most people can’t experience. It can be exceptional to get away from the city and back into nature when you’ve had enough of the day-to-day grind.
The meditative effects of fly fishing are something to be taken seriously, as they are pretty significant. You get to spend hours outdoors without any distractions, focusing on an exciting activity.
With this tranquil environment, you’ll experience more “happy hormones,” known as endorphins. Then, at the end of your trip, you’ll have a soothing feeling that helps better prepare you for the week ahead.
Fly Fishing Is In
It’s easy to ask why fly fish if you’ve never tried your hands at it before. As one of the most exhilarating forms of fishing, there’s no doubt it’s popular for many reasons. If you want to try something new, it’s a sport that you’ll love getting the hang of.
