Fly Fishing Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it called "FLY" fishing? You're not fishing for flies, are you?

A: No, we're using imitations of flies to fool fish. Rather than using bait, fly fishing traditionally involves the use of imitations of specific insects eaten by fish, especially trout. Although trout will eat other fish, crustaceans, and many other foods, their diet is primarily aquatic insects. The most classic insects for imitation, those from which the term "fly fishing" derives, are the mayflies.

Q: What's the difference between fly casting and spincasting or baitcasting?

A: In spin- or bait-casting a heavy lure or bait is used to pull an almost weightless line from the reel. In fly fishing a relatively heavy line is used to propel an almost weightless lure, usually an imitation of an insect.

Q: What kind of fish can you catch on a fly rod?

A: Although fly fishing is mostly conducted at close range on the surface or in shallow water, many variations are possible; almost any species of fish can be caught on a fly rod. Virginia Capital Chapter members regularly catch fish ranging from 1 1/2 inch rosyside dace to 6 foot tarpon.

Q: Is fly fishing an expensive sport?

A: Only if you want it to be. Sure, you can spend huge amounts on tackle, fly off to Alaska in the summer and New Zealand in the winter, chase tarpon in the Carribbean and bonefish in the South Pacific, but none of that is necessary (or practical for most of us! Unfortunately.)

Q: Is fly fishing hard to learn?

A: No, but some personal instruction from an experienced fly caster helps a lot. There are many videos and books available (see our Bibliography for a small sampling), and instruction is available from fly shops and through Trout Unlimited and other groups. We conduct free casting clinics as well as low cost fly fishing classes.

This page is maintained by Bill Britton; send email or use the Guestbook. Last updated: 12/2/98.