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Saltwater fly fishing is an engaging and interesting sport. It is uniquely different from general saltwater fishing or even freshwater fly fishing. In the following paragraphs you will learn saltwater fly fishing basics that you can apply to your own fly fishing experiences. If you do desire additional information, there are many magazines devoted entirely to fly fishing to which you can subscribe.

History Of Saltwater Fly Fishing

The earliest records of fly fishing come from the third century AD in Macedonia. However, most of the saltwater and freshwater fly fishing that you see today is of a direct lineage from England. Several writings of fly fishing were made between the late fourteen hundreds and mid sixteen hundreds. In the mid seventeen hundreds, North American fly fishing began. In the mid eighteen hundreds, saltwater fly fishing in particular began. James Henshall’s book, “Camping And Cruising In Florida” was published in 1878 and is the first written record of anyone fishing for saltwater fish like Redfish, Ladyfish, Bluefish, Snook, Tarpon, and Jack Crevalle. Since then, saltwater fly fishing has become a booming sport in areas like southwestern Florida.

Saltwater Fly Fishing Materials

Saltwater and freshwater fly fishing began by covering the hook area of the rod with animal fur and feathers as to look like an aquatic insect, like a mayfly, stonefly, or caddisfly. Today’s saltwater fly fishing “flies” still imitate these aquatic insects. Flies are usually quite light and because of this they cannot be cast in the typical fishing manner. With saltwater fly fishing, the fly rod casts a heavy line, not a heavy sinker. The heavy line forcibly pulls the fly to its destination. As much as thirty feet of line extend past the end of the rod, and this line weighs equal to or more than typical lures or sinkers.

The materials for saltwater fly fishing make it different than general fishing. The line is what weighs the entirety down, not the lure. And the lure is not something that was ever alive, like traditional bait, but is something that mimics a live creature.

Saltwater fly fishing is different than freshwater fly fishing because in saltwater you face different obstacles. The buoyancy is different in fresh versus saltwater fly fishing, and the seasoned fly fisher will be able to take this into consideration. In addition, many fishers feel that the fish found in saltwater are much more interesting than freshwater fish. Plus, the terrain is usually different than freshwater. Whatever the reason, spending the afternoon saltwater fly fishing can be relaxing and entertaining at the same time.

If you are an avid fly fisher, you know how important a properly tied fly fishing knot can be. Fly fishing often times hinges upon the fishing knot. If you do not have a properly tied knot, you will be unsuccessful in your fly fishing endeavors. It does not matter whether you are saltwater fly fishing or fresh water fly fishing—you still need a quality fly fishing knot.

Basic Fly Fishing Knot Information

If you have a poorly tied fly fishing knot, you will be unable to catch fish. Since fly fishing is all about catching fish, being unable to catch them defeats the entire purpose. If your fly fishing knot is loose, it will slip open and the fish will get away. Instead of having a relaxing day of fishing, you will have an aggravating day of having all of your fish get away. In order to be successful in your fly fishing, selecting the correct type of knot is important, but tying it properly is even more important.

Tip One: Lubricate The Fly Fishing Knot

While it may seem counterproductive to lubricate a knot, this is not the case. You may think that this will make the knot slip more. However, if you lubricate the string with saliva or by dipping the string in water, this lubrication will help the knot seat and slide properly. When you tighten a knot, the friction generates the heat. This heat can dramatically weaken the monofilament. However, the saliva or water will lubricate the string and decrease this excessive heat. So instead of tightening your knot without any lubricant, simply spit on the string a little or drop the string in some water for a second.

Tip Two: Seat The Fly Fishing Knot

If you do not seat your fly fishing knot before the fish is on it, you risk the chance of losing the fish. It is easy to test your fly fishing knot prior to casting your line. Make sure that you tighten your knots with a steady and continuous pull. While doing this, check to make sure that the knot is secure and tight. As stated earlier, a loose knot means lost fish. Once you have tied your knot, make sure that you pull the line and the leader. If the knot holds, you know that you have a quality fly fishing knot. If it does not hold, redo the knot. Even if this means you have to redo your knot several times, as long as you finish with a quality knot, you will not lose fish due to a loose knot.