A beginners basic guide to using a fly fishing rod

By AAPGAI STANDARDS & PRACTICES COMMITTEE

The angler cannot catch fish with a rod and line unless he or she is able to place the lure, whether it is a fly, spinner or bait into a position which makes it visible to the fish.

This is known as “presentation” and the method of “presentation” is termed “casting”.

Casting, in practice, is the technique of manipulating the rod and line. The better the casting technique of the angler the more adroit and consistent the angler will become and the more likely he or she is to catch fish.

Presentation calls for three fundamental qualities:

1. The ability to drop the lure, fly or bait with the greatest possible accuracy and delicacy over the point where the fish is likely to be.
2. The ability to drop with delicacy the lure, fly or bait at the greatest possible distance.
3. The ability to control the movement of the lure, fly or bait be it sunk or floating in such a way that the action is similar to that of the natural food of the target fish.

The main requirements of the angler, particularly if he or she is a beginner, based on the above points are that the casting methods shall be correct, and that the tackle used is “fit for purpose”.

The solution to indifferent “presentation” and or the “casting” of a lure ,fly. or bait is two fold.

First the beginner is recommended to obtain a good measure of instruction time from a member of the Association of Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructors (AAPGAI) all of whom are qualified game angling instructors. To find your nearest AAPGAI instructor please select “Search for an instructor” on the Home page.

Secondly the beginner must obtain the best available tackle for the purpose required for which, the qualified instructor will be able to give advice on what to purchase.

The highest priced tackle is not always necessarily the best to buy for a beginner. A qualified instructor will be able to select the right balanced tackle outfit to purchase. The outfit chosen may not be the most expensive but will be within the constraints of the pocket and yet when used will be more than fit for purpose to best serve the angler and afford many years of quality angling enjoyment.