Bass Fly Fishing
When most people think of fly fishing they think of trout fly fishing. What you might or might not know is that it is possible to fly fish for bass as well. Of course, for people who are fly fishing enthusiasts, they know that bass fly fishing is an entirely different sport than trout fly fishing. Bass fly fishing is more instinctual hunt than it is a wait for them to come to you sport (as some think of trout fly fishing).
Here are a few tips for people who are thinking about trying their hand at bass fly fishing:
1. Learn all you can about the bass fish. The bass is a very hearty fish. It can live in just about any environment. Unlike trout, which wait for food to come to them, the bass actively hunt their prey. They will eat just about anything from the insects and foods that trout are known for eating all the way up the food chain to frogs and even baby ducks. Yes, you read that right. Bass fish will stalk and ambush baby ducks.
2. There is no hoping that the bass will come to you in bass fly fishing. You must hunt the bass much like it hunts its prey. You will need to do your best to figure out where it is spending its time and then fish there. Bass often like to hide themselves (as they are usually hunting something else). They are typically found behind or in any kind of shelter from logs that have fallen into the water to vegetation that grows high enough to hide in.
3. Bass typically respond to bigger flies. While these can weigh down your line, it is easier to catch a bass’s attention with the larger flies.
4. You can use a lighter rod with a heavier line because bass fly fishing is not a sport in which you will need to cast great distances. Using a lighter rod and some line that is double taper is always a good strategy. The double taper can better hold the weight of the larger flies, but the lighter fly rod keeps you from feeling weighed down.
5. Be ready for a fight. Bass fly fishing is not a sport for someone who is expecting an easy catch. Bass are fighters. Not only are they bigger in stature than a lot of the creatures they share the water with; they are also stronger and more stubborn. These are fish that will make you work for your catch. You need to be ready to drag them toward you. It is not even close to being an easy catch.
Bass fly fishing is a wonderful sport and it is growing in popularity. There are even bass fishing tournaments. You will have your own reasons for choosing the bass as your target fish, but whatever they are, you chose a great target. Bass fly fishing is some of the most exciting fishing there is.