Fishing

Great fun - hook, line and sinker

There are few sports as Zen as fishing (well, maybe birding). For some baby boomers, fishing has been a lifelong sport, while for others, it’s a relatively new hobby. There are quite a few types of fishing, each requiring its own specialized fishing gear and fishing tackle.

Fly Fishing

The most popular type of fishing for Americans is fly fishing, whose devotees spend hours perfecting their craft by tying their own fishing lures, buying just the right set of fishing gear and finding those elusive “sweet spots” in their favorite rivers. The most popular types of fly fishing are bass fishing and trout fishing.

Fly fishing differs from the more common “cast and spin” fishing that most people are used to. First of all, the fishing gear is completely different; a lighter and slightly longer rod is used in fly fishing, and the reel has no brake to keep the line from playing out. Fly fishing requires the rod be gently but firmly whipped back and forth to play out the line, which helps the fisher position the fly. Also, the fly can be dried out using this method, which is called “false casting.” Fly fishing techniques are traditionally used in trout fishing but are also common in bass fishing.

Fishing Tackle

Fishing tackle is the lures and bait used to catch a fish while fishing. Most fly fishing anglers use hand-tied lures called flies, which use natural or artificial components to lure trout, bass and other fish into biting on the fishing hook. Building your fishing tackle is considered an important part of fishing, especially fly fishing. Anglers often congregate to discuss fly-tying methods and to admire each other’s handiwork almost as often as they gather for fishing.

Fishing Gear

Fishing gear is the general accoutrements associated with fishing and may include hip waders, a tackle box, as well as other items. Fishing gear comes in a variety of styles for different aspects of the sport. For example, a “dry” fly fisher casts his lure from the banks and does not need hip waders, while someone who fishes in the stream should be wearing them.