Saltwater and Freshwater Fly Fishing: What Are
The Differences?
There are lots of different places where
you can go fly fishing, and each and every one has its
individual variables. The two main environments for fly
fishing are saltwater and freshwater. Both have their
quirks and their main differences, and here we'll explain just
a few of them.
Fresh Water
Freshwater environments are perhaps the
most common favorite amongst fly anglers. These include
lakes, streams, ponds and rivers, and they are widely
distributed, with a vast array of different kinds of fish ripe
for the taking. Moving water or still water, you have a
number of options for fishing. You can cast from the
shore; you can wade into the water and cast from there.
Just take care to not be swept away by the currents! Make
sure that you have the appropriate gear with you, including
waders, waterproof boots, a rain jacket if you're expecting
inclement weather, and, of course, a wading staff if you're
looking at near-white water conditions and are still determined
to fish.
Bass, bluegill, steelhead, carp and trout
are just some of the fish that you can catch in many freshwater
locations. The flies for each can be very different, so
be sure that you know exactly what kinds of fish you’re
after—or be sure to carry a variety of different flies with you
when you head out!
Salt Water
Typically, this is an oceanic environment,
although sometimes you can find good fishing in some of
the world's saltwater lakes. Coastlines all over
the world are wonderful for fly fishing. As an
angler, you can stand out on a dock or a pier, you can
wade in the surf, or you can ride out on a boat to get to
your favored fishing spot. However, you do have to
deal with tides and the waves. At certain points of
the year, you’ll have to fight with astronomical high and
low tides, and, if you’re fishing in storm-prone areas,
rip currents are always a concern.
As compared to fresh water fly fishing, you
will need a longer pole for longer casts – sometimes, fly
fishing rods for ocean fishing are upwards of twelve to
fourteen feet in length, and are much better suited to
stronger currents and bigger takedown battles.
The fish that you can catch are generally
larger, too. Mako, tuna, kingfish and blue sharks
are just a few of the ocean fly fishing catches for which
you can hope. What’s more, there are many groups
along all of the coasts of the United States who try for
record size catches with their fly
lines.
Just as there are fish in the sea, there
are many opportunities out there for the enterprising
saltwater – or freshwater – angler!
Related Article
Saltwater Fly Fishing -- The Tide Runs
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