One way to spend your leisure time is to go fishing. It is a great recreational activity and a good source of bonding time with family and friends. Some people would term this activity as fly fishing. It is a special fishing method that uses lightweight bait attached to the fly rod to catch fish. If your residence is near water bodies like seas and lakes, you can invite your family or friends to fly fishing to spend some relaxing and bonding time with them. Of course, you can’t do it if you don’t have the equipment needed for fly fishing.
The basic equipment needed for fly fishing
You don’t necessarily need many things when you go fly fishing, but make sure that you invest in high-quality fly fishing gear. You would need a fly rod and a reel, the main components you should bring along. Make sure that you also wear the proper attire. You can’t go fishing only wearing a shirt and a pair of shorts along with a pair of slippers. You have to consider the weather and the location. You can wear waders or boots if you go somewhere cold, especially during the winter. You can also bring a pair of sunglasses and a hat. Another essential thing to bring is the bait because you can’t catch fish without it. Most fish usually prefer live bait such as nightcrawlers, minnows, and leeches.
Packing for the trip
Packing is very important, even though it gets a little frustrating and overwhelming. But you still need to pack, and you need to make sure that everything you need is ready the day or night before.
Sort them into groups according to their category similarities. For example, you can pack your fly-fishing gear, waders, and boots in one bag. Then, clothing, toiletries, and other personal kits should go into another separate bag. Lastly, you can bring other stuff that provides you with extra enjoyment during your trips, such as books and a camera.
Fly-fishing gear maintenance
Usually, fly fishing is done during the winter season. So once it is finished, people would go back to other leisure activities. Even if your gear is not in use, it is still important to check up on them every once in a while.
- Fly rods: Clean your rods with a fine brush with soft bristles. Use a mild soap and warm water and gently brush around it and remove all the accumulated dirt. Inspect if everything is still well and functional.
- Fly reels: Dismantle the reel first, and then start cleaning and brushing every component of it. Also, use a fine and soft brush when cleaning it. You can also grease the reel with a good-quality oil to ensure that it doesn’t get stiff, given that you won’t be able to use it as often as before.
- Fly lines: You also need to clean the lines, especially if you fish in sandy or muddy water. Remove the whole line and soak it in warm water with dish soap for at least 10 minutes. Then, wipe the line with a cloth to remove the remaining dirt. Lastly, apply a fly line dressing to protect the coating and produce a smoother gear.
Conclusion
Fly fishing has many benefits. It is a good form of relaxation and spending some quality time with your family and friends. It is always good to spend some time outside and appreciate the beauty of nature. Before you go fly fishing, you need to make sure that you are fully equipped first. When your fly fishing gear is not in use, never forget to check it up from time to time to maintain its functionality and durability.
