Fly fishing

Fly fishing is an anglingtechnique that uses an ultra-lightweight fishing lure called an artificial fly, which typically mimics small invertebrates such as flying and aquatic insects to attract and catch insectivorousfish. Such lures are typically made by tying various filamentous materials (feathers, hairs/fur, synthetic fibers or yarns) to the shank of a small fish hook, creating tufts/bundles of protruding bristles that imitate setae, wing venations and other appendages aesthetically. Because the sectional density of a fly lure is insufficient to overcome air resistance (as its mass is very small, but its sectional and wetted area are often quite significant due to the fluffy exterior), it cannot be cast far using conventional gears and techniques. Casting of fly lures is done using specialized tackles, which typically involve the use of heavy-ended fly lines, and the casting techniques are significantly different from other forms of angling. It is also very common for fly anglers to wear waders, carry a hand net, and stand in the water when fishing.

Fly fishing primarily targets predatory fish (both freshwater and saltwater) that have a significant proportion of very small-sized prey (e.g. insects and nymphs, spiders, small crustaceans like shrimps and scuds, worms and even small bait fish) in their diet, such as salmonids (trout, salmon, char and graylings), bass, perches and ide. North Americans usually distinguish freshwater fishing between cold-water species (salmonids) and warm-water species (notably black bass). In Britain, where natural water temperatures vary less, the distinction is between game fishing for trout and salmon versus coarse fishing for other species. Techniques and lure choices for fly fishing vary with different aquatic habitats (e.g. lakes and ponds, small streams, large rivers,estuaries and bays, and open ocean), target species, weather and water conditions.