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If the topic of fly fishing knots has caught your attention lately, you are in luck. There are several excellent ways to learn more about not only how to tie various knots but also when to use each of the knot variations. Some of the resources on hand are free, while others may cost a small amount. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

One of the easiest ways to learn about tying knots for fly fishing is by spending some time with one or more fly fishers. In general, people who enjoy fishing are always ready to talk about their favorite topic, and just as eager to demonstrate various aspects of the sport. In a very short period of time, you can become acquainted with the range of knots used in the sport and when each knot would be an appropriate choice. You may even be given the chance to try tying a knot or two under the direction of your tutor.

If you don’t happen to know anyone who is into fly fishing, don’t despair. If you visit a local sporting goods shop, there is a good chance they will have videos and printer material that have to do with fly fishing. You can browse through and find resources that include details about fly fishing knots. While the books and videos will cost a little, the advantage is that you can read and view the material over and over, possibly following along with a set of instructions on how to tie one or more knots.

Of course, there is always the Internet. There is a wealth of information about fly fishing in general to be found on the World Wide Web, and many of these sites will also include helpful details about fly fishing knots. You can find easy to follow diagrams on various fly fishing knots, as well as details of when each knot should be used. Like the books and videos you picked up at the sporting goods store, these can be bookmarked and revisited whenever you like. Unlike purchased material, these online resources are often completely free and just as easy to use.

To find out more about fly fishing knots, please be sure to visit http://www.flyfishingjoy.com/

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Steelhead Gear.Com for all your fishing needs!!

Fly fishermen going after small stream trout or pan fish can use almost any reel to simply serve as device to store their line. However if you are going for powerful fish like pike, steelhead or salmon, having a reel with a smooth drag and is capable of quickly taking up line are a must have quality in your fly reel, having a reel that is well balanced and light weight is also important to the fly fishermen who spends all day on the river. Keep in mind that if you are after these qualities you are going to have to shell out more of your hard earned cash but you will be glad you did if like me you spend most of your day casting and fighting the powerful steelhead and salmon.

When looking for a trout or pan fish fly reel I look at weight and balance more then any other quality. One trick I use instead of having to take a fly rod with me to assure the reel is balanced is I will wrap pencil lead around the reel seat until the rod will balance at the grip point of the rod and then I just weigh the lead and I know how heavy of a reel I can use.

Now when it comes to picking out a fly reel that I will be using for salmon and steelhead I want to make sure the drag has a full range of adjustment, and works smooth. You’ll want a reel that can keep up with the fish should they suddenly make a run at you as well as being able to hold enough backing when they decide to head down stream on one of their powerful runs as well. Once you find a fly reel with these qualities you can start looking at the weight and keep in mind what weight fly line you will be using as well remember your fly line weight needs to match the weight your fly rod is designed for. Finding a reel with these qualities is the most important part. You can always balance the rod and reel by adding weight to you rod. Balance is the key more then weight as a light rod and reel that is not well balanced will tire you out faster then a heavier setup which is well balanced.

One thing that I have noticed is that the true diehard fly fisherman is always asking is which rod reel combination do you prefer and I have to save after using several different setups that it is one that is well balanced. I truly have no preference as to the make and model as long as it feels right.

I have listed a few of the fly reels that I have tried over the years just as a starting point for you, which one is best is something that you will decide as you determine your needs and type of fish you are after. (They are in no special order or preference.)

Pflueger 1195 Automatic

Because of its ease of use and convenience, Pflueger’s Model 1195 Automatic Reel has been a common fly reel for many trout anglers. It has an aluminum alloy frame which features a lever controlled internal coil spring. As the angler presses on the lever the reel automatically winds in the line. It’s rather heavy though weighing in at 9 ounces, but you’ll like its affordability.

Scientific Anglers Concept 2

There are four Concept 2 fly reels and they normally range in price from $35 up to $56. They are made from light, tough, composite polymer graphite and feature a quality disc drag system. Sizes range from trout/pan fish to saltwater game fish. The Model 58s built for heavy fresh and light saltwater fishing and has an exposed spool for palming strong fish into giving in. Amazingly it weighs in at just 4.3 ounces.

Cabela’s XSS

The XSS stand for “Extreme Saltwater and Spey,” These are made for the larger game fish and they too have it all from the large line capacity to their oversize paddle handle and graphite, cork and Rulon disc drag. The reel was designed for anglers who target big, fast game fish. The Size 1 is the smallest of the three, and handles 7 and 8 weight lines and 225 yards of 20-pound backing this fly reel is capable of handling most salmon and steelhead and will run you about $175.00.

Orvis Battenkill Disc Drag

Many fly anglers are familiar with the Battenkill made by Orvis’ and is one of their best-selling fly reels. It is available in three models ranging in price from $79 to $89. It is machined from cast aluminum, the reel features large disc drags and exposed rims for palming. The smallest reel handles line weights from 2 through 5 and weighs just 4 ounces. The largest in this model only weighs 5 ounces and handles 6- to 9-weight line.

G. Loomis Venture

Made with the quality you’d expect from G. Loomis, the three fly reels in the Venture

line are machined from cast aluminum to be tough, yet lightweight. These reels are a simple, classic design, but have quality features. The Model 7 selling at around $100 is the largest of the group, and weighs a mere 3.4 ounces; it handles the 7 weight line with about 150 yards of 30-pound backing.

Sage 2500 Series

Sage, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of premium fly rods, also makes outstanding reels. The four in its 2500 line ranging in price from $300 to $375 are more then capable of handling any fish you will be going after. With a large-diameter spool for fast line retrieval and the offset 3:1 gear reduction disc drag it is very responsive to the tiniest adjustment and would make for a good choice for the serious fly fisherman.

Well these are a few of the reels that I have used over the last few years some I own some I have used and some I wish that I had but just how many fly reels can you use at one time anyways. I hope you have a better idea as to what you need to be looking for in your fly reel and it helps in your decision making. As always good luck and good fly fishing.

RR Smith

Affordable Fly Fishing Reels

While I was sitting here today hoping that the weather will cool off some so that the Salmon and Little Salmon Rivers will at least return back into their banks and hopefully clean up a little so I can go try my luck salmon fishing. I realized that Saturday is the opener for many of the states lakes and rivers.

Now with the spring runoff in full swing river fishing will diffidently be a challenge for the next few weeks if they are even fishable at all. The high land lakes well they are still frozen and it is just as well because the snow is making them all but inaccessible anyways.

I’ve been thinking about trying my luck at some of the lower laying lakes around Cascade Reservoir, Horse Thief Reservoir, and even Little Lake have been some nice producers for me early in the year. I think that with the run off coming so late this year that the feeder steams into these reservoirs will make for some pretty good fishing this weekend.

I have always had good luck fishing these local reservoirs in the spring as the trout are heading up them to start there spawning cycle. My favorite way to fish for these trout this time of year is with my fly rod while it is hard sometimes to get them to take a dry fly pattern I have done very well using small egg patterns with a sinking line. I wish I paid more attention to their names but I expect that most fly fishermen have their special pattern anyways, anything that looks like and egg, ( I do mean fish egg) or even the leach patterns work well for me. I like to fish them right at the head of a deep pole just off the ripples and making sure that they are getting close to the bottom.

I made that special note about being fish egg just for an old time friend of mine but that’s a whole other story that I should write about sometime now that I think about it.

If you have ever wanted to get into fly fishing there is no better time then now and I have a free Download to a great e-book that will get you started out on the right foot. If you are just beginning and it even has some nice pointers for those of you that have been fly fishing for awhile too. All I ask in return is that you sign up to receive an occasional promotional email from my Site at Steelhead Gear.Com you can get the free download here.

Much of the time you will need to go wading if you plan on having success at steelhead fishing. You do not have to be a fearless wader but you do need to be comfortable with your wadding skills. Even you veterans out there with many years under your wading belt will need to use extra caution during the spring where the flows are extreme. If you are new to the sport of fly fishing I would recommend not wading out in water over your knees until to become familiar with wading in the current and just how much force the water can generate and how to keep a stable footing. For those who do not wish to wade, casting from the boat is also an option.There will be times where you need to casts well over 100 feet so practice when ever you have a chance. It is also import to be able to read the water or at least have some one that is capable of reading water. It is important that you are on the best casting side of the river before you start.

Fishing is done with rods from 6-8 wt, sinking lines, and a reel with a good drag system. The North Central Idaho Clearwater native steelhead are notorious for their size and power, testing the anglers ability and tackle on every blistering run. Steelhead are resting fish when they have returned to their home river to spawn so you must present your fly immediately in front of a fish if you are going to entice him into striking. The Main Clearwater River is large and having the ability to wade deep heavy current over very slippery ledge rocks as well as the ability to cast 90′ feet are among the reasons for this rivers difficulty. The upper section is much more fly fisher friendlily and the South Fork of the Clearwater is among my favorite rivers to fly fish for steelhead these B-Run fish are known for their size and often weigh in at over 20 pounds.

Get a good night’s rest you will need it if you are going to be wading most of the day, and put your wet waders on your boot dryers so when you wake up the next day you have nice warm waders to put on. I don’t believe there is any thing worst then to roll out of bed and have to stick your foot into a wet soggy boot and it will drain your energy much faster also.

It is always a good idea to check the flows for your favorite river; you can check the flows of most river systems by taking advantage of information available on the Internet. The United States Geological Survey, USGS, is the agency responsible for posting real time data related to the affects that weather plays on our river systems (you and find them at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis).

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com

 Steelhead fly fishing is like playing the lottery: the more casts you make in the rivers, the better chances you have of hitting the right combinations. Steelhead fly fishing is a true sportsman’s game it will encompass the full range of emotions from joy and excitement to confusion and despair. Steelhead fly fishing is only for those fishermen that are totally committed to this sport; if you are looking to catch a steelhead on a regular basis fly fishing may not be the sport for you. On the other hand if you are looking for a sport that will challenge your very being and give you the thrill of a life time when everything comes together then fly fishing for Steelhead maybe your winning ticket.

Very few of us will actually catch steelhead with flies on a semi-regular basis, when fly fishing for these great fish there is no such thing as a regular basis. When fly fishing for steelhead you need to know about the species you’re after, where they’re found, when they’re in the rivers, what techniques will work, how to read the river, which flies to use, casting techniques, and then if everything flows into place you may land a fish or two and yes I did say may.

Fly fishing with nymphs is probably the most productive technique used on these often temperamental fish. Flies that have proven effective for me are the Egg Sucking Leech (purple/orange) and (orange/black) the Silver Tear is another that has worked well along with the green butt skunk patterns. Fly fishermen consider winter steelhead fly fishing to be hardcore fly fishing and involves enduring hours of casting in cold and freezing waters, hoping for that little tug that lets you know a steelhead has finally picked up your fly. Early fall and late spring are my favorite times to fly fish for steelhead the fish are active the weather is bearable as long as the river conditions are not out of wack from heavy rains and run off.

Steelhead are mystical creatures; irreplaceable fishes, and are a true sportsmen’s fish. Fly fishing for steelhead is one technique that I’ve yet to solve. It is however one that has given me years of enjoyment, excitement, and anticipation of the years head think of what I might be able to try on these truly magnificent fish.  

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com

This Articled has been Moved  to our new site Steelhead Salmon Trout Fishing
You can find the article by clicking the following link!

Cahill Fly Tying Bench

we hope you find our new sit easier to navigate and mor informative.

The Zero Gravity Salt/Freshwater 107-4 from Orvis is going to introduce you to a new level of performance it has more feedback which makes casting and presentations easier. It is up to 25% more durable then comparative models helping you protect your investment. The 107-4 Fly Rod is craft by hand by some of the best rod builders today.

  The 107-4 fly rod is one of the lightest yet most powerful fly rod you have ever used being constructed from a special material called boron, a pure carbon scrim system and thermoplastic-toughened resins. They have designed a new system giving the ferrules a seamless joint which have been strengthened to prevent checking and cracking. The makers of this rod give it three coats of finish and a final coat of a specially formulated UV Ray blocker. 

The reel seat and hardware are made from 6061 Anodized aluminum with a Texalium fiber insert the guide are made from Titanium carbide so they will stand up to years of fight those heavy fish, it also has a silicon carbide stripping guide which will help in protecting your fly line. This rod even comes with a protective aluminum fly rod tube and sock to protect it when traveling.

The makers of the 107-4 Zero Gravity Rod have a 25 year guarantee to either repair or replace the rod should any thing happen to go wrong however I feel this will be very unlikely do to the quality of workmanship that goes into these Fly Rods.

If you are looking for a Salmon and Steelhead fly rod that will allow you to make loner cast, gives you control of your presentation and has the strength and endurance to fight these mighty fish it will be well worth your hard earned money to purchase the Zero Gravity 107-4 Fly Rod.

One of the hardest things for the novice fly fisherman is the retrieve. How do you keep control of your line to keep it from becoming tangled? If you can not control your line you will not be ready to set the hook or be prepared for your next cast if you do not have control of your line. This problem becomes compounded when you are wading in a stream as the line is always drifting down with the current. There are many different methods use by fly fisherman to accomplish this. 

The figure 8 retrieve is a great way of controlling your line while retrieving it. Once you learn this method you will be able to store your line and it will be ready for a fish strike or your next cast without worrying about tangles.  When you have a fish on the line, hold the line with one finger of the rod hand. Shake the spirals off the retrieving hand, and wind in to get the fish on the reel. The drag can then be used to control the running fish. There is no right or wrong way to do this the best way is one that feels comfortable to you the main thing to remember is to keep your line under control and you will be ready when the fish does strike!
By: RR Smith
Steelhead Gear.Com  
http://steelhead-gear.com/

By Edward Linton 

Salmon – The fish that have hunted in the sea, some for just one winter, some for as long as five years, return to the rivers where they were born. Some salmon, including the sockeye, die after spawning. These fish make their ascent to the spawning grounds once only. Others, including the Atlantic salmon, do not necessarily die at the spawning grounds but may live to migrate three or four times in their lives.

For many years mankind has marveled at how, after journeying far across the ocean, a salmon can return to the river in which it was hatched. Does this remarkable power of orientation have something to do with magnetic fields, the sense of smell, an instinct, or something else as yet a mystery?

In the Yukon River of Alaska and Canada, king salmon that were tagged and tracked travelled 3,200km (2,000 miles) in 60 days. A leap performed by Altlantic Salmon at Orrin Falls, Scotland, measured 4m (12ft).

From entering the rivers, salmon cease to feed and live on the fat built up when feasting in the ocean. Others benefit from this stored energy - bears, eagles, mink, otters, martens, wolves, and many more hunters await the salmon’s arrival with all the enthusiasm of human anglers.

One of the many wonderful things about salmon is the different number of ways in which you can catch them, despite the fact that they are supposed not to eat anything once they have left the sea!

However to many an angler there is little to beat the excitement of seeing a salmon turning in the water as it takes a fly fished in the surface layers and the quick tightening of lightweight line is an electrifying sensation.

So let us agree that salmon fishing with the fly represents the art in its purest form, even if we never lose sight of the other strategies for catching this magnificent fish.

For more on fly fishing, equipment and strategies visit Fly Fishing
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Linton
Posted By: RR Smith 
Steelhead Gear.Com

By Tommy Thompson 

Fundamental Principles

There is a right way and a wrong way to cast a fly and there is little use in taking up space or time with the wrong methods. In order to become a proficient fly caster there are certain fundamental principles and rules to follow and maintain at all times.

1. Proper balance of equipment.
2. Proper grip of the rod to insure free wrist action.
3. Freedom from all tension and strain.
4. A smooth stroke.
5. Proper timing on both the backcast and forward cast.
6. Proper position of the rod at all times.
7. Proper position or plane of the line at all times.
8. Patience and practice.

Fly casting is a close coordination of the mind, objective, muscle, and operation of the mechanical equipment. It is very important to remember that you are going to cast a line, leader, and fly-which are lightweight objects-with a lightweight rod which is somewhat heavier than the line, leader, and fly. if you have developed or have a tendency to develop a choppy or jerky stroke, then you may expect to have some difficulties. A smooth, snappy stroke is required but not as snappy as when snapping a whip. This type of stroke will cause the loss of many flies.

Another important factor to remember: it is not necessary to cast great distances in order to enjoy the pleasures of fly casting, whether casting for pleasure or to catch fish. Accuracy is far more important than distance. In the majority of cases, casts from twenty-five to thirty-five feet are sufficient distances for any fisherman to catch fish. Distance casting has its place when necessary, but first you should master the short casts to know where your fly will be cast.

Another very essential thing to know is that it is the line that is cast, not the fly. The fly is but a passenger which is attached to the leader. Both are propelled forward, following the line, by the momentum from the power of the caster added to the natural power of the rod. The fly itself is very delicate and of little or no weight and cannot of itself be cast. The same is true of the leaders. Of course there are larger flies which are somewhat heavier; however, this added weight does not make them easier to cast but more difficult because of the wind resistance of the heavier or bulkier lures.
Tommy Thompson is an avid fisherman who loves to share his Fly Fishing Secrets with other Fisherman. He has also wrote and published many of his stories on http://flyfishingguy.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tommy_Thompson 

Posted By: RR Smith