One dramatic dry fly for trout is the Pont Audemer, which is used in chalk streams. The fisherman needs a 10, 12 or 14 size trout hook, black thread, red hackle feathers from a rooster or fibers from the tail of a pheasant cock. Hackles are feathers taken from the neck of the fowl. The fisherman would also need raffia for the fly’s body and black silk from the rib. The rib is tinsel tied around the fly’s body to mimic a segment of the insect’s body or its iridescence, or to add weight to the fly. Medium, natural red hackles and gray duck feathers are used for the Pont Audemer fly’s wing.

Another spectacular trout fly is the Pink Shimma, which is made of a long-shanked six to 10 sized hook, black thread, a tuft of bright pink marabou feathers and eight strands of pink shimmering tinsel. This fly has a pink chenille body, no rib, a pink cock hackle, and no wing.

You can also check out a book from the library or do a little research on the internet. This can help you with learning to tie some basic knots and also to learn the fundamentals of fly casting. Once you have the knowledge of the principles of fly fishing, you can go out fishing with a friend or take a guided fly fishing tour. The best way to learn how to fly fish is by practicing with an expert. They can show you the different methods of casting and let you know what kind of tackle works best for the type of fish that you are trying to catch. They can also give you an overview of the best fishing spots in your area.

When the sun is shining on a bright day, Salmon love to hid in their holes, making fishing more challenging. Check the hook frequently, making sure that there is no seaweed attached and that the bait is still intact. The best type of bait to use is a very shinny scaled fish, such as a herring. The scales of the bait will attract the Salmon in all lighting conditions.

Once the Salmon has taken a lunge at the bait, it’s time to set the hook. Make sure that hooks are sharpened regularly so they will be able to penetrate the Salmons mouth. Always watch the rod because Salmon at times are sneaky and will try to take the bait softly. Once a strike is felt, reel the rod in until the tip is touching the water, and yank straight up twice and very hard. This will lodge the hook into the roof of the Salmons mouth.

The Salmon is now on the hook and it will start to put up a fight. The general rule of thumb is for every pound of Salmon it will fight one minute. The best way to reel in a Salmon is to keep the line tight by holding the rod upright at all times, which lets the fish wear itself out. Always remember to check local fishing guidelines and regulations regarding size, and catch and release. Once the Salmon is tired reel it in and prepare for a great fresh dinner!

1. All water craft are rated for a maximum number of occupants. Overloading a boat can bring with it dire consequences. Remember to observe the rated number of occupants for your boat and abide by the manufacturers rating.
2. All occupants of a boat should be wearing a Personal Flotation Device, commonly referred to as a “life preserver”. This is especially important for children under the age of six (6). PFD’s come in a variety of styles, the most common being the ‘life vest’ or ‘jacket’. The most common life jackets/vests found on family watercraft have foam inserts that provide bouyancy and ensure the wearer floats in an upright position in the water.
3. Ensure all occupants are seated before the boat moves.
4. Do not leave the dock without checking all equipment, i.e., fuel, first aid kit, dock lines, sun screen, etc.
5. Supervise small children closely with regard to fishing equipment, especially hooks and lures.
6. Avoid quick starts and stops.
7. Never drink alcoholic beverages while operating a vessel.
8. Enjoy your day on the water.

Let’s start with the rods and reels. Fishing rods are long, straight, flexible poles. A basic fishing rod is 6 feet long and medium weight. Using a rod takes tension off the line, so when you’re fighting a fish the rod can bend slightly and prevent the line from breaking. There are several rod sizes–ultra light, light, medium, medium heavy, and heavy. The lighter the rod the more flexible. There are four kinds of reels–spin-cast, spinning, bait-cast, and fly. Spin-casting reel is the ideal for beginners.

Once you have chosen a rod and reel you need to decide on the type of line to use. Your line should be strong enough to handle the size fish you are catching, but light so it will not scare the fish away. There are several types of fishing line–monofilament, super lines, and fluorocarbons. If you buy a pre-spooled reel it was probably spooled with monofilament, as that is the most common line.

What about bait? There are many different types of bait: worms, grub, plastic worms, corn, bread, and even bits of hot dog will work. Worms are the most popular bait used for freshwater fishing and can be found on a dewy night with a flashlight, or go worm hunting after a fresh rain. Remember to prepare a tin can with a little grass and soil, in order to keep the worms alive.

You have bait now you need to choose a hook. The type of hook you use depends on the type of fish you are attempting to catch. The basic hooks are bait hooks, fly hooks, and lure hooks, within this scope are single, double, and treble hooks. Single hooks have a single eye, shank, and point. Double hooks are a single eye with two shanks and points. Trebles are single eye merged with three shanks and three evenly spaced points. Double and treble hooks are fairly uncommon and are used on artificial bait.

1. Patience: Learn to enjoy the wait. It helps makes the catch more fun.
2. Quiet: You don’t want to scare the fish away. Just like any other animal fish can “hear,” well feel your sound vibrations, so keep the noise level down.
3. Use the right tools: As in all sports you must know and use your equipment wisely.
4. Food for Fish: Like my kids, not all fish enjoy like the same food.
5. Pick your lucky spot. Many fish like to hang out in cool spots during summer and warm spots during winter.
6. Be prepared: Its no fun to fish in the rain unless you’re prepared to beat the storm.
7. Bring a snack: Fishing takes time and grumbling tummies will happen.
8. Bring extra: You never know when someone will join you or your foot will end up in the water.
9. Relax: The fish will come when they are ready, in the meantime enjoy the peace.
10. Have Fun! Why else would you be fishing?