I hardly consider myself to be a true fly fisherman.  The guys who are truly good at this type of fishing make it seem like a work of art.  And while I would love to be that good one day, I think the chances are probably slim to none – because being a “true” fly fisherman takes years of work and practice.

This post is going to discuss river fishing with a fly:  it can be attached to the end of an actual fly rod, or it can be attached to the end of spin cast reel;  it doesn’t really matter what the fly is attached to, what does matter is the presentation of the actual fly to the fish.  Now we could argue about what type of pole presents a fly better:  an actual fly rod, or a spin cast rod – but we are going to leave that argument for another time and concentrate on the subject at hand:  the fly.

I learned presentation early in my salmon and steel heading days.  It didn’t take long – after watching Jeff catch fish after fish, while I caught nothing – that I was doing something incredibly wrong.  It really sunk in for me at one of our local rivers, when I had been casting at a few fish for about an hour with no hook-ups, and Jeff – in a matter of mere minutes – proceeded to show me just how the drift in that particular spot worked.  He didn’t land that fish, but it was sure an eye-opening event for me.

Proper presentation takes time and a lot of patience.  There is also a good chance, that unless you have fished this particular hole quite a bit before, that your first few casts will not be placed properly; there are times when taking just a few steps to the left or right, and making the same cast, can make all the difference.

You have to remember that most fish in the system have seen their fair share of poor fly presentation from fisherman.  This makes it much more important to assess the hole you are about to fish – paying attention to the current flow, obstructions that affect that flow, along with any underwater features – and presenting your fly to the fish.  A fly that drifts naturally through the current is a thing of beauty, and a skill that can be picked up with some practice.

At first I didn’t understand the appeal of fly fishing.  But after my first well-placed cast, and first fish on the line I was hooked.  I think I’m so attracted to fly fishing because of the sure challenge.  It is ultimately quite a contest.  No fly fisherman ever caught his limit easily, and no fly fisherman ever goes home feeling empty.  It is a game of constant adaptation; not only to conditions, but to the quarry as well.  And after a day of heartbreak, one articulated move can mean success.

And that is what always keeps you casting: the quest for the perfect presentation, the perfect drift.  That one cast where the fly glides across the water, and entices a strike.  It will constantly keep you coming back for more.

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