Fly Fishing with a Normal Fishing Rod and Reel

Fly fishing, fishing using a heavy, thick, weighted line, and a light leader with a fly attached to the end is an awfully good way to catch fish. However, if you don't own a fly fishing rod, and don't really want to spend the extra money to buy one, or don't want to take the time to learn how to whip a fly line around, what do you do? Easy-fish flys with a spinning, or other normal type, fishing rod and reel. Wait, what are you asking? Can this really be done? Yes, it certainly may be done. In fact, it is very easy, and is very effective.

First off, you'll probably need to use a rather sensitive rod with light line on the reel. This really helps negate the loss of 'feel' that you may suffer from as a fly fisherman without a fly rod, and without holding the line in your hands. It's possible to use heavier fishing line, but I do not recommend it. Also, the lighter line really helps when casting these lightweight flys and their fishing rig. Get your favorite fly, and tie it to the end of your line with an improved cinch knot. Then, attach a small clip-on bobber, or similar bobber, at least 18 inches above the tied on fly.

You are now ready to catch fish using this fly fishing with a normal, non-fly rod reel. Simply cast this into the area you are fishing, having added fly oil for floating flys beforehand (if you want it to float) and fish it as you would a fly. I've found these fishing rigs to be especially effective on sunfish, with small ant and Adam's flys really catching a lot of these scrappy fighters. Keep your eye on your line, and keep it at least relatively tight as you twitch it and retrieve it. It can be very hard to spot the fly, and the bobber not only adds a little weight to the rig, but also helps in detecting hits and bites at the fly.

I have found that this setup really works well during the hour period right before the sun sets. This seems to be when a lot of insects are active, and the fish seem to go simply crazy over all the insects landing on the water. However, this rig will probably be very good during hatches or during other parts of the day as well. Try it out, fish it if you feel a really delicate presentation is necessary, and keep your eye on the line! Fish on!