Fly Fishing Adventures: Exploring Wild Waters Around the World

Fly Fishing Offers Diverse Opportunities To Get Off The Beaten Path

Hurricane Gustav had left a trail of devastation across the Caribbean, hurriedly following it was Hanna, a sister hurricane making its way toward the Bahamas. As a result of back-to-back hurricanes, neither the water nor the weather were ideal, especially for fly fishing.

“They’re forecasting one day of good weather in between these hurricanes. If you can change your schedule, do it. This might be your only chance.” Captain Hamilton, of Fly Fishing Extremes, has a reputation for using few words and getting straight to the point. His impromptu phone call, stellar reputation and less than subtle suggestion persuaded us to change our schedule and do whatever was necessary to get on the water.

Early the next morning we set out through Jupiter Inlet for a day of fly fishing on the Atlantic. Due to Gustav’s intensity it’d be a cat and mouse endeavor to locate fish, but as with any adventure—nothing ventured, nothing gained.

As the bow of the Time to Fly II headed away from the Florida coastline we were greeted with a beautiful sunrise and Captain Hamilton’s intermittent exclamations rising above the sound of the engines. “Flying fish on the right!” “Porpoise out front.” “Check out the sailfish!” These frequent sightings gave us encouragement—in spite of the hurricane just maybe we’d be fortunate enough to land a few fish.

Twenty miles offshore we abruptly encountered our target fish. In a flurry of excitement Captain Hamilton was instructing, commanding and handing us rods. “Mahi! Right there! Put the fly a couple feet in front of it!”

The iridescent body of the dolphinfish stood out in the clear water like a single yellow crayon in a box of blue Crayolas. Hurriedly we made a short cast and the fly landed in the strike zone. “Strip, strip! Faster!” As we retrieved the fly at a pace satisfactory to Captain Hamilton, the fish raced to eat its prey.

In a matter of seconds, the strain on the line confirmed a solid hook-up. Instantly, with tail flailing and head shaking violently, the fish left the water as it leaped into the sunshine. As gravity forced the fish back into the water it wasted no time in speeding away from the boat. The reel’s scream for mercy was interrupted by our Captain, “A little different than those trout you’re used to catching, huh?”

The Captain’s sarcasm was laced with a smile. He knew from the look on my face I was more than impressed with the speed and power of the fish on the end of the fly line. He also recognized the dolphinfish wasn’t the only thing that was hooked.

The Challenge

Whether on the Atlantic, Pacific, or wading in the azure waters of a western mountain stream, fly fishing offers unique opportunities for the adventurist. There is no logical explanation for why the archaic sport of fishing with hair, feathers and a hook can drive men and women to travel the world in search of their next quest. Except, on this earth there are a few strange souls who have an appreciation for the challenging, and to be challenged is where these intrepid individuals find satisfaction.

It’s no secret that our wanting to know what lies on the other side of the hill, at the top of the mountain or down the river is still very much a part of our DNA. Even in our modern era our four-wheel drives, kayaks, and hiking boots continue to take us into wild places. And after countless millennia a handful of men and women still enjoy finding in the outdoors what the masses have missed.

This is the essence of fly fishing.

Fly fishing is a blend of purity and perfection woven into an excuse to beat the fish at his own game. And yet it’s not always about the fish. Some days it’s used as a rationalization to explore new waters or experience an unfamiliar area of the world.

Then again, who needs a reason to fish? As long as you’re enjoying time spent outdoors, and once in a while you experience the rush that comes when a fish eats your fly, logic shouldn’t have a thing to do with it.

Fly Fishing Doesn’t Require a PhD

There’ve been numerous instances when a spectator has watched from the river bank as I’ve attempted to deceive a fish. More than once the observer has said something similar to, “I’d love to try that, but it looks complicated.” This misconception has kept many prospective bug slingers from experiencing a sport they could truly enjoy. Thankfully, fly fishing doesn’t require a PhD.

Fly fishing enthusiasts come in all ages and genders. As April Vokey, owner of Fly Gal Adventures once said, “Fly fishing requires finesse, timing, passion, excitement, intrigue and dedication—descriptives that are not sole features of either gender.”

There are no paradigms dictating who can and cannot cast a line. When fishing for mahi-mahi on the Atlantic, I invited a friend who had never cast a fly, much less caught a fish on a fly rod. By the end of the day he’d landed a 37-inch mahi-mahi, a false albacore and several blues. Proving once again, fly fishing isn’t for a select few and you don’t have to be an expert to experience adventure on the water.

If wanting to try your hand at fly fishing, begin by contacting your local fly shop and ask if they offer casting lessons. This simple step will save you money, frustration and embarrassment. It will also provide you with a solid foundation on which to build on, as you become more proficient with casting a fly rod. Fly fishing can be enjoyed by the entire family, so don’t dismiss the idea of including your spouse and kids in the instructional phase.

Having visited numerous fly shops across the United States I am always amazed at the willingness of shop owners to provide information to beginners. Obviously, you can’t expect them to share their best fishing hole, but they will most likely tell you the best fly patterns and most productive rivers, streams or bodies of water.

Spending the money and hiring a reputable guide for your initial fly fishing trip will also be dollars well spent. The amount of knowledge you’ll garner from your guide will be more than worth the initial spend. You’ll learn what species of fish inhabit local water, what fly to use, how to read water and what makes a good fishery.

Guides will often have gear available to use or possibly rent, so ask when booking your trip. While fishing with your guide, ask every question about fly fishing you can think of, just be sure to give your guide a good tip at the end of the day.

Opportunities Abound

While the beginner might think fly fishing is limited to hooking trout only, the sport has expanded to include global opportunities and can be enjoyed just about anywhere. Different species of fish require specific tackle, but location shouldn’t be considered a limitation.

You can fly fish for tarpon, bonefish, Atlantic salmon, steelhead, brook trout, rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, carp and a host of other species. And while you may want to book a trip and go fly fishing in the Bahamas, Florida Keys, Canada or Alaska, don’t ignore the fishing opportunities close to home.

The Midwest offers superb smallmouth bass fishing, which is an ideal species for the beginner. Topwater popper fishing with a fly rod is an exciting way to hook a trophy smallmouth. If living near a metropolitan area don’t ignore the numerous retention ponds located in local subdivisions. Although small, these “ponds” often hold multiple species of fish that can be caught on a fly.

If you live in the North/Northeast your stomping grounds provide a fine selection of trout waters. The Lower Peninsula of Michigan is home to the Au Sable and Muskegon rivers, both known to hold large and cagey brown trout. The Adirondacks and Catskills are home to iconic rivers and streams, which have been favorite fly fishing destinations for decades. While the eastern coastline is a favorite for striped bass, albacore and a host of other fly-hungry salt dwellers.

The South/Southeast is a favorite among fly fishermen, offering the best of both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Chasing brown trout to redfish you could spend a lifetime traveling through the land of sweet tea and grits experiencing a winning combination of good grub and great fishing. If considering a trip southward, don’t ignore Louisiana. It’s an outstanding fishery known for its abundance of redfish.

If you have the luxury of living in the West/Southwest you’re most likely familiar with “blue ribbon” trout streams and abundant fishing opportunities. Rivers such as the Henry’s Fork, Yellowstone, San Juan, Bighorn, Platte, Madison, Green and Deschutes provide anglers with pristine water, scenic surroundings and smart trout.

But don’t get stuck on fishing the well-known, there are plenty of lesser-known waters that hold plenty of fish. Western trout fishing will take you into some of the most beautiful country known to man. It also provides opportunity to fish backcountry lakes, high mountain streams and even fish for the elusive steelhead.

And while you may only dream of having the opportunity to fish various parts of the country, there’s no reason you can’t make fishing at home a reality.

Try It for Yourself

In his book Fly Fishing the High Country, John Gierach penned, “The best fisherman I know try not to make the same mistakes over and over again; instead they strive to make new and interesting mistakes and to remember what they learned from them.” Remember this nugget of wisdom as you hold a fly rod for the first time. Every fly fisherman, experienced to novice, makes mistakes. Don’t rush perfection, enjoy the journey and learn as you go.

There are dozens of reasons why you should try fly fishing at least once. A trip out West? Meeting new friends? Experiencing new cultures? But seriously, do even need a reason? Ditch the reasons and just try it.