There are two main types of freshwater fishing for sport. The most common method is spin or regular fishing, where baitcasting reels or spinning reels are involved. The other one is fly fishing, in which a rod and an illusionary fly are used as bait. While some fishermen appreciate both fly and regular fishing alike, most have a favorite.
To capture a fish, fly fishing and regular fishing both use various techniques. However, the two are fundamentally different. Today, we’re going to discuss the main distinctions between fly fishing and regular fishing in detail.
Fly Fishing vs. Regular Fishing
The Purpose
Fly fishing is the technique of deceiving a fish (usually a trout) with a fake fly that looks like an insect. Trout are fussy and easily startled, making them tough to catch. Fly fishermen take delight in their flies’ looks and presentation.
The challenge for a fly angler is to find elusive fish and target them with the perfect fly. For fly fishers, catching fish is sometimes secondary to finding the ideal challenge to entice the most unlikely of fish.
Often, the purpose of regular fishing is to catch more fish. That doesn’t mean some regular fishermen don’t love the challenge of choosing the right bait. With a greater variety of lures, presentations, and water areas, the emphasis is on catching the most fish.
Regular fishing can catch a lot of fish and is often easier. With its restricted means of displaying flies to fish, fly fishing might be a purer kind of fishing.
Rods
Long, flexible, and light fly-fishing poles or rods make them ideal for the sport. Casting all day would be impossible if they were heavier. Fly fishing differs from other types of fishing in that you can’t just set your rod in a holder waiting for a bite; instead, you have to move around and sometimes even wade into the water to catch a fish. As a result, the equipment must be lightweight to make that happen.
Regular fishing rods are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. These include spinning, match/float, carp, and telescopic rods (combination rods for beginners), all available in various lengths, actions, and strengths.
Fly rods, to the untrained eye, can appear to be conventional spinning rods. But fly rods are longer; the standard length is roughly 9 feet, while shorter and longer versions are available. As with regular fishing rods, there are several things to consider when selecting the correct fly rod.
These rods utilize length to generate momentum and flexibility to generate greater potential energy since the line is pulled by weight.
Lines
A fly-fishing configuration is usually highly specific. A fly reel has a fly line, backing, leader, and tippet. Each sort of line serves a purpose.
The backing is used to give a hard-fighting fish extra run. Next is the fly line, which adds weight. The leader then tapers from thick to thin to avoid being detected by the fish. Finally, the tippet connects the fly and is ultra-thin to fool the fish.
The line used for regular fishing varies based on the fish being targeted. Make sure you use a heavy monofilament or braided fishing line that can withstand 50-pound fish. To prevent pike or muskie bites, regular fishers use steel leaders at the end of their lines. Panfish spin fisherman might need line as fine as tippet.
Reels
Regular fishing reels are usually baitcasting or spinning. These reels come in a variety of diameters and gear ratios. The gear ratio measures how many times a handle turn rotates the spool. You will need to choose a reel based on your fishing method and the fish species.
Fly reels are relatively easier. These reels have two disks and a cylinder in between. It has a tiny handle. The drag system is comparable to that of a spinning reel, but that is all these reels have in common. Fly reels hold the line and fly fishermen remove and retrieve it with their hands. This is difficult with regular fishing reels.
Baits
Regular fishing involves a wide variety of natural and artificial baits. To catch a carp, you can use live bait, artificial lures like spinners and crankbaits, or make your own carp boilies. Depending on the fish, you can use corn or bread too.
These baits and lures all have one thing in common: weight. Its weight alone can drag the line out, particularly if you use sinkers to deliver the lure at any depth. Regular fishing baits can be given at any desired depth, which is another difference.
Fly fishing baits are small flies of various sizes. You must “match the hatch.” Anglers must know local bug species and life phases. So, they can pick the right fly.
Attractors are flies that do not imitate actual flies. They are employed when the fish is finicky and feeds a lot. But, like flies, they are exceedingly light.
For the best bait, some fishermen construct their own flies. It’s hard work but worthwhile.
Type of Water
Fly fishing photos and videos almost always show anglers in the wild, on rapid, clean rivers. And yeah, they are ideal fly-fishing conditions. The technique is mostly used in moving water. Some anglers also fly fish in lakes. The approach is not ideal for ponds or tiny lakes. Saltwater species like snook and striped bass can also be caught this way.
Fly fishing is also done from the shore or while strolling across the water. Unlike regular fishing, it is not done on a boat. Regular fishing is legal in any waters where fish are found. Any of the available water bodies can be explored for regular fishing.
Techniques
There are numerous techniques for regular fishing. Popular ones include float fishing, spinning, jigging, trolling, and bottom fishing. Each requires its own set of gear and bait. You can utilize various lines, rods, reels, and lures.
Only specialized fly-fishing tools and flies are used in fly fishing. Casting, in particular, is a difficult technique to learn. It’s a line, not a lure to cast here.
In casting a fly rod, the impulse passes from the rod’s tip to the weighted line. This motion causes loops to form along the line. A forward cast is one of the most common techniques employed in standard conditions. It involves flicking the rod up, over the shoulder back, and casting forward. Other casting techniques exist but are not ideal for novices.
The hook is also different. Beginners and regular fishers alike frequently draw the rod upward to set it. Fly rods are pulled parallel to the water’s surface during fly-fishing. This might be an oversimplified illustration, but it gets the message across.
Fishing Experience
Fly fishing takes more time, energy, and commitment. It’s a great way to connect with nature and have an interesting experience.
Regular fishing can be similar if you are capturing wild fish and having fun. Normal evening pond fishing isn’t comparable to fly fishing or even more daring regular pond fishing. Regular fishing is also better ideal for absolute beginners or casual fishers.
Costs
Regular fishing rods and reels are readily available and reasonably priced. Rods and reels under $50 will do. Be sure to purchase from reliable sources. You can get a $1000 reel, but you don’t need it all the time.
It costs $100 with a line, float, and hooks. Buying a rod and reel set can save you money. It’s fine for learning and capturing smaller fish.
Fly fishing equipment is specialized and expensive. A basic setup with a rod, reel, line, and other stuff will cost you at least $200 to $300, and usually more. So, if you want to try fly fishing, expect to spend a little more.
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to it, fly and regular fishing are vastly different. In the end, you’re all going for the same thing—catching fish. A lot depends on what kind of fishing experience you’re looking for, your budget, and the waters around your location.
Don’t let yourself get pigeonholed into one or the other choice. Getting out on the water with both a fly and a regular spinning rod is the greatest way to discover which method you prefer. You become a better angler due to understanding how to use both setups.