Beads of Wisdom

Fly Fishing from a Paddle Craft

Catching

Searching for The Sleigh Ride

Now your fly is out there. What’s next? How should we adapt our fly fishing process to the liquid rhythms of paddle craft? Read the last in this Beads of Wisdom series for ideas.

● Consider your drift, place yourself on the uphill side of the movement

● Adjust the location of your boat. Cast. Present. Adjust. Cast. Present…

● Pay attention to the sounds around you. Some are fish, some are powerboats that don’t see you

● You have the opportunity to cast to each holding spot. Take your time to hit each one

● Pay attention to where you cast your fly. Unhooking from structure while sitting in a rocking small boat is no treat

● Keep your line control. In a paddle craft there is little chance to make up for lack of preparation

● The smaller the fishing area, the smaller the movements

● Except, exaggerate the hook set. There will be lots of slack line

● When you are connected, you’ll have little control over forward and backward motion of your boat, Enjoy the Sleigh Ride!

● Keep tension on your fish. Fight ‘em with a down and dirty rod angle

● Use a net, or just release your fish by just twisting the hook 

          You have begun to enjoy the convenience, affordability, cleanliness, and success of fly fishing from a paddle craft. Keep all that you’ve gained in these articles, for a lifetime of catching thrills.