Columnist Barb Henderson: Catching a fish on a fly is habit forming

Barb Henderson

Friday, Sept. 20, 2002 | 10:35 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio and television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

There's something truly wonderful about watching a fly-fisher cast while he/she stands in the waters of a flowing river. The rhythm and artistry of each cast brings the sport of fly-fishing alive with a spectacular atmosphere of solitude and serenity.

Even folks who don't fly-fish still often find beauty in the graceful movement from those who do.

Although fly-fishing might appear to be intimidating and complicated, with the correct lessons from a certified fly casting instructor and a whole lot of practice, this fishing technique often becomes a favorite way of hooking one on. Folks of all ages enjoy the sport.

There's a lot to learn before landing that first fish, but it's worth the journey.

What weight rod, line and reel to use for perfect balance? What fly to use? What's the best knot? How to cast?

The most confusing part of this type of fishing might be comprehending how to tie all the different lines -- backing, fly-line, leader, tippet and the fly -- together.

Choosing the best fly -- there are wet flies fished under the water and dry flies fished on the water surface -- is another consideration.

Once acquainted with the basics, fly-fishing still takes total concentration, special techniques for the best presentation and proper casting. For the most part, proper casting for the beginner will take practice, practice, practice.

OK, maybe it does sound a little intimidating.

Those interested in learning how to fly-fish should receive professional instruction and/or attend fly-fishing clinics. Remember to purchase a fishing license with the appropriate stamps, too.

Naturally, most folks who go fishing also want to look the part. At least that way, it appears they know what they're doing. Wearing the proper fly-fishing attire and having the right tackle doesn't have to be expensive -- although it can be.

Besides fishing gear, there's waders, boots, a cool looking fishing hat with flies on it, a vest with all those little gizmos hanging from it and a landing net. You know, all of those "let's go fishing" things.

Then all that's left is finding a trout.

Two local fly fishing organizations in Southern Nevada are the Las Vegas Fly-Fishing Club, which meets at the O.C. Lee Building at 1250 S. Burnham on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., and the Southern Nevada Chapter of Trout Unlimited, which meets at NDOW at 4747 Vegas Drive on the first Thursday of the month at 7.

Outdoors digest

NDOW has been testing harvested deer and elk for the virulent disease since 1998. During the past four hunting seasons none has tested positive. For more information contact the Nevada Division of Wildlife at 486-5127.

Until next week, enjoy the great outdoors.