History of Fly Fishing

admin — Sun, 15 May 2011 21:34:34 +0000

Today a widely popular sport, fly fishing is nearly as ancient as the history of fishing itself. Claudius Aelianus, who lived in the second century AD, wrote how the Macedonians would fish using a method of long poles and equally long string, at the end of which was attached a fly made from feathers and red wool fashioned to a hook. Before Claudius, Marcus Valerius Martialis wrote of a fish being caught with “fraudful flies”, a faint but distinct reference to fly fishing.

Fly fishing is marked by the specially made pole with string made from synthetic fibers and usually coated with plastic to give it weight. A “fly” is tied at the end: a small hook decorated to resemble local insects to attract the fish. Over time, both the sport itself as well as the gear used was modified to adapt to territory or the fish being caught; also, better methods were introduced in technique and in manufacturing of the poles and flies, to ensure a more successful fishing experience.

Originally, rods were made of wood, resulting in bulky, heavy poles which were difficult to maneuver.

To adapt, manufacturers in the West shortened the poles and engineered a system of reels for the line. This achieved a more pleasant experience in fishing while still retaining the system of fly fishing. In Japan, however, the poles are fashioned from bamboo, which is plenteous in the country. Because of the lightweight material, anglers had no problem with the length of the rods, and as a result fly fishing remains closer to its origins.



  
    
    
      pflueger 8ft fly rod and reel

      US $23.06  (7 Bids)

      Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 4:15:17 PST

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      FLY ROD REEL SEAT Amboyna Burl 3811 Nickel Silver Cap and Ring

      US $31.00 

      Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 4:37:56 PST

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      Vintage lure Horton- Ibbotson or South Bend fly rod ?

      US $9.95 

      Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 4:43:52 PST

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The Fishing PRO » History of Fly Fishing

History of Fly Fishing