Flying is a fun way to spend time after a hard day of fishing. You can do it almost anywhere as there are no restrictions on how you get up and down!
It does not matter if you are the best fly fisherman in the world or you just love flying, there is always something to see and do. There are thousands of waterfowl migrating through our region each year, so getting certified as a merle-morph flight instructor is an easy way to learn how to fly.
Some individuals enjoy the process of learning how to fly more complicated flies than others, so here are some tips that may help you find your flight style. Do not rule out the possibility of having a go if you have been away from the water for awhile!
There are many universities and flight schools that offer their services as self-study courses or through licensed flight instructors.
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Check airline requirements
Before you fly, make sure your fly fishing gear is legal to fly in and out of the airport or airfield you are flying into or out of. Many airports have a restricted area for watercraft, including fly fishing gear.
Some airports require certain types of watercraft be boarded prior to flight, such as jet skis. Others allow them once on-ground safety checks are completed. Check the rules at the airport before you leave home!
If you need help with how to check if your fish equipment is allowed on-airport or in-land flight, see the next bullet point.
Pack your gear correctly
Your gear should be labeled properly. It is best to have a quick way to tell which piece of fly fishing equipment you have!
Fly fishing flies are normally labeled “Trolling Clips”, “Trolling Waders”, or “ trolling Gear”. These types of gear are usually labeled with a length of line, a ring-type barb device, and/or a float.
The barb device helps you determine which fish are biting the lure, the float helps you find your target area when you wade, and the length of line helps you know where your rod ends and your water source begins.
When packing your gear, it is important to know what type of fish you are looking for, where they are located, and what conditions they were in the last week.
Make sure all parts are together
When getting your fly fishing gear assembled, make sure the barb is pointed in the right direction, the hook is connected to the barb, and the ring is connected to the hook. This goes for getting your line and leader packaged as well.
When you are trying your new gear out in fresh water or small streams, you can test it out by connecting the line and leader and letting him/her fish. If it works, great! You have created a good foundation for future fishes!
If not, then get some new gear! There are many ways to makefly fishing easier and more efficient. Here are some tips to help you become more ready for some fish!
Today we will discuss how to make flying with fly fishing gear more efficient. Many people purchase extra leaders, tags, and other gear they do not use every single time they fish so that they do not have to waste money moving things around when trying them out.
Label your luggage correctly
When you fly with weight limitations, it is important to know what kind of luggage you have and how much each can hold. Most countries have a limit on the weight of luggage you can purchase.
In some countries, such as the United States, a suitcase is considered a single item of luggage that can weigh up to 30 pounds (14 kg). A carry-on must not be more than 14 pounds (6 kg) and must not contain any other clothing.
In these countries, special rules apply for how much weight your luggage can own and how much it can hold. In order to fly with weight limitations, you must follow these rules.
Inform the airline of any irregularities
Any unusual sights or sounds you see or hear when flying with fly fishing gear is an alert for the airline.
Many fishies that use flys are also photographers so looking up how to photograph fish with their gear is helpful. If there are any poor photos, the airline can ask if they look natural or smooth. If so, they may be safer to not transport them.
There are some reports of snakes being spotted in carry-on luggage, making certain that it ischecked out by the airline before throwing it in the hold. If a snake is present, this may help keep it safe!
If fishies need to have pictures taken for media or tournaments, having some crudels or covers on their gear will help prevent them from being cold while carrying around proof of their catch.
Check in early
If you are going to fly fish, check in with your local fish and fly fishing community early to find out if there are any upcoming events or notices related to equipment training courses or open water seminars.
Many area fish clubs offer open water courses and live training for your fly rod and line, making it an easy way to learn how to fly fish. Some also host formal open water courses for certified fishers.
If you attend a fishing clinic or open-water course, make sure you bring your own locker key so the club can let you into the facility.
Keep your ticket and boarding pass with your gear at all times
If you are flying in or out of the US, you should always keep your ticket and boarding pass with you. Even if you do not plan to fly at all days, even within the US!
If you are traveling outside of the US, both tickets and boarding pass can be obtained through your airline. Most airlines require a copy of your ticket and boarding pass for flight confirmation, as well as at check-in and on board.
Flight changes are handled by your original boarding pass and time frame for getting a new boarder. Flight changes must be made before the next flight arrives so that everyone has a chance to catch their new plane.
Don’t stand in the area where you keep your fishing gear until boarding begins
After you’ve boarded your fish, stay put until you landoireally start fishing!
During take-off and landing, you must remove your fly and use the equipment provided tofish.