In addition to technique, location, and thread, the type of flies that fly fishermen use can have a significant impact on the type of fish they catch. Regarding fly fishing, flies refer to a type of bait that looks like insects, invertebrates, and other small creatures to attract fish. To learn about the many different types of flies and their uses, continue reading.
Dry flies
Dry flies are the most common type of fly fishing lures. Fishing tackle manufacturers design such lures to float above the water’s surface to stimulate the action of an insect landing on the water. When the fly hits the water, fish will quickly race to catch it. This results in an exciting display as the fish launches itself into the air and is a great visual indicator that it’s time to reel the fish in.
Nymph flies
Many view the nymph fly as the most successful and versatile fly fishing lure. These lures sit just below the water’s surface rather than on top of it. The nymph fly gets its name from the nymph lifecycle stage of insects. During this stage, they spend most of their life underwater and are a plentiful food source for fish. To know when a fish attacks, professionals recommend a strike indicator for nymph flies since they are underwater and harder to see.
Poppers
Poppers refer to lures that resemble wounded or distressed small-prey animals, such as frogs, insects, baitfish, and mice. Such lures float on the surface of the water and have blunt or scooped heads that give them a twitching motion when pulled. Poppers are particularly attractive to bass and other warm-water species.
Streamer flies
The streamer flies’ design resembles the appearance of larger water animals such as minnows or leaches. Rather than flying above or floating below the surface of the water, streamer flies rest along the water’s surface. Fishermen can drag them in short or long bursts of movement. Such movement typically yields fast and forceful fish strikes, which will require using a heavier leader and tippet.
Saltwater flies
Saltwater flies are typically wet flies used to specifically attract marine fish species. Often, fishing equipment suppliers design them to imitate shrimp, baitfish, and crabs. The size of such lures varies greatly depending on the type of catch the angler wants to attract. However, they’re generally much larger than freshwater flies.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
