There are several ways to effectively find, stalk and launch fish with fly-fishing equipment directly from shore. Even if you have trees behind you or are fishing in tight spots, the right techniques will help you fish without getting your feet wet. Whether you're fishing in a stream, lake, or ocean, it's always a good idea to search for cruise fish and feed them close to shore. Stay on the shore at a safe distance from the water and use your eyes.
You'd be surprised how close the fish can be. In some cases, you may be able to cast from a distance, and during the mullet fishing on the coast here, I have hooked several mullets literally laying the line on the beach, while only the leader or even only part of the leader and the fly landed in the water. It was not easy to control because of the grass, grass and rocks on the water's edge, but getting close to the water was impossible. I would just have scared the fish.
Some fish may be a little further away, but close enough to get scared. Crouching and kneeling is a good way to hide, and it may be worth using rocks, shrubs and small hills as hiding places. And remember to watch before launching. You may see a fish further away, but overlook the ones that hide even closer.
Fly-fishermen often overlook calm waters looking to get out into moving waters after a long winter. But the rivers will be there later in the year, and spring is the best time for wading fly fishermen to walk along the coast. If you're looking for drumstick battles, nearby lakes, reservoirs and ponds can start the season the right way. First, follow the example of fly fishermen on drift boats.
They usually throw to banks. That's where trout lurk. Sure, there may be some tracks on the other side of the stream or maybe fifteen feet from the shore. But a lot of power rails clutter up the bench.
Luckily, fly fishing on foot can be extremely productive. Although wading or launching from the ground seems very simplistic, there are several small tricks and techniques that can be used to increase the success rate. Having spent much of my youth and now a good part of my adult life stuck in fishing, I have definitely accumulated some solid strategies that help me catch more fish. You don't need waders to successfully fly fish.
There are many out there who can (and do) find great success in fly fishing without waders. Some tips against wading in any circumstance. Or that, at least, they advocate seeing what can be caught on the bank before venturing into the water. It is also worth noting that waders, when not worn with a belt, can also pose a serious safety hazard (we'll talk about that later).
There are many out there who think that getting into fly fishing comes at a prohibitive cost without paying a lot of money for a good set of waders. However, if you are thinking of doing without them, it is essential to understand why they are useful and why so many consider them necessary so that you can act properly. Waders may not be essential, but they sure make standing in the water more comfortable. They also make launching more manageable by giving you a better choice of locations, allowing you to reach areas that are more difficult to access from land.
While you may discover that you can (and may prefer) fly fishing without waders, if you already have a pair, we wouldn't recommend throwing them out yet. Think of them as one more tool at your disposal. One that you can use freely as the situation requires. Too many fly-fishermen with calm waters spend their time throwing a trout right behind a trout because that's where it just grew.
The wind on the surface provides cover, and the small waves add a constant back-and-forth motion to your flies. Yes, fishing from a boat is wonderful, but stalking fish on foot is a very special experience, some will say it is much more intimate. Not yours, of course, but the other clowns who get into the water and scare away all the fish at close range before they even put their first pitch. For precise presentations, throw the hook past the trout feed lane and slowly pull the fly in front of the fish as it approaches.
Whether trout are hugging the bottom or sailing close to the surface looking for emerging insects, you can adjust your indicator to place flies at the correct depth. Neoprene waders will be fine if you are going to fly fish exclusively in the colder seasons, but for summer, you can also consider a pair of lightweight and breathable nylon waders, as they are more comfortable and with the latest technologies they are almost cut to wear them like a pair of jeans. Whether subtle or intense, these windy conditions are the key to productive fishing in calm waters. Noses Up fly fishing is presented by two brothers and their passion for chasing wild trout in spring streams with dry flies.
Trusting yourself to walk, wade, mischief or whatever you have to do to get to the fish is more of a simple and raw experience. Fish in nearby waters first: I have practically already addressed this topic here, however, it deserves a mention in this post again because it is one of my favorite tactics to use. That said, the reason many prefer to get into the water (aside from the inherent sense of adventure that wading provides) is because there are several obstacles to fly fishing on land. Do not actively strip or fish the fly, but let it splash and move as it does while walking.
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