I can’t get enough fishing most days because I love fishing. I have to say that I really have a passion for New Brunswick’s Atlantic salmon here in Canada.

Where? Just about anywhere on the Miramichi River works just fine for me.

Fly Fishing the Miramichi River New Brunswick

Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures in Sillikers, New Brunswick is just one of the many places you can get skilled Atlantic salmon fly fishing guides. I will put up a few more videos from different outfitters in the future.

Hope you enjoyed this video and are now thinking about your next fly fishing adventure to New Brunswick.

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Wading Boots: Caveat Emptor!

As is the way with angling equipment, you get what you pay for.  Spending $50 or so on Amazon or in Wal-Mart may seem like a good buy at first glance, but the odds are that your so-called money saving is in fact, a false economy:  this is as true of wading shoes as of your rod and reel.  They may not seem so at first, but at some point any serious fly fisherman will have to invest in a pair of wading boots or shoes.  Note, a standard hiking boot or sneaker is not good for splashing about in moving water, over slippery rocks, and on wet riverbanks (and by the same token, a good wading shoe is not good or intended to be used, for hiking trails, and the like).

Felt Soled Boots?

Until recently popular opinion has it that felt soled wading shoes are the best, providing the greatest flexibility and traction.  However, recent technological advances, coupled with a greater awareness of the need to ameliorate the introduction of environmentally-unfriendly micro-organisms (aquatic nuisance species, or ANS) into our waterways, have led to the introduction of a new style of fishing footwear that whilst providing the necessary traction, and ankle support, but also lessen the conditions liked by micro-organisms and are easier to clean and keep clean.  A good example are Simms G4 Guide Boots, complete with new Vibram soles & Cleanstream technology; well worth checking these out.

The wading shoe you purchase should be comfortable and have solid foot support when walking through water, and your selection may be influenced by the conditions you’ll be fishing in – speed of water current, type of terrain on the river bed, and the like.  When fly fishing these types of waters, river talons or studded cleats are highly recommended.  River talons and cleats fit around a standard wading shoe and have small, metal spikes on the bottom.  These spikes, in combination with the metal it is attached to, provide the ultimate in footing.  River talons are highly recommended for the angler who will be wading in waters that are extremely rocky, deep and have fast-flowing currents.

A Note on Boot Sizes

Another point to be aware of is that due to differences in the systems of foot measurement, buyers in the USA & Canada are advised to purchase wading boots one size above their actual shoe size, whereas in the UK for example, boot sizes equate more accurately to ones’ shoe size.  Most reputable stockists that sell fishing clothing such as the Simms G4 will have size charts and in some cases, written advice.  Further, most will supply the appropriate socks designed to go with the boots, as well as cleats mentioned above.

In Conclusion

A good quality wading boot or shoe provides grip in slippery, fast flowing water – leading to more enjoyable and safe wading. Whenever possible, look for wading shoes that have:

• Good ankle support
• Ease of cleaning
• A solid grip

A fly fisherman wading in a river using just sandals, sneakers or a pair of standard gum-boots on their feet will find themselves slipping around, constantly in danger of falling with consequences possibly more painful than simple wounded pride.

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Anglers in the UK are endowed with an unlimited selection of lakes, waterways, shores and rivers where a significant number of freshwater and saltwater fish species offer you great fun. Even though every angler has his tastes, quite a few desire to fish for trout or salmon. Ahead is a little information concerning the sort of fly fishing tackle you may need to have when seeking trout.

Concerning Flies and Trout

Because the eating routine of the trout is highly diverse, they are willing to get caught by a number of lures and baits. Trout eat minnows and other little shoal fish, along with grubs and worms forced up by the current. The major food source for trout, on the other hand, is insects. It’s probable to capture trout using bait as basic as earthworms or man-made spinning lures, or as sophisticated as vivid hand-tied representation of insects also known as flies. Anglers who want the highest challenge and excitement from their trout fishing excursions normally choose the approach that makes use of flies.

Fly Fishing Tackle -Trout Fly Rods

Rods for fly fishing tend to be created from an assortment of elements, including cutting edge carbon fibre along with simple split cane. Fibreglass rods are common likewise. For fishing lakes, quite a few anglers prefer a lengthier fishing rod, sometimes eleven ft. or more. Longer rods also are preferred by wet fly fishermen. Dry fly anglers typically opt for a smaller rod approximately 8-9 ft. in length. While fly fishing in rivers or from shore, quite a few anglers employ a rod roughly nine to ten feet in length, and a lightweight line.

Trout Fly Reels

The choosing of a fishing reel is highly personal and is dependent upon the angler’s design. Quite a few want to allow the trout to take off with the line while playing it out more by hand than by making use of the fishing reel. Others enjoy the obstacle of playing the fish with a smaller line, opting to wind the fishing line back onto the fishing reel by using the crank. Functions to seek out include disk drag or spring and pawl click drag, anodized paint finish, ball bearings and massive arbours. A lot of fly fishermen love implementing top quality reels from years past, such as those created by J.W. Young of Redditch. Antique reels made by Beaudex and Pridex also tend to be well-liked, along with the reasonably priced Rimfly models.

Trout Fly Lines

Initial trout fly lines had been produced from silk. Modern lines come in a stunning range of variations, forms and weights. Some lines are double tapered, some are either weighted or floatingf. Weighted lines are developed to sink incrementally, quickly or somewhere in the middle. To some extent, the decision of reel has a bearing on the selection of line. Plastic line is well-known with trout fishermen and is easy to keep. Plenty of anglers select a double tapered floating line for both river and lake venues. Double tapered line likewise is rather long lasting and more versatile than other sorts of line. Moderately priced fly line is available from Aircel, Shakespeare, Cortland and others.

When equipped with the appropriate fly fishing tackle, UK anglers can drastically improve their odds for being successful.

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I have done a lot of hiking through New Brunswick with my fly rod in hand looking for that next brook trout. We have a lot of brooks and streams that hold trout but we also have a lot of lakes and ponds that have their fair share of brook trout. Those are the trout I like to get my float tube out for. Nothing like floating around a backwoods pond with my fly rod and of course a friend to share the fun with. That’s why I have two float tubes.

This morning I was sitting here in my home office sipping on a steaming hot coffee staring into the backyard wishing I was fishing instead of sitting here. I love working from home because usually I can drop what I am doing, when I have the urge, and grab my fishing gear for a day on the water, but then there are those times when I just have to work. This week it’s about getting my home garden prepared before I am late like most years.

I was thinking about a little spot I used to fish brookies. Haven’t been there for years now.

There is a spot I like to go to that has about 6 or so trout ponds. They are easy to access on foot if you know where they are but getting a canoe into them is a tough job, as I found out. Especially if you are alone. I was so exhausted and angry by the time I dragged my canoe in there that it took me 15 minutes or so just to calm down. That was the only time I ever took my canoe back in there. Plus I couldn’t carry everything in one trip and had to go back to the car for the rest of my fishing gear and paddles.

A few years later I bought a float tube and took it back in there. What a difference. I was fishing long before I would ever have gotten my canoe in there, with much less stress as well. So much easier. No need for an anchor either. I don’t even need to stop fishing when I am on the move, no paddles, just my feet and flippers. Very cool, so cool actually that I went out and bought a second float tube just so I could invite friends. It’s always more fun when shared with like minded people.

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I don’t seem to get out salmon fishing nearly as often as I used to in years past when we had a vehicle and I had better health, but the last time I was out was a blast. And I took a new friend who had never fished salmon before.

I was praying for a great day on the water as I remember that first time I hooked into a salmon and really wanted to see Tim have that experience.

I took Tim to a spot that was only an hour from home which is where I usually head to after work as I can get in a few hours before it gets too dark to fish.

I have a grilse on the fly rod, great fun

It wasn’t more than a half hour and I had already hooked into a salmon. I was pretty excited because this was my first salmon in 4 years, since the heart attack that nearly took me. It didn’t take long before I was completely out of energy but with Tim’s help I landed it. There’s one for the dinner plate.

I have my grisle for supper, I'm a happy camper

I was having a hard time holding my arms up to show off my salmon but I landed it and after a few minutes my strength was back and I was fly fishing salmon again.

Now was easily as excited as I was and seeing that I had hooked and landed my first one of the day I am sure boosted his confidence because it was only about an hour later and he hooked into his first Atlantic salmon. Now it was my turn to be excited for him.

Tim hooks and lands his first Atlantic salmon

Shortly after Tim landed his salmon I was into another one but this time it was a little bigger than the first. I was afraid I as going to have to cut my line as I ran out of energy again and my arms just wouldn’t hold up. Then with one more jump and short run and I landed him. Tim tailed the salmon for me.

What a fight this Atlantic salmon gave me

I am already looking forward to Atlantic salmon fishing in 2010. I have been walking and increasing my strength so I am ready for them this year.

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There are thousands of live-bait anglers, who are excellent sportsmen, but the fly fisherman can practice better conservation from the beginning.

Basically, fly fishing is not only one of the fastest growing sports; it is one of the foremost forms of conserving  natural resources as well as providing aquatic recreation.

Fly fishing is, very simple when three things are right: you must have a suitable rod; you must get a line to match it; and you must learn correct casting technique.

For people who wish to know some tips on fly fishing, here is a list of some pointers that could help anglers harness their fly fishing skills:

1. Material of the rod

For one of moderate means, and especially for the beginners, hollow glass is advised since it will require less care than bamboo and will not take a set if improperly handled or stored.

2. Line

Your fly casting skill will not progress with a mismatched rod and line. About 99 times in 100, the troubled fly caster has a line much too light to bring out the action of his rod.

That is why it is important to know that on any given rod, the fly fisherman should use the same size line for anything from small trout and bluegills up to the largest sea fish.

In choosing the size line, anglers should get a C level, an HCH double-taper, or a GBF three-diameter. This choice is based on the fact that a high percentage of fly rods bought nowadays are hollow glass, and that a great majority of these works best with lines of those sizes, almost regardless of lengths or weights.

3. The correct casting technique

In casting, it is important to get about 20 feet of line out front. Anglers should always remember to cast a straight line. Avoid jerky movements even if it is on a faster mode in order to do so.

Best of all, the angler should be relaxed because taunt muscles will ruin his casting.

Boiled down, there should be no reason why you should not learn the fundamental principles just as easily as those who now enjoy fly fishing.

Probably, the best and surest way to learn to cast successfully is to spend a day on the stream with some fisherman who is a competent caster.

Lessons learned on the stream are the best tips you can acquire anywhere in your quest for learning fly fishing.

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Fly Fishing isn’t just a sport or pastime for many, it’s more of a passion. And from what I have seen age doesn’t matter. If you can lift your arms and stand you most likely would enjoy fly fishing. Even after a major heart attack and a little recovery time I was able to fly fish, I did have to take frequent breaks but the fly rod did most of the work once I hooked into a fish.

In my experience most people that think about fly fishing think of trout or salmon but don’t limit yourself. I fly fish for trout and salmon but I also fly fish for smallmouth bass and chain pickerel. Some day I will also take a trip and try for some monster northern pike, maybe in Ontario or Quebec.

I have also heard that carp are a blast on the fly. But before I hook into any carp or pike I think I will purchase a heavier action fly rod. I know my current 8 lb fly rod would snap pretty quick.

The Gear I Take Fly Fishing

Hip or Chest Waders – I don’t mind getting wet when the conditions are right but most of the time I prefer to keep dry and comfortable so I bring waders every time I go fishing, even if I am in a canoe or a boat. You just never know when you might want to get out and fish a brook or stream.

Plus keeping dry and warm allows me to stay on the water longer and I am certainly up for more time on the water with my fly rod.

I had a pair of neoprene waders that were great in the early season when the water is still very cold and then a pair of light weight waders for the rest of the fishing season. I have to get a new pair of neoprene waders though, my old ones have gone through too much and need to put away for spare parts.

You can buy hip waders but I have not bought a pair of those in 30 years as I much prefer the chest waders. I tend to get into water that always ends up over my butt so the hip waders don’t work so well.

Fly Reels – I have never spent much money on my fly fishing reels but then I have never hooked into a fish bigger than 20 pounds. As a matter of fact I only just replaced my first fly reel in 2009. That reel was inexpensive and came with two spools. It lasted me almost 30 years.

I didn’t replace it because it broke or stopped working. I just figured it was time to buy a new fly reel. I put the new fly reel on the same fly rod I have been using for more than 20 years.

Fly Rods – You can buy fly rods in various weight classes. My fly rod is an weight and worked perfectly for 30 years. There are a few times I wished I had a lighter action fly rod. I have been thinking of picking up a second fly rod, one that is about a 3 or 5 weight. It would be perfect for those brook trout and smallmouth bass I fish in some lakes and ponds where they only get to be a pound or two in weight.

My 8 weight fly rod has landed me some nice size salmon over the years and has never failed me.

It would be great to be able to bring a my son fly fishing or a few fishing buddies that haven’t tried fly fishing yet. I just love the excitement when they hook and land their first fish on the fly rod.

Fly Lines – I have two spools for my fly reel. I have floating fly line on one and sinking fly line on the second.

In all the years I have been fly fishing, more than 30 years now, I have only ever purchased a couple of fly lines. They just seem to last for ever. I know some guys and gals have new fly line every year but I use things until they absolutely have to be changed and have never had one fail on me.

Artificial Flies – I use a variety of flies when I am fly fishing and enjoy tying most of my own flies. Some times I do buy flies, but usually that’s because I got caught without the right flies or I just wanted to get an original so I could learn to tie it myself.

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I never got along with my foster father but he did teach me a lot of life lesson that have helped me over the years. Of course I would never have told him that as his teaching methods always included a heavy hand. I ran away at age 15 but must admit that he did teach me a lot of useful things.

One thing that I learned was ‘a little patience’. I put that in quotes because I am still working on the patience thing and have to tell myself all the time to stop and pay attention. I have a lot more fun and catch more when fly fishing on those days that I listen to the what the old man said, so many years ago.

Fly Fishing Details That Usually Get More Hookups

Turning Trout Away – Most of the brooks and streams I fish for brook trout have moving water which means your fly will have drag and float like a normal bug or fly would. Keeping a few S-curves in your fly line is going to help keep that fly floating naturally for longer.

Shadows Spook Trout - Trout don’t just spook when a bird flies over and casts a shadow. They are predators to the trout and for this reason the trout will keep safe and skip a meal, so don’t wave your fly rod around too much and try to fly fish or present your offering from an angle that keeps the shadows to a minimum.

Stealth is your secret weapon. Everything needs to look normal to keep the trout’s stress level down enough for them to go after your flies.

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• The Joy of Fishing Streams For Brook Trout (thejoyofflyfishing.com)

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Fly fishing for Brook trout in the multitude of streams, brooks and rivers here in New Brunswick is exciting. You can fish a different water every day of the year and would still have plenty of brooks you haven’t tried yet.

The trout are plentiful but without a little knowledge about where trout hangout you may find yourself frustrated wondering why they aren’t biting.

These few tips and tricks can make all the difference.

• Trout tend to be hungry most of the time and don’t like missing a meal if possible, so they stick around areas that bring food to them and do their best to stay in water where they don’t have to use more energy to maintain their spot than they get from what they eat.

• I may do a lot of catch and release but you can be sure the trout’s predators aren’t so kind so the trout has to also try and keep from being eaten, paying attention to everything above the water. Birds can come out of nowhere so the trout must always be on guard. Knowing this you need to be a bit stealthy or you will spoke a lot of your potential catches.

Knowing these things can really narrow down the places you should fish, helping you avoid wasting your time fishing places that trout aren’t likely to be.

Because trout like running water they live in currents and lie where the least amount of current is yet enough current to bring food to them so they can expend as little effort as possible. For a trout it’s always a balance, is it worth the energy to go for the meal. When the meal comes to them it’s not so much of a decision.

So when you are fishing areas that have current look for the places a trout could be in that current using the least amount of energy. Fish behind anything that breaks up the speed of the current, like rocks and other obstructions.

I notice that trout like to hang out under things that will still allow the food to come to them but will protect them from those predators that come from above. They will also stay in deeper pools where most birds can’t get to them.

There is lots to learn about fly fishing for trout so if you want to learn more about fly fishing then take a minute and check out this fly fishing ebook.

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