Fly Fishing FAQ

Here are some answers to typical questions that new fly fishermen may have.

Do I need a special rod for fly fishing?

Yes. Fly rods are different from rods for any other type of fishing. Luckily for you, the perfect fly rod for your needs can be found at Uncle Jack's.

What is a leader

A leader is what connects the fly line and the fly. This ensures that the fly is presented to fish in a way that looks more natural to how they would see a real fly.

What is a tippet?

A tippet is a piece of line connected to the leader and the fly. Like a leader, it's designed to present the fly to the fish in the most natural way possible.

Do I need waders for fly fishing?

While not a necessity, they do keep you dry if you plan to fish from the water. Like fly rods, we can fix you up with the waders you need.

How do I know which fly to use?

It's hard to know for sure, and the choice of flies is what seperates a good fisherman from a great one. One hard and steady rule is to match the hatch. Look for flies around the spot you're fishing at and try to use a fly from your repetoire that matches.

What are the different types of flies?

Dry flies, nymphs and steamers. Dry flies are meant to be fished on the surface of the water. Nymphs are an imitation of one of the stages of insects like mayflies, caddis or stoneflies. The nymph stage is when insects live under the surface of the water. Nymphs are meant to be fished under the surface of the water. Streamers are a fishing fly that is meant to imitate a small baitfish or leech that is meant to be fished well under the surface of the water.

Where can I fly fish?

The rules vary by state, so you should consult your local fishing rules. For people in the Uncle John's homestate of Maine, here are the Maine Fishing Laws.