What makes a real 'Fly Fisherman'? I mean what defines being a fly fisherman? Using an imitation fly to catch a fish? What type of waters you fish?

To me catching a fish on an artificial fly or a lure with a fly rod and fly line fly reel etc. Is fly fishing. Doesn't matter what methods you use in between ie using a bung, using multiple flies, sinking lines. It seems to me there's a lot of snobbery in this sport and 'purists' slating other anglers for how they catch there fish even if it is within the rules. Personally I don't use bungs but I would if I thought it would benefit how I fish. I certainly wouldn't think 'oh i cant be using a bung otherwise i'm cheating. Old Charles Jardine would be mortified!'

I guess what made me start this thread is the 'what would you do' thread. Some of the comments on there are ridiculous. Don't get me wrong I totally agree that that pond is probably a nasty place to fish but Some people really do think there on some sort of higher level. Were all fisherman.

Charlie

I suspect you have opened a can of worms here, but rather than watch Eastenders I'll try to answer the question as I see it.

I'm not sure what you are trying to achieve by asking what is a "real" fly fisher. We're all "real", though some will assume that they are more "real" than others.

I consider myself to be an adaptable fly fisher. I'm not hide-bound with regards to methods, though there are some techniques I prefer to others. In my younger day I was considered to be a bit of a radical, and some of it still clings on. I think I have tried just about every fly fishing style and method. I have fished rivers both large and small; home and abroad; chalk stream and freestone; small stillwaters, large reservoirs, wild lakes, boat and bank. I've fished for fun and in competition up to and including International. I tie flies and have tied professionally. I've written articles and taken photographs. I've done presentations to clubs. I spent near enough 40 years of my working life in fisheries management.

Does that make me a "real" fly fisher?

The late Richard Walker once wrote "observation plus thought equals fish" and I've tried to follow that motto in both my game and coarse angling.

Am I a "real" fly fisher? All I can say is that I am comfortable in where I am as an angler. I don't feel I have anything to prove either to myself or anyone else. If someone wants to fish a muddy hole and use a blob under an indicator, I won't condemn him, though I will pity him because he is denying himself the opportunity to learn. Even after all this time I still think there is something to be learned.

Who really cares would be my answer. What is important is what makes YOU happy when fly fishing - pursue what makes you happy. However, pursuing a specific ideal does not mean you can't have, and express, an opinion on yours or others' ideals. I highly doubt that any one opinion is going to prevent other people from doing what makes THEM happy.

And just in case anyone wants to know my own, unique opinion, real fly fishing is the state of mind - being out in nature, preserving it, appreciating it, preferably being alone, man vs fish (not man vs man), catch and release, observing, questioning, learning, challenging oneself, the beauty of trout, the tranquillity of running water, the freshness of mountain air and enjoying all of the above just as much, or perhaps a little more, than the act of actually catching fish.

To me a `Real Fly Fisherman` is someone who simply loves what they are doing at the time, whether it be catching fish (using a fly rod and fly line) or simply chatting to the people around him and sharing in the experience.

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My Fishing Blogg:

http://northernflyfisher.blogspot.com/

I much prefer a fishery where you can hunt for your fish rather than every peg taken with anglers who have set up camp for the day!

Rotation should be the norm on all stillwaters "In My Opinion".

You are not cheating using the bung , You just lack any angling skills to catch fish in the traditional manner , Its no shame - Just don't call it fly fishing!

Col

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"It is not easy to tell one how to cast. The art must be acquired by practice.

Live and let live for me , I fish wet fly almost exclusively down and accross, there are likely more sucessful techniques but this is the style I enjoy and for me that's the bottom line, if you enjoy it and are within the rules then knock yourself out!

I was kitting up the other day and a couple of lads were asking me about the club waters, we got chatting about where they had fished etc when another fisherman walked up and joined us just as these lads were talling me they had done some still water fishing. This other fisherman proceeded to rather rudely say that wasn't proper fly fishing yadda yadda.....seriously what is wrong with folk, I think some wont be happy unless you areeally gets stood in your tweeds

Sorry to rant but this kind of snobbery really gets my goat!

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http://bloodyfishing.wordpress.com

Spot on Bob, nothing to add.
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

I think it's easier for an all-rounder to see it as all just fishing. I don't really have a problem with how other people fish, within the rules, but if what they do conflicts with how I like to fish then I'll have to avoid them. At the place North Country Angler described, everyone was sitting and waiting and the place was crowded, which makes roving impossible. If that's how they want to fish, that's fine, but if most people want to fish like that, roving anglers need to go elsewhere.

The other things people get worked up about, use of bungs or lures or blobs or whatever, I think a reality check is in order for anyone fishing for a farmed alien species and getting sniffy about other people's legal methods.

A Real Fly Fisherman is a "Hunter"

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"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."
http://robbiephelan.blogspot.com/

a real one understands fish their habits and there world, he understands nature too and all thats around him. A kid on one bags up on stockies and uses pink blobs and bungs.

nuff said

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I HATE BUNGS.........