Basic Tips for Fly-Fishing By Robert Rankin, Robbinsville, NC

Introduction• Robert Rankin of Robbinsville, NC, has led all activities

and operations at Snowbird Mountain Lodge since 1995. When he is not guiding guests at the lodge to Sunrise Point and other scenic points on the mountain, Robert Rankin spends his time enjoying the Robbinsville, NC, area by hiking, mountain biking, and fly-fishing.

Fly-fishing is an exciting and relaxing way to spend a day away from the office. Below are a few types for successful fly-fishing.

First and foremost, the size and other details of a lure are highly important.

Fly Fishing• The shape, color, and the action of lures, usually referred

to simply as flies, should be researched in relation to a specific species of fish or area. When fly-fishing for trout, for instance, larger flies are more effective, though action is more important than size or shape during a saltwater outing.

Similarly, fly-fishermen must know where and how their prey eats. Different fish search for food in different parts of the water column. For example, dry flies stay on the water’s surface, and nymphs, or streamers, sink to the bottom. Lastly, inexperienced fly-fishers can use the seasons as a guide when it comes to the right color for a fly. The warmer the weather is, the lighter color of the fly