Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8 28 THE ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FLY ROD AND REEL I have a 9-foot and a 7-foot rod for different situations. A shorter rod helps you get into tighter spots where the fish like to hide. "Action" of the rod also plays a big part of how to cast with your rod. Find what works for you but get something that fits your budget. Fly-fishing is one of the more expensive hobbies but is well worth the money. A GOOD VARIETY OF BASIC FLIES Nymphs, caddis, wooly buggers, and leeches—wet versus dry. e types of flies out there will make you dizzy. Finding a local fly shop and seeing what peo- ple are talking about will help you pick something that will catch fish. Get a good variety of flies to "match the hatch," which means looking at the insects you see flying around and trying to present your fly in the same manner. One fly might be pulling out record fish where another won't make the fish bat an eye—swapping out your flies and trying something new at different times of the day is essential. Trout are finicky and patience is the key! A FISHING NET Instead of pulling the trout out of the river and letting it flop around on the shore use a net to keep it in the water. You will save more fish from injury, especially if you are just out for a day of catch-and-release fishing. Another tip is to always wet your hands before handling a trout. Many types of trout have a protective slime on their skin to help fight off parasites and bac- teria. By touching the trout excessively or with dry hands you will remove that slime. A PAIR OF FORCEPS It will help remove the hooks out of the trout's soft mouth. I grew up in the south fishing for bluegill, large- and small-mouth bass, crappie, stripers and catfish and never expe- Learn How to Fly-fish in One Day by TECH. SGT. CHAD THOMPSON CAROL POLICH W HEN I FIRST ARRIVED AT MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, THERE WAS ONLY ONE THING ON MY MIND—FLY-FISH- ING because Montana is known for having some of the best fly-fishing in the world. For fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers out there I can't think of a better way to spend a beautiful afternoon than being waist- deep in a cool stream with a fly rod in hand. "Matching the hatch" by using your keen sense to see the small insects that are flying around this time of year and reeling in that brown trout you saw hiding in some reeds. is is the beginning of a great adventure. Tips for Beginners

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