Fly fishing is a popular method of angling, as it allows fishermen to use their skills and finesse to catch a variety of fish. While some anglers may be content with using the traditional methods of casting and retrieving, others may choose to rig their fly fishing gear in order to gain an extra advantage. Rigs can be simple and require minimal materials, or complex and require specialized equipment.
Simple Rigging for Beginners
For beginner anglers, a simple rigging setup can help them get used to using multiple pieces of gear in tandem. This type of rig usually involves attaching a leader line directly to the fly line and then adding a tippet line to the end.
The tippet line is attached to the fly itself, allowing the fly to move freely through the water column. This setup works well for small streams and ponds where the fish aren’t too picky about their prey.
Double Rigging
Double rigging involves attaching two lines together with a loop knot, such as an improved clinch knot or an albright knot. The front end of one line is attached directly to the fly while the back end is attached to the second line.
The second line then has a leader attached which leads down into the water column. This type of rig allows for more precision Targeting of specific species or depths.
Sinking Lines
Sinking lines are designed for deeper waters where fish are more likely to be found. These lines sink quickly when cast into the water, allowing an angler to Target specific depths effectively. Sinking lines can also be used in conjunction with other rigs such as double rigging or dropper rigs for added effectiveness.
Dropper Rigs
A dropper rig is similar to double rigging but uses multiple flies instead of just one. A leader line is attached directly to the fly line before multiple tippet lines are added below it, each with its own fly attached at the end. Dropper rigs allow anglers to Target multiple depths at once and increase their chances of catching more fish.
