Fly fishing isn’t simply just another style of fishing, it’s an art that requires an immense level of skill, concentration, and technique. Aspects such as casting and line management all the way to fly presentation and selection, are indispensable when getting on the water.
Wading the waters with a fly rod in Rockbridge is unique in the sense that there is a broad variety of fish to be caught. Anglers around here have the option to fish ponds and lakes for largemouth bass, rivers for smallmouth bass, or streams and creeks for trout.
This versatility makes Rockbridge a solid area to find spots and bodies of water to fish. Some good public spots are Lake Robertson, Jordans Point, floating the Maury River, or walking on the Chessie Trail.
Freshman Ben Holston is one of very few people here at the high school that fly fishes in the waters of Rockbridge. The top water action and bite is what sets using a fly rod apart from a conventional rod for him, “it’s the best for topwater fishing,” Holston said.
Top water fishing involves using a lure that floats above the water column, as the name suggests. When the fish goes to strike at the lure, they jump out of the water and rise up to eat, which is a thrilling sight when on the water.
The most common species people fly fish around here are smallmouth bass and trout. Both of these species are aggressive feeders, and in the morning or evening hours, have a really active topwater bite that is awesome to fish.
Certain facets of fly fishing that Ben finds most enjoyable are, “tying flies, the rhythm, and the peacefulness,” Holston said.
Fly tying is just one of the many layers of fly fishing to be discovered and mastered. You start out with just a hook, and can either mimic other patterns and bugs, or create your own unique pattern. This process is done by wrapping string, feathers, and streamers around the hook.
People should get into fly fishing and open mindedly experiment with it as a new hobby because, “it’s good for the soul, it’s always great to be outside, and it’s a good way to hangout with friends” Holston said.
Holistically, fly fishing can teach you many lessons on discipline, patience, and precision. There is always something new to learn and always something to get better at, which makes it a hobby that is ever rewarding if you passionately stick to it.
