If you're getting into the sport of fly fishing, congratulations! This is a sport you can enjoy around the world, in fresh and salt water, for a lifetime. As you gain more fly fishing experience, you'll learn some hacks and tips that make your fishing trips more enjoyable. Here are four to get you started, so you can spend less time fussing and more time fishing.

Use looped rope to separate and protect your fly rods.

In the hurry to get out on the water and start catching fish, you may be tempted to just throw your poles in the back of the SUV or pickup and head out. Instead, take a few moments to separate and protect them by stringing two pieces of looped rope (available online and from sporting goods retailers) across the front and back of your vehicle. Most cars and trucks have hooks at the edge of the roof where you can attach the rope.

Suspend each rod front to back in its own set of loops--kind of like a ski rack for fishing rods. Your rods won't bump up against each other, so you won't damage any gear rented from an outfitter. Your rods won't become projectiles in the event of an accident either, and you'll free up space for other gear. You can use the looped rope for hauling other long, thin items, like PVC pipe, garden stakes, or corner round strips for home improvement projects.

Make your own reference cards.

When you first go out fishing without a guide, you'll realize how much you depended on your pro for vital information. Do what physicians do, and carry a set of laminated cards with you with reference charts for your trip. Instead of drug doses and resuscitation protocols, include things like:

  • fish species identification for your region
  • seasonal and temperature ranges for fish
  • size limits for each fish type
  • a measuring gauge so you know your fish are of legal length
  • common fly fishing knots
  • which flies to use with which insect hatches

Print your cards, shrink them on a copier, and then laminate them. Connect your cards with a caribiner or D-ring.

Think about using a kayak or canoe trailer.

If you like to fish from a small vessel, like a kayak or canoe that lets you get right down in the water, consider purchasing or renting a trailer for your boat. Buoyant kayak and canoe trailers are designed to be pulled behind your vessel, to hold and protect extra gear and valuables. You'll have more room in the canoe or kayak, and you'll be able to stay out longer, even overnight, with extra weather protection, food, and emergency supplies in tow.

Be safe with canoe or kayak lights.

Finally, some of the best fly fishing takes place at dawn, at dusk, or in foggy weather. But this also puts your canoe or kayak at risk of collision with other vehicles if they can't see you. Make yourself visible without destroying your natural experience or scaring the fish away by attaching waterproof LED light strips along the gunwales of your vessel. Use blue or red lights for the easiest night vision or green to attract bait fish, and you'll be safe while you have a blast catching your limit.

For more help, talk to a company like Latitudes Outfitting Company.

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