The History of Fly Fishing

<h1>The History of Fly Fishing</h1>Author: <a title="Bob Bastian" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/bob-bastian/2507.htm">Bob Bastian</a> No one really knows when fly fishing first began. It is believed that it existed long ago in ancient times. One of the earliest written references to fly fishing was made by Claudius Aelianus. In 200 AD he wrote of people that were fishing in a river with a hand made fly. He described how they attached red wool and feathers to a hook. The rods they used and the sting attached were each about six feet long. These people were the ancient Macedonians. Throughout history from Aelianus to the present people have been writing about fly fishing, and many thousands of others have been enjoying the sport. 
 
The Princess of Soapwell, English, was an avid fly fisherman. Her name was Dame Juliana Berners and she was a master at her sport. At the time Columbus was searching for the New World, Dame Juliana was publishing an extensive treatise on the art of fly fishing. In her treatise she described the twelve styles of fly and included extensive instructions on how to tie them. She patterns were put into categories by the month that they were used most often. 
 
She also described the rod that was used for fly fishing during that time. It measured about 18 feet long and was very flexible, The rods were made of several different types of wood which added to their flexibility. Their lines were short, by today's standards, and were made of hand braided horse hair. The general rule of the time was that the line should not be longer then the fishing rod. The line was tied to the tip of the pole. 
 
Many fly fishermen of today have used her patterns for the fly. They say they are just as effective today as they were more than five hundred years ago. Several of the more popular patterns include the Black Gnat, the Wooly Worm, the Stonefly and the Whirling Dun. 
 
In the mid 1600's Isaak Walton published his book "Compleat Angler." Throughout history from then on, Izaak Walton has been considered the patron saint on angling, and of fly fishing in particular. In truth, it was actually his friend, Charles Cotton, that had contributed the portion of the book that pertained to fly fishing. The flies and rods described in this book were very similar to those described by Dame Juliana. However, the lines described were slightly different. They were still made of horsehair but were about six feet longer then those of the 1400's. The main difference was that some of the lines were tapered. It is believed that this was the first time tapered lines were described in writing. 
 
In the early 1800's, fishing line makers began mixing silk in with the horsehair. By the time of the Civil War the first all silk lines were made. They were coated with an oily coating which made them water resistant. Horsehair lines were almost never used after that. Occasionally they were found in England up to World War II. 
 
The first nylon line was made in 1948 and from that point forward synthetic materials have been used by most people for fly fishing. In 1952, a technology was created that made an automatically tapered line withe extreme precision.About the Author: If you're interested in fly fishing, here's a resource you won't want to be without. Learn the art and craft of fly fishing, and catching the big ones that all anglers dream about! <a href="http://www.palalu.com/flyfishing/">Visit this page for more information</a> at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.palalu.com/flyfishing/">http://www.palalu.com/flyfishing/</a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/the-history-of-fly-fishing-229368.html" title="The History of Fly Fishing">The History of Fly Fishing</a>

No one really knows when fly fishing first began. It is believed that it existed long ago in ancient times. One of the earliest written references to fly fishing was made by Claudius Aelianus. In 200 AD he wrote of people that were fishing in a river with a hand made fly. He described how they attached red wool and feathers to a hook. The rods they used and the sting attached were each about six feet long. These people were the ancient Macedonians. Throughout history from Aelianus to the present people have been writing about fly fishing, and many thousands of others have been enjoying the sport.

The Princess of Soapwell, English, was an avid fly fisherman. Her name was Dame Juliana Berners and she was a master at her sport. At the time Columbus was searching for the New World, Dame Juliana was publishing an extensive treatise on the art of fly fishing. In her treatise she described the twelve styles of fly and included extensive instructions on how to tie them. She patterns were put into categories by the month that they were used most often.

She also described the rod that was used for fly fishing during that time. It measured about 18 feet long and was very flexible, The rods were made of several different types of wood which added to their flexibility. Their lines were short, by today's standards, and were made of hand braided horse hair. The general rule of the time was that the line should not be longer then the fishing rod. The line was tied to the tip of the pole.

Many fly fishermen of today have used her patterns for the fly. They say they are just as effective today as they were more than five hundred years ago. Several of the more popular patterns include the Black Gnat, the Wooly Worm, the Stonefly and the Whirling Dun.

In the mid 1600's Isaak Walton published his book "Compleat Angler." Throughout history from then on, Izaak Walton has been considered the patron saint on angling, and of fly fishing in particular. In truth, it was actually his friend, Charles Cotton, that had contributed the portion of the book that pertained to fly fishing. The flies and rods described in this book were very similar to those described by Dame Juliana. However, the lines described were slightly different. They were still made of horsehair but were about six feet longer then those of the 1400's. The main difference was that some of the lines were tapered. It is believed that this was the first time tapered lines were described in writing.

In the early 1800's, fishing line makers began mixing silk in with the horsehair. By the time of the Civil War the first all silk lines were made. They were coated with an oily coating which made them water resistant. Horsehair lines were almost never used after that. Occasionally they were found in England up to World War II.

The first nylon line was made in 1948 and from that point forward synthetic materials have been used by most people for fly fishing. In 1952, a technology was created that made an automatically tapered line withe extreme precision.

If you're interested in fly fishing, here's a resource you won't want to be without. Learn the art and craft of fly fishing, and catching the big ones that all anglers dream about! Visit this page for more information at http://www.palalu.com/flyfishing/

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/the-history-of-fly-fishing-229368.html

Article Tags: The History Of Fly Fishing

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

How to make a No Hackle Dry Fly - Fly Fishing

Play

How to make a Fur-Bodied Ant Fly - Fly Fishing

Play

How to make a Dorato Hare's Ear Fly - Fly Fishing

Play

How to make a Biot-winged Caddis Fly - Fly Fishing

Play

How to make a Bias Cress Bug Fly - Fly Fishing

Latest Sports and Fitness Articles
More from Bob Bastian

Get Used 6-4 AL Merrick Surfboard Curren

By: Gilles Sabas | 12/11/2009
Custom Prepared Surfboards Worthy The Extra Work Custom Realized surfboards are something that many enthusiastic surfers are straightaway in hunt of. Being as they are custom Prepared then by nature, they are going to be to the liking of the purchaser. Some of the classiest custom surfs are Stimulated by MTD...

How To Avoid Golf Injuries

By: Chris Chew | 12/11/2009
You are such a good golf player and you are destined to win your local hole in one to grab that fantastic prize on offer from golf competitions! So you go to the golf course everyday to practise your driving, putting and swinging skills everyday. That the unexpected happened! When you...

I Want to Have Six Pack Abs

By: Linwood Shelton | 12/11/2009
It is a common cry "I want six pack abs". But many people are looking for the easy way, and dont really know where to start. Learn the basics, because to be honest, the formula is pretty simple. What you put in determines what you get out. You need to improve your diet and stop eating all that junk. It is time to get serious. Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes that people make is thinking that if they want to get a six pack, the first thing that they need to worry about is workouts. ...

Buy Snowboard Bindings

By: Jason Bursch | 12/11/2009
Thousands of folk buy snowboards in the course of the winter months. Which a quarter, to 35 % know what they are looking for when buying. For plenty of folks it is their first time buying a snowboard, and they don't have any concept what they are doing or what to look for. Here are 7 steps to help find a snowboard that is right for you Come visit us right here for more info on Buy Ride Snowboards. We are the greatest source of info on Snowbo...

Cheap Snowboarding Apparel

By: Jason Bursch | 12/11/2009
Snowboarding trips are constantly increasing in renown and it is 10 years since strapping a plank of wood to your feet and looking cooler than a skier became an official winter sport. So if you're counting on hitting the slopes this winter, before sorting out the travel insurance and packing your sun screen, here are the top five snowboarding destinations. Come visit us right here for more info on Cheap Snowboarding Apparel. We are the g...

Extreme Snowboarding Video

By: Jason Bursch | 12/11/2009
Shaun White Snowboarding trip and the Wii Fit balance board make an incredible combination, and truly makes this game thrilling and fun. The use of the Wii Fit balance adds another dimension to this game as you shift your weight back and forth and from left to right on the board, you can just about imagine yourself going down a groomed trail on a snowboard. It usually amazes me that gamers can sit on their couches and waggle their thumbs on their controllers as they play the games on...

Snowboard Boots Bindings

By: Jason Bursch | 12/11/2009
What's the deal with inexpensive snowboarding gear? Is it even worth buying inexpensive snowboarding gear? These are some questions that you might be asking yourself when buying new gear. Nobody wants to spend a lot shopping, but snowboarding generally is a costly sport. You have got to have snowboard pants, a jacket, gloves, goggles, snowboard boots, bindings and a snowboard. Like I claimed snowboarding is an expensive sport, but there are methods to save some money buy purchasin...

Champion Cyclists Pedal to Mexico for the Gran Premio de Cancun

By: Justin Burch | 12/11/2009
Already known throughout the world for its beaches and water sport activities, Cancun is quickly gaining a reputation as an incredible cycling destination. One of the major catalysts for this attention is the Gran Premio de Cancun, a cycling event staged in the city's scenic Hotel Zone. Despite its short...

Online Dating Tips – How You Can Avoid an Online Dating Scam

By: Bob Bastian | 06/10/2009 | Dating
A great advantage of online dating is the ability to remain relatively anonymous. You can have intimate conversations and learn about others behind the safety of your computer. But be aware. This same advantage carries the risk of being scammed.

Online Dating Tips – How You Can Avoid an Online Dating Scam

The History of Fly Fishing

By: Bob Bastian | 08/10/2007 | Sports & Fitness
It is believed that it existed long ago in ancient times. One of the earliest written references to fly fishing was made by Claudius Aelianus. In 200 AD he wrote of people that were fishing in a river with a hand made fly.

Indoor Bonsai Trees

By: Bob Bastian | 03/10/2007 | Gardening
An inside bonsai tree is going to be a great looking creature. They are going to be formal plants that sit up and are going to be different from anything else that you have ever seen.

History Of Fly Fishing

By: Bob Bastian | 03/10/2007 | Sports & Fitness
Early historical records indicate that Macedonian fishermen were using artificial flies to catch fish as early as the second century. The Roman Claudius Aelianus described the Macedonian anglers as using six-foot rods with six-foot line.

The Five Main Types of Fly Fishing Flies

By: Bob Bastian | 03/10/2007 | Sports & Fitness
Although there are hundreds of types of flies used for fly fishing, most of them fall into five specific categories, or types. These types are dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, streamers and buck tails, and terrestrials.

The Popularity of Salt Water Fly Fishing

By: Bob Bastian | 03/10/2007 | Sports & Fitness
Nearly three quarters of the earth is covered with salt water, giving those who enjoy salt water fly fishing an unlimited number of places to fish.

How Are Dry Flies Made

By: Bob Bastian | 03/10/2007 | Sports & Fitness
Fly fishing is an interesting sport with a growing number of people participating. When people start out fishing they usually just buy all of the gear that they need.