Check out the skills of a seasoned angler, skipper and deckie as they hook, tag and release a Cairns sailfish using a Van Staal C-Vex fly reel.

Watch Blackridge fly fishing rods, reels, lines and tapered fly leaders in action. In this video you'll see the great value Blackridge fly tackle proving that you don't need to spend big to enjoy fun fly fishing!

Watch the action!

Fly fishing is a sport rich in excitement, challenge and tradition. Throughout generations of enthusiasts, the sport has maintained its integrity and attraction. New technologies have introduced lighter, more flexible fly rods and stronger line, but the true spirit of fly fishing remains unchanged.

In this section, we will introduce you to the basics of fly fishing including tackle assembly, commonly used knots, and casting techniques. Remember to always dress appropriately for the weather and the terrain. Your clothes are important for function and for protection from the sun, and from miscast flies. Keep safety in mind each time you pack for a fishing trip.

Remember to respect your fellow anglers. For a long cast, you need a great deal of open space in front of and behind you. Here's a common rule of thumb: If you can see another angler, you're too close. Of course, this standard is sometimes not an option. Try to put at least 50 feet between yourself and others anglers.

A ‘Balanced System’ is vital to your fly fishing success. Your rod, reel, line, leader and tippet should be compatible for maximum casting performance. This is why the fly tackle industry follows a common standard for labelling products (five-weight (5wt.), six-weight (6wt.), etc.)

TIP: Blackridge fly tackle makes gear selection easy, with corresponding rod, reel and line weight options, plus a selection of tapered leaders and a standard spool of backing. For example, an ideal ready-made beginner set-up that offers quality and affordability would include a Blackridge 6wt graphite fly rod, Blackridge 5-6 weight fly reel, Blackridge Tightweave Backing, Blackridge WF6F fly line, Blackridge 4X (5lb) Tapered Leader and 4lb Rovex Fluorocarbon Leader.

Fly lines are tapered in three ways (see image 1). The most popular taper is the Weight Forward taper (WF). With its weight displacement toward the front of the line, the WF taper makes a long cast much easier. The rest of the line is much lighter and smaller in diameter allowing the line to slide easily through the rod guides.

TIP: Blackridge Fly Line is a floating weight-forward design. It’s great value and a perfect choice for beginners and experts alike.

The Double Taper (DT) consists of a long, level centre section with each end tapering to a fine point. When one end of a DT wears out, you can reverse the line.

The Level Taper (L) is the least expensive, and the least versatile, of the three types of line taper. It has a uniform diameter throughout its length. Because casting can be more difficult and your presentation less delicate with the Level line, it is recommended only when using a weighted fly or jig.

Backing connects your fly line to the reel and serves several purposes. Backing is generally a 20# test line made of braided Dacron. Do not use monofilament.

TIP: Blackridge 20lb Tightweave Backing Line comes in 50yd spools and is an easy and affordable option for your first fly fishing tackle set-up.

The Arbor Knot is effective for securing your backing to the reel (see image 2).

1. Thread the end of the backing around the arbor (the centre piece of the spool part of your reel) and tie a basic overhand knot in the short line.
2. With the knotted end of the short line, tie another overhand knot around the long line that goes to the backing spool.
3. Now, take the long line and pull the knots snug to the arbor. Trim the tag end. Keep in mind:
4. Your fly line forms larger coils on the reel so that line memory (tight stubborn coiling) is dramatically reduced.
5. Adequate backing allows you to wind your line more rapidly.?
6. Extra backing can be the difference between the big catch and "the one that got away."

The next step is to tie your fly line to the backing using the Uni Knot (image 3).

1. Form a one-inch loop in the end of your backing leaving 6 inches of tag. Hold the loop next to the butt of your fly line leaving a half-inch of tag from your fly line to spare.
2. Thread the butt end of your backing around your fly line and through the loop several times. Keep the loops uniform and parallel.
3. Slowly pull both ends of your backing until the knot comes together, and tighten firmly. Trim the tag ends.
4. Wind the line over the backing onto the spool. You can do this easily by inserting a pencil into the line spool to act as an axis. Wind the line with slight tension. You're halfway there!

The leader is an almost invisible piece of tapered monofilament line designed to slow down your cast for a life-like presentation of your fly to the water's surface. The illustration at right (image 4) identifies the three types of tapers found in leaders. Each type causes a different presentation of your fly.

TIP: Take the guesswork out of leader set-up with Blackridge 9’ Tapered Fly Leaders. They’re available in six strengths, from 5X (4lb) to 0X (10lb).

The easiest and most effective way to achieve the leader-to-line connection is the Loop-To-Loop connection. To do this, however, your fly line and your leader must end in loops. You can create a loop in your fly line two different ways: ?You can purchase a Braided Loop Connector—a piece of braided monofilament line hollow at one end and looped on the other. Slide your fly line into the hollow end and glue the seam with a strong, waterproof adhesive. A Braided Loop Connector is a minor purchase and the most convenient way to avoid the trouble of tying a new knot should you break your leader.

Instead of buying a Braided Loop Connector, you may tie an 8- to 10-inch piece of 25# monofilament to your fly line using a Uni Knot (see above). Next, tie a Perfection Loop in the other end of the monofilament (image 5).

1. For a small loop in the end of your leader. Wrap the tag end around once. This creates a second loop.
2. Place the tag end between the two loops. Then reach through the large loop and pull the small loop tight.
3. Trim the tag end.

Once you have a loop in your fly line, use a Perfection Loop to tie a loop in your leader line. Now you're ready for the Loop-To-Loop connection, a handy technique when you are up to your wrists in a stream and your leader breaks. When your line and leader are securely looped on either end, you can make a new connection in no time.

Remember these three steps:

1. Make sure your fly line ends with a loop (either a Braided Loop or a tied Perfection Loop) and your leader has a Perfection Loop on the butt end.
2. Slip the leader loop through the fly line loop.
3. Thread the other end of your leader through the leader loop. Pull snug.

Your tippet is the thinnest section of your fly line system and will need replacing frequently. The Surgeon's Knot provides a strong connection between your tippet and leader (image 6).

1. Place your tippet next to your leader, overlapping the two pieces about 8 inches.?
2. Treat the overlapped areas as one piece. Tie an overhand knot using the tippet side to loop through. Do this twice.
3. Moisten the knot and tighten all four ends. Trim the tag ends.

TIP: Fluorocarbon is the best material to use as tippet because it is as close to invisible as you can get. Rovex Flourocarbon Leader offers the best quality 100% PVDF at great prices, and the light strengths come on small spools that are perfect for a fly vest or short pocket.It’s available in 10 strengths up to 80lb, but those most suitable for fly fishing tippet include 4lb, 6lb, 8lb, 10lb, 15lb and 20lb.

This is the final step in your line and tackle assembly. The tippet should be approximately 30 inches long and the diameter of the tippet needs to match the fly size for a balanced system. Use the chart below for reference.

Tie your fly to your tippet using the Improved Cinch Knot (image 7). Pay particular attention to this knot because you'll use it more than any other.

1. Thread the tippet through the eye of the hook, leaving a 4- to 6-inch tag end. Wrap the tag end around the tippet five times.
2. Thread the tag end through the small loop created just above the eye of the hook. This forms another, larger loop.
3. Run the tag end through this loop, wet the knot, and pull snug. Trim the tag end.

Follow this table to match tippet and hook sizes. You can also divide the fly size by 3 to get the approximate "X" size of the desired tippet:

Fly fishing is an art, and the art begins with the cast. The best place to start is with the basics. Keep in mind the first rule of fly fishing: Relax. Find the form that works for you, and enjoy yourself!

Grip your rod handle like a hammer placing your thumb on top of the handle for control. With your other hand, pull some line (about twice the length of your fly rod) from your reel. You must maintain contact with this line as you cast.

Begin with your rod tip in front of you, pointed down toward the water, and your line straight. With your casting hand, pull the rod tip up. As you begin the rod movement, gently control the amount of line released with your other hand. The momentum of the rod movement will naturally release more line. Your goal is to achieve a smooth, repetitive motion. (Imagine standing in a doorway and painting the top of the door jamb using one smooth stroke, exerting power with your wrist at the end of each stroke).

The action takes place between the 11:00 and 1:00 positions (see image 8) as you hold the rod handle at about chest height. It is a 3-step process:

1. Pull back.
2. Wait for the line to straighten.
3. Push forward.

To begin, pull your rod tip up smoothly and accelerate your motion at the 11:00 position. At the 1:00 position, pause and allow your line to straighten horizontally behind you. Then, quickly reverse your motion and push your rod tip forward accelerating as you approach the 11:00 position. Allow your line to straighten in front of you and reverse your motion.

As you cast, maintain a horizontal plane with your rod tip between the 11:00 and 1:00 positions. Extending your casting motion beyond the 11:00 and 1:00 positions delays the action of the line and throws off your timing. The goal is to stay within the 11:00 and 1:00 positions in order to maintain a narrow loop.

When you have achieved a solid, consistent motion, and your line is straightening in both directions, aim for a point about 3 feet above the water's surface and let your fly fall on the water.

Fly casting is a precise sport in which technique, rather than strength or speed, is most important. In fly casting, as in golf, precision and accuracy separate the great players from the hobbyists. The best thing you can do to improve your technique is practice.

Practice when you're not fishing (golfers don't practice their swings during tournaments). Find a nice open area away from hard surfaces such as pavement and gravel that may damage your line. Tie a small tuft of yarn to your leader to match the weight of a fly. Avoid overhead obstructions and be sure to clean your line after each use.

Most of your casting problems can be corrected in your technique. Again, this requires practice, but it is equally important to understand the mistakes you may be making. Below are a few of the more common problems associated with faulty technique:

Forceful presentation of fly to water: This is usually caused by aiming the forward cast too low. Increase the backward tilt of your arc so that your line straightens out about 3 feet above the water with your forward cast.

Tangled line: This is caused by "punching" forward during your cast or not waiting for your line to straighten. Make sure you accelerate your rod smoothly. Apply power evenly throughout the cast.

Snapping off the fly or a popping sound: The solution here can be found in your backward cast. Starting the forward cast too soon or using insufficient force in the backward cast keeps the line from straightening and causes a whipping action. Make sure that your line is straight in your backward cast before beginning your forward cast.

Proper line care ensures maximum performance and prolongs the life of your equipment. You should clean your fly lines with a soft cloth after every use. For a more thorough cleaning, use gentle soap suds and water or a commercial fly line cleaner. Avoid letting your line come into contact with potentially harmful chemicals such as detergents, sun blocks, insect repellents and fuels. Keep reels with line out of direct sunlight. Avoid storing your lines in areas subjected to extreme heat or cold. During the off-season, remove your line from the spool and hang it loosely. Above all, when using or storing your tackle and line, let common sense guide you.

The following is a list of suggested accessories to include in your next fly fishing trip:

These are just the basics. Part of the fun of fly fishing is collecting all the gadgets. Your list will change as you become more familiar with the sport. Now, the only thing left to do is to get out there and start fishing!

The amiable John Coles is a fishing guide around the fringes of Sydney. His reputation is second to none. But I am a piscatorial Thomas.

This creeping doubt emerges on the trip down as John seems a little tense in the car. He is on edge, I decide. My fishing buddy Scott is seasoned fly-fisherman. And when not penning funny books, I am a fishing and travel writer. We have tagged along to chronicle John’s manifold talents.

Uncertainty is tempered however when we reach John’s clandestine fishing spot in Goulburn, only a two-hour drive from Sydney. It is everything he promised. The lake is stocked with trout as fat as footballs. And the endless undulating green paddocks, cradling lush soft grasses of varying hues, are spotted with drowsy Black Angus. As we drive around the lake I wrestle a frisson of excitement. The water twitches with insects and frisky trout.

At the wheel John casually mentions he has organised a couple of strippers for us — from Scandinavia no less! Imagine our disappointment when we discover our buxom blonde bombshells from the fjords are simply new fly-line stripping devices. However, the ‘strippers’ are a hit, making it easy to store line and cast sans tangles. They are essentially plastic trays that strap onto your leg or waist with a grove of rubber spikes that snare your line, making fly-fishing a helluva lot easier as often every tenth cast or so sees your line inevitably jagged on a rock or weed, skewering your cast or coming up short of the fish. At the upmarket lakeside cabin we unpack while John prepares pea and ham soup for lunch, cooked himself. John is a gourmet of sorts. Suddenly there is much swearing and clanging. We emerge from our rooms to find him upturning the kitchen, emptying draws and wrenching open cupboards.

‘You’d think they’d have bloody spoons, at least!’ he chides gutted draws. A veritable wind-chime of spoons sits dangling on a cutlery tree on the counter. It is the only thing on the counter. We point at the spoons and wince. John, redder than a tomato in a darkroom, snatches three spoons from the tree.

Pea and ham soup and fly-fishing make poor bedfellows I think as our guide plays a pretty medley on the sphincter trumpet while we connect rods and select flies. Soon we join him for the chorus as we edge towards the water, no doubt spooking the trout. John kindly gives me some scruffy nymphs tied himself especially for the day. They look pretty rough to me. But he swears they are just the right flies for the job. Doesn’t believe in creating trophy flies to only to leave on snags. More doubt.

As I prepare my fly-line, John scoffs at my limp-wristed knots. ‘What are you going to do when you hook a five-pound brown with a knot like that?’ (My knots are crap.) He snatches my line and ties and intricate nail-less nail knot. Impressed, I cock my head and nod, as if admiring a sculpture by Henry Moore.

‘Now, there’s a knot that will never let you down,’ he says, yanking both ends as it instantly breaks. His jaw falls to his chest. With a wild look in his eye he snaps, ‘don’t write about that!’ ‘Of course not,’ I lie.

No doubt John has tied that knot a thousand times and it has never let him down until he hubristically demonstrates it to a fishing writer with a dry sense of humour. (Surely Murphy was a river guide.) Like any good fishing guide John takes his time studying the water as I make mute observations in my moleskine book. He’s still on edge I note. But the day has not hitherto fared well for our trusty guide, what with the self-inflating waders, busted knots and endless spoon jokes. A slick of sweat forms under the lid of his wide-brimmed hat as he selects the right fly for the task at hand.

John reveals that this is the exact spot to fish but Scott leaves us for another part of the water, raising one leg for an encore before waving John away with a spoon joke.

John sighs. Biting his bottom lip he scans the water for an age before spotting a rise. But it is miles out. There’s no way he can cast that distance, I think, dismissing the ever-widening rings. In an instant he shoots his line into the heart of the lake, landing his hirsute fly on the nostril of the fish. The cast is as slick as an anteater tonguing an insect. Strike! He hooks the fish before deftly landing it at my feet. I stare open-mouthed at him, at the fish, at him before he regards me with a wry smile. In my years of mediocre fishing I have never before seen it: one cast, one trout.

Redemption.

Fly fishing is incredibly fun; there are few angling challenges as rewarding as landing trout on a dry fly. It’s no wonder trout are the one truly international fish. You can get set-up for fly fishing the easy and affordable way with our top-value Blackridge fly range. It’s priced for beginners but plenty of experts like it, too!

Trout fly fishing set-up:

Rod: Blackridge 9’0” (2.75m) 2-piece #6 RRP $49.95
Reel: Blackridge Graphite Fly Reel #5-6 RRP $49.95
Backing: BlackridgeTightweave 20lb RRP $9.95
Fly line: Blackridge Floating Pale Green WF6F RRP $39.95
Leader: Blackridge 9ft Tapered Fly Leader 2X 7lb RRP $4.95
Tippet: Rovex Fluorocarbon Leader 4lb RRP $9.95