All the Small Things: Part 1

Fly fishing for a number of years can make you oblivious to so many small things that make the difference in an angler of experience, and one just starting out. Fly size, placement, action, method fished, tippet length and diameter, reading water, mending line, and etiquette are all part of an anglers train of thought while pursuing fish. So much of what we do and take pride in as fishermen comes not from the gear we have, but how effectively we use it. Most of these things require time, patience and curiosity, or at least fishing with someone who does. Bow has read over 20 books relating to these aspects of fly fishing, and found a few that can be described to help those pursuing better technique.

Mending Line: Always seeing professionals do it so smoothly, and only reading simple ways to accomplish it, Bow settled for mediocrity in his mending. One day, a tough cross current that held thick trout was not allowing a natural enough drift to pick up any fish. With trout bulging at the surface, Bow had enough, and chose  to focus his energy on making smooth, subtle mends to extend his drift into the trouts' feeding lane. 
1. How To: When the belly of line forms from the differing current, a mend must be made to keep the drift natural. It is always beneficial to do this proactively: The less of belly there is, the easier it is to mend, and the more slack there is to prevent pulling the fly out of position. The physical act of mending should use the wrist and entirety of the rod. Pointing the rod tip where the line enters water (taking any slack), the line should be gently lifted, and smoothly accelerated rotating the wrist (as if flipping over a cup without splashing water). The final note should be made to flick the rod tip during this process to help carry the line. When it comes to practicing, instead of memorizing the details, focus on the phrase, "point, roll, flick".  It took Bow years to effectively do this, and is still improving.