Diprima: Debating fly fishing or just fishing?

It seems that even television commercials are promoting fly fishing. The commercials may be about insurance or medicine, but many of these product promotions feature folks using a fly rod in a stream or lake. Just what is it about fly fishing that seems to be the reason it is the fishing activity of choice?

Other than netting, trapping or spearing fish, fly fishing is one of the oldest forms of harvesting fish for the dinner table. Originally just a long stick of some sort with a twine and some type of fur or feather with a hook tied to the end was used to trick the fish into grabbing the lure. This was the basic fishing method in the olden days, dating back more than a thousand years.

There is nothing magical about fly fishing. The fish you catch are not bigger than those caught on spinning gear, and the number of fish caught is usually not more than with other fishing methods. So why are so many people using fly rods? The answer is fly fishing is a lot of fun.

I have been fishing for about 65 years and learned to use a fly rod at 7 years old.

My favorite method for trout has always been the spinning rod, and my favorite for bream and bass is usually the fly rod. I always try to catch my age in fish on my birthday and I use a short, lightweight fly rod on a small local stream, and I usually catch my age in small pan fish.

There is something sort of magical about fly fishing and, whether catching a trout or a 200-pound tarpon, it is a lot of fun, and I feel that anyone with the desire should learn how. There is an event this weekend that covers every aspect of fly fishing.

The Atlanta Fly Fishing Show is today and Saturday at the Infinite Energy Arena ( formerly Gwinnett Center). There will be folks with presentations on every type of fly fishing, from trout and salmon to marlin and barracuda, catfish and carp to bonefish and sharks. These fishermen are pros who know not only how but also when and where to take an angler and can almost guarantee you will catch fish.

As far as where to go, there are folks at the fly fishing show who can book you to destinations both near and far.

Some locations are exotic with beautiful beaches and luxurious accommodations; others may involve flying in to remote rivers in Alaska or Africa.

There will be an opportunity to either learn the basics from guides, or get some tips to improve your casting techniques. It does not matter if you have never had a fly rod in your hands before, if you enjoy fishing you will enjoy the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show.

The dream trip, fly fishing vacation

Every year the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited gives away a trip for two to a private cabin in Idaho just outside Yellowstone National Park.

This is the primary fundraiser for the council and helps to fund the Georgia Trout Camp, which is for kids 12 to 15.

The winners of the trip will each receive their choice of a Sage or Winston fly rod complete with reel, line and flies.

Their stay will include five days of hosted fishing and six nights lodging with meals by their host, John McGarity, who is well known not only for his angling skills but also for his skills in the kitchen.

Travel costs and fishing licenses will be the responsibility of the winners but TU is giving the winners $500 to help offset travel expenses.

There are runner-up prizes including several custom-made fly rods, reels, guided fishing trips, flies, artworks and other items too numerous to mention.

You can contact almost any TU member to buy some chances.

I have over 40 tickets that I need to sell.

They are $10 each, and if you will call or email me I will be happy to get you some chances.

I can be reached at 706-766-5083 or pauldiprima@aol.com.