The fly lure, one of the most primitive and traditional biomimetic artificial baits, allows anglers to experience the thrill of catching aggressive fish species. Casting it embodies a sense of freedom and relaxation. The most captivating aspect of fly fishing is the graceful movement of the line dancing in the air during the cast—it seems almost effortless to hook a fish. However, “a minute on stage takes years of practice.” Fly fishing demands high skill from the angler in casting and line control, making it challenging to master and handle. Today, we’ll discuss the perfect integration of fly fishing techniques with lure fishing. This combination lets you experience the endless charm of the fly lure while enjoying the fun of lure fishing even in conditions with limited resources. The ingenuity of anglers is truly profound.

Whether in evolved lure techniques or traditional fly fishing, the fly lure rig itself remains unchanged. The evolved lure method simply involves adding a casting bubble to the main line to facilitate smoother casts. Recently, the lure community has been buzzing with excitement. The combination of casting bubbles with fly lures or small spinner blades has become extremely popular. Meanwhile, opportunistic profiteers have flooded the market with inferior products and various modified rigs, causing confusion for beginners or those looking to try new techniques. Based on personal lure fishing experience, here are some insights.

1. Selecting Fly Lures
Novice lure anglers often follow trends when choosing lures and gear. High-priced equipment typically offers better quality assurance, with advantages in realism, fish-attracting effectiveness, and controllability. However, this also increases costs. My view is to prioritize eco-friendliness and practicality. Given the relatively scarce fishing resources domestically and the primary target being small predatory fish, standard peacock feather fly lures are sufficiently effective. Mustad hooks are known for their superior quality and strength. Sizes #18 and #16 fly hooks offer good hookup rates—hooks that are too large reduce catch rates, while hooks that are too small increase the risk of losing fish. For recreational fishing, there’s no need to pursue high-end products excessively.

2. Using Fly Lure Rigs
The essence of a fly lure is to mimic the posture of an insect landing on the water. The more realistic the imitation, the better the attraction. Small spinner blades and fly lures often go hand in hand. Many anglers prefer using them together. However, they target different water layers and require different types of casting bubbles. Moreover, not all combinations yield a synergistic effect. Modifications to casting bubbles vary widely, and while they may improve convenience, I do not recommend them. First, they can affect sensitivity, reducing the clarity of bite signals. Second, more connection points increase the risk of line breaks and tangles. Finally, with a fixed casting bubble, the line pulls the rig forward, whereas modified setups may have the bubble leading, which can be less efficient. A leader length of 60cm is ideal. Often, the simplest, most direct, and natural approach provides the best experience.

3. Timing for Fly Lure Fishing
Fishing conditions vary across different waters. The best times for fly fishing are early morning and dusk when predatory fish often swim in groups in the upper water layers near the shore, feeding on floating insects or mosquitoes laying eggs on the surface. Keep the fishing spot quiet—predatory fish are easily spooked and highly sensitive to sound. When moving between spots, tread lightly and use the terrain for cover. Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing. Additionally, keep casting motions minimal to prevent the rod’s shadow from sweeping over the fishing area and startling the fish.

With babbling streams and endless fishing joy, fly fishing is an art form, not just about the catch. Practice catch and release—focus on the experience, not the harvest. A fishing journey is about both catches and scenery. Let’s embark on this solo adventure and enjoy lure fishing together.