How to Mend Fly Line

Fly fishing is an art that requires patience, skill, and dedication. When it comes to trout fishing, having a good drift is essential. The drift refers to the way your fly moves through the water. Mending is essential skill to learn if you expect to catch trout. Below are 4 tips on how to mend fly line for a good drift.

What is fly line mending?

Mending fly line is the act of manipulating your fly line on the water to control the speed, depth, and direction of your fly. This can be done by lifting or repositioning the line on the water’s surface. By mending the line, you can ensure that the fly moves naturally with the current. Mending your fly line is crucial because it helps to maintain a natural drift, the flies have to be moving the same speed as the current. If they’re dragging or hanging they are likely not going to get bit. By mastering the art of fly line mending, you can become a more proficient fly angler and catch more fish.

Mending fly line for a drag free drift

The reach cast:

The reach cast is an aerial mend and one of the most effective methods of mending fly line. Especially when fishing from a drift boat.This technique involves casting your line upstream, then using a quick, sharp movement of the rod tip to reposition the line on the water’s surface. This repositioning creates slack in the line, which allows the fly to drift naturally downstream. To execute a reach cast, begin by casting your line upstream. As the line drifts downstream, make a sharp movement with the rod tip to reposition the line to the left or right. This movement will create a bow in the line, which will allow the fly to drift naturally downstream. The reach cast is particularly effective when fishing in fast-moving water, as it allows you to control the speed and direction of your fly.

The roll cast mend

The roll cast is another effective method of mending fly line. This technique involves lifting your line off the water’s surface and repositioning it to create a natural drift. To execute a roll cast mend, begin by lifting your line off the water’s surface with a sharp movement of the rod tip you can rollout more line to create slack. Once the line is off the water, reposition it by making a rolling motion with your wrist. This rolling motion will create a natural drift, allowing your fly to move naturally downstream.

The stack mend

The stack mend is a more advanced technique of mending fly line. This technique involves repositioning the line in a series of stacks, creating a natural drift. After you’ve made your cast, follow the fly with your rod tip. When the line is directly downstream from you, lift the line off the water and create a new loop by moving your rod tip upstream. Once the new loop is created, lower your rod tip allowing the line to fall into the new loop. Repeat this process as necessary, creating new loops until you achieve the desired drift.

Clean your Fly Line

By taking the time to clean your fly line regularly, you can extend its lifespan, improve its performance, and increase your chances of catching fish.  A clean fly line will keep your line floating high making t easier to mend. Here is a link for cleaning and maintaining your fly line.