What is a Wet Fly?
A wet fly is a type of fishing lure used to attract fish and is most commonly used in fly fishing. A wet fly is made up of a hook, usually with a small bit of weight on the shank, to which feathers, fur, Hackle, and/or other materials are attached. The addition of these materials allows the fly to float or sink depending on the desired fishing depth. Wet flies are generally used to imitate aquatic insects and small baitfish that inhabit lakes, rivers, and creeks.Benefits of Wet Flies
Wet flies allow for a variety of presentations and can be used in a variety of ways to mimic many species of aquatic life. They are able to cast through the water column and can be changed easily from a floating fly to one that sinks quickly. Wet flies also work well in situations where the water is stained or murky due to the dark colors of many of these lures. This makes them an ideal choice when targeting fish that have limited visibility. In addition, wet flies offer increased buoyancy compared to dry flies. This makes them easier to cast and track. Finally, the diverse range of patterns available means anglers are sure to find the perfect wet flies for any situation.Uses for Wet Flies
Wet flies can be a great choice for targeting various species of trout, steelhead, salmon, bass, catfish, and panfish. They can also be used to target a variety of species in a single outing. For example, a selection of wet flies suited for each species can be employed to increase your chances of success. They can be used to imitate different types of aquatic insects such as mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, damselflies, and midges. For example, midge pupa can be mimicked with small wet flies and caddisflies can be imitated with larger wet flies. Wet flies can also be used to imitate baitfish such as sculpin, shiners, dace, and minnows. These lures will trigger strikes from predatory bass, pike, pickerel, and other species of fish that prey on smaller fish.Conclusion
Wet flies are a versatile and effective type of fishing lure and should be part of any angler’s repertoire. They can be used to target a variety of species across multiple habitats and can be adapted to match different types of aquatic insects and small baitfish. With the wide variety of patterns available, anglers can find the perfect wet fly for any situation.